Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/04/18/2018-08093/applications-for-new-awards-innovative-approaches-to-literacy-program
Timestamp: 2018-08-20 11:56:02
Document Index: 395296167

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 75', 'art 180', 'art 3485', 'art 200', 'art 3474', 'art 299', 'art 79', 'art 200']

Federal Register :: Applications for New Awards; Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program
Applications for New Awards; Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program
A Notice by the Education Department on 04/18/2018
Applications Available: April 18, 2018.
83 FR 17161
17161-17166 (6 pages)
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2018-08093 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2018-08093
The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2018 for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program, Catalog of Start Printed Page 17162Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 84.215G.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 18, 2018.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: July 17, 2018.
Beth Yeh, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 3E230, Washington, DC 20202-6450. Telephone: (202) 205-5798. Email: beth.yeh@ed.gov.
Purpose of Program: The IAL program supports high-quality programs designed to develop and improve literacy skills for children and students from birth through 12th grade in high-need local educational agencies (high-need LEAs) and schools. The U.S. Department of Education (Department) intends to promote innovative literacy programs that support the development of literacy skills in low-income communities, including programs that (1) develop and enhance effective school library programs, which may include providing professional development for school librarians, books, and up-to-date materials to high-need schools; (2) provide early literacy services, including pediatric literacy programs through which, during well-child visits, medical providers trained in research-based methods of early language and literacy promotion provide developmentally appropriate books and recommendations to parents to encourage them to read aloud to their children starting in infancy; and (3) provide high-quality books on a regular basis to children and adolescents from low-income communities to increase reading motivation, performance, and frequency. The IAL program supports the implementation of high-quality plans for childhood literacy activities and book distribution efforts that demonstrate a rationale.
In accordance with the Senate report accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, S. Rep. No. 115-150, at 163 (2017), the Department will reserve no less than 50 percent of funds under the IAL program for grants to develop and enhance effective school library programs, which may include providing professional development to librarians in high-need schools or books and other up-to-date library materials to such schools. Further, the Department will ensure that grants are distributed among eligible entities that will serve geographically diverse areas, including rural areas.
Priorities: This notice contains one absolute priority and two competitive preference priorities. We are establishing the absolute priority for the FY 2018 grant competition and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition in accordance with section 437(d)(1) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232(d)(1). Competitive preference priority 1 is from the Secretary's Final Supplemental Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs published in the Federal Register on March 2, 2018 (83 FR 9096) (FY 2018 Supplemental Priorities). Competitive preference priority 2 is from the notice of final priorities, requirement, and definitions for this program published in the Federal Register on June 17, 2014 (79 FR 34428) (IAL NFP).
High-Quality Plan for Innovative Approaches to Literacy That Includes Book Distribution, Childhood Literacy Activities, or Both, and That, at a Minimum, Demonstrates a Rationale.
To meet this priority, applicants must submit a plan that demonstrates a rationale, including a rationale for the project component and a corresponding logic model.
The applicant must submit a plan with the following information:
(a) A description of the proposed book distribution, childhood literacy activities, or both, that are designed to improve the literacy skills of children and students by one or more of the following—
(1) Promoting early literacy and preparing young children to read;
(2) Developing and improving students' reading ability;
(3) Motivating older children to read; and
(4) Teaching children and students to read.
(b) The age or grade spans of children and students from birth through 12th grade to be served.
(c) A detailed description of the key goals, the activities to be undertaken, the rationale for those activities, the timeline, the parties responsible for implementing the activities, and the credibility of the plan (as judged, in part, by the information submitted that demonstrates a rationale); and
(d)(1) A description of how the proposed project demonstrates a rationale; and
(2) The corresponding logic model.
Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2018 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), for competitive preference priority 1, we award an additional five points to an application that meets the priority. For competitive preference priority 2, we award an additional three points to an application that meets the priority, for a possible maximum total of eight competitive preference priority points.
Competitive Preference Priority 1—Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education, with a Particular Focus on Computer Science.
To meet this priority, an applicant must propose a project designed to improve student achievement or other educational outcomes in one or more of the following areas: Science, technology, engineering, math, or computer science. The project must address one or more of the following priority areas:
(a) Utilizing technology for educational purposes in communities served by rural local educational agencies (rural LEAs) or other areas identified as lacking sufficient access to such tools and resources.
(b) Utilizing technology to provide access to educational choice.
(c) Working with schools, municipal libraries, or other partners to provide new and accessible methods of accessing digital learning resources, such as by digitizing books or expanding access to such resources to a greater number of children or students.
(d) Making coursework, books, or other materials available as open educational resources or taking other steps so that such materials may be inexpensively and widely used.Start Printed Page 17163
Competitive Preference Priority 2—Serving Rural LEAs.
To meet this priority, an applicant must propose a project designed to provide high-quality literacy programming, or distribute books, or both, to students served by a rural LEA.
Definitions: The definitions listed below are from 34 CFR 77.1; the FY 2018 Supplemental Priorities; and the IAL NFP. These definitions apply to the FY 2018 grant competition and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
Computer science means the study of computers and algorithmic processes and includes the study of computing principles and theories, computational thinking, computer hardware, software design, coding, analytics, and computer applications. Computer science often includes computer programming or coding as a tool to create software including applications, games, websites, and tools to manage or manipulate data; or development and management of computer hardware and the other electronics related to sharing, securing, and using digital information.
Computer science does not include using a computer for everyday activities, such as browsing the internet; use of tools like word processing, spreadsheets or presentation software; or using computers in the study and exploration of unrelated subjects. (FY2018 Supplemental Priorities.)
Demonstrates a rationale means a key project component included in the project's logic model is informed by research or evaluation findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve relevant outcomes. (34 CFR 77.1.)
Educational choice means the opportunity for a child or student (or a family member on their behalf) to create a high-quality personalized path for learning that is consistent with applicable Federal, State, and local laws; is in an educational setting that best meets the child's or student's needs; and, where possible, incorporates evidence-based activities, strategies, and interventions.
Opportunities made available to a student through a grant program are those that supplement what is provided by a child's or student's geographically assigned school or the institution in which he or she is currently enrolled and may include one or more of the options listed below:
(1) Public educational programs or courses including those offered by traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, public online education providers, or other public education providers.
(2) Private or home-based educational programs or courses including those offered by private schools, private online providers, private tutoring providers, community or faith-based organizations, or other private education providers.
(3) Internships, apprenticeships, or other programs offering access to learning in the workplace.
(4) Part-time coursework or career preparation offered by a public or private provider in person or through the internet or another form of distance learning, that serves as a supplement to full-time enrollment at an educational institution, as a stand-alone program leading to a credential, or as a supplement to education received in a homeschool setting.
(5) Dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high schools (as defined in section 8101(15) and (17) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended [1] ), or other programs that enable secondary school students to begin earning credit toward a postsecondary degree or credential prior to high school graduation. (2018 Supplemental Priorities.)
High-need local educational agency (High-need LEA) means—
(1) Except for LEAs referenced in paragraph (2), an LEA in which at least 20 percent [2] of the students aged 5-17 in the school attendance area of the LEA are from families with incomes below the poverty line, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates for school districts for the most recent income year (Census list).
(2) For an LEA that is not included on the Census list, such as a charter school LEA, an LEA for which the State educational agency (SEA) determines, consistent with the manner described under section 1124(c) of the ESEA, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, in which the SEA determines an LEA's eligibility for Title I allocations, that 20 percent of the students aged 5-17 in the LEA are from families with incomes below the poverty line. (IAL NFP.)
Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a framework that identifies key project components of the proposed project (i.e., the active “ingredients” that are hypothesized to be critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the theoretical and operational relationships among the key project components and relevant outcomes. (34 CFR 77.1.)
National not-for-profit (NNP) organization means an agency, organization, or institution owned and operated by one or more corporations or associations whose net earnings do not benefit, and cannot lawfully benefit, any private shareholder or entity. In addition, it means, for the purposes of this program, an organization of national scope that is supported by staff or affiliates at the State and local levels, who may include volunteers, and that has a demonstrated history of effectively developing and implementing literacy activities. (IAL NFP.)
A local affiliate of an NNP organization does not meet the definition of NNP organization. Only a national agency, organization, or institution is eligible to apply as an NNP organization.
Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention, process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers). (34 CFR 77.1.)
Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s) the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the specific goals of the program. (34 CFR 77.1.)
Rural local educational agency (Rural LEA) means an LEA that is eligible under the Small Rural School Achievement program (SRSA) or the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program authorized under Title V, Part B of the ESEA. Eligible applicants may determine whether a particular district is eligible for these programs by referring to information on the Department's website at www2.ed.gov/​nclb/​freedom/​local/​reap.html. (FY 2018 Supplemental Priorities.)
Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking: Under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) the Department generally offers interested parties the opportunity to comment on proposed priorities. Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA, however, allows the Secretary to exempt from rulemaking requirements, regulations governing the first grant competition Start Printed Page 17164under a new or substantially revised program authority. This is the first grant competition for this program under section 2226(b)(1) of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 6646) and therefore qualifies for this exemption. In order to ensure timely grant awards, the Secretary has decided to forgo public comment on the absolute priority under section 437(d)(1) of GEPA. This priority will apply to the FY 2018 grant competition and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
Program Authority: Section 2226 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 6646).
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3474. (d) The regulations in 34 CFR part 299. (e) The IAL NFP. (f) The FY 2018 Supplemental Priorities.
Estimated Available Funds: $26,730,000.
IAL has received $27,000,000 for new awards for this program for FY 2018, of which we intend to use an estimated $26,730,000 for this competition.
Estimated Range of Awards to LEAs and Consortia of LEAs: $175,000 to $750,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards to LEAs and Consortia of LEAs: $500,000.
Estimated Number of Awards to LEAs and Consortia of LEAs: 30.
Estimated Range of Awards to NNP Organizations, Consortia of NNP Organizations, and Consortia of NNP Organizations and LEAs: $1,500,000 to $5,000,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards to NNP Organizations, Consortia of NNP Organizations, and Consortia of NNP Organizations and LEAs: $3,000,000.
Estimated Number of Awards to NNP Organizations: 2-6.
1. Eligible Applicants: To be considered for an award under this competition, an applicant must:
(1) A high-need LEA;
(2) An NNP organization that serves children and students within the attendance boundaries of one or more high-need LEAs;
(3) A consortium of high-need LEAs; or
(4) The Bureau of Indian Education; and
(b) Coordinate with school libraries in developing project proposals.
2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of projects that may be proposed in applications for the IAL program, an application may include business information that the applicant considers proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11, we define “business information” and describe the process we use in determining whether any of that information is proprietary and, thus, protected from disclosure under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as amended).
3. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this competition.
Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative.
The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the assurances and certifications; the one-page abstract, resumes, bibliography, logic model, or letters of support. However, the recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative section.
The applicant should include, as an attachment, the logic model used to address paragraph (d)(2) of the absolute priority.
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition are from 34 CFR 75.210. The maximum score for all selection criteria is 100. The maximum possible score for each selection criterion is indicated in parentheses. The selection criteria for this competition are as follows:
(a) Need for project (up to 10 points).
The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project. In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be addressed by the proposed project, including the Start Printed Page 17165nature and magnitude of those gaps or weaknesses.
(b) Significance (up to 10 points).
(c) Quality of the project design (up to 20 points).
(1) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. (5 points)
(2) The extent to which the proposed project will establish linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations providing services to the target population. (5 points)
(3) The extent to which the proposed project is part of a comprehensive effort to improve teaching and learning and support rigorous academic standards for students. (5 points)
(4) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a rationale. (5 points)
(d) Quality of project services (up to 25 points).
The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project. In determining the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project, the Secretary considers:
(1) The quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (10 points)
(2) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or beneficiaries of those services. (10 points)
(3) The extent to which the training or professional development services to be provided by the proposed project are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration to lead to improvements in practice among the recipients of those services. (5 points)
The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the proposed project. In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the number of persons to be served and to the anticipated results and benefits.
(f) Quality of the management plan (up to 20 points).
The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the proposed project. In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the Secretary considers:
(1) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks. (10 points)
(2) The extent to which the time commitments of the project director and principal investigator and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project. (10 points)
(g) Quality of the project evaluation (up to 5 points).
The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers the extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project.
In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 200.205, before awarding grants under this program the Department conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 3474.10, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not responsible.
We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also incorporates your approved application as part of your binding commitments under the grant.Start Printed Page 17166
3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works. Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables. This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR 3474.20(c).
(b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance report, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual performance report (APR) that provides the most current performance and financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/​fund/​grant/​apply/​appforms/​appforms.html.
5. Performance Measures: The Department has established the following Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 performance measures for the IAL program: (1) The percentage of four-year-old children participating in the project who achieve significant gains in oral language skills; (2) the percentage of fourth graders participating in the project who demonstrated individual student growth (i.e., an improvement in their achievement) over the past year on State reading or language arts assessments under section 1111(b)(3) of the ESEA; (3) the percentage of eighth graders participating in the project who demonstrated individual student growth (i.e., an improvement in their achievement) over the past year on State reading or language arts assessments under section 1111(b)(3) of the ESEA; (4) the percentage of schools participating in the project whose book-to-student ratios increase from the previous year; and (5) the percentage of participating children who receive at least one free, grade- and language-appropriate book of their own.
All grantees will be expected to submit an APR that includes data addressing these performance measures to the extent that they apply to the grantee's project.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Delegated the Authority to Perform the Functions and Duties of the Position of Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education.
1. In December 2015, Congress enacted the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reauthorized the ESEA. Therefore, for purposes of this notice, unless otherwise indicated, all references to the “ESEA” are to the “ESEA, as amended by the ESSA.”
2. Section 2226(b)(1) of the ESEA changed this from 25 percent to 20 percent.
[FR Doc. 2018-08093 Filed 4-17-18; 8:45 am]