An Act to Provide Grants to Promote Innovative Learning Strategies
Maine Legislature, Session 131, LD 1510
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Sponsors: BRENNAN, INGWERSEN, DODGE, GATTINE, MALON, PERRY, SARGENT, SHAGOURY, PIERCE, RAFFERTY

Legislative Document
No. 1510
H.P. 965
House of Representatives, April 5, 2023
An Act to Provide Grants to Promote Innovative Learning 
Strategies
Reference to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative BRENNAN of Portland.
Cosponsored by Senator INGWERSEN of York and
Representatives: DODGE of Belfast, GATTINE of Westbrook, MALON of Biddeford, 
PERRY of Calais, SARGENT of York, SHAGOURY of Hallowell, Senators: PIERCE of 
Cumberland, RAFFERTY of York.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  20-A MRSA c. 114-B is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 114-B
INNOVATIVE LEARNING FUND
§2661. Innovative Learning Fund
1.  Innovative Learning Fund.  The Innovative Learning Fund, referred to in this 
section as "the fund," is established in the department as a nonlapsing fund to provide grants 
to promote innovative learning strategies to address student achievement gaps.
2.  Grants.  The department shall establish criteria to award grants to school 
administrative units from the fund.  In awarding grants, the department shall give special 
consideration to school administrative units that demonstrate instructional partnerships 
with professional organizations or companies and partnerships with institutions of higher 
education and that provide specific data on closing the achievement gap for economically 
disadvantaged students, racial and ethnic populations and students whose learning 
achievements were negatively affected due to restrictions during the pandemic related to 
coronavirus disease 2019, referred to as COVID-19. 
3. Rulemaking.  The department shall adopt rules to implement this section, including 
but not limited to rules governing procedures, criteria and priorities for awarding grants.  
The criteria for awarding grants must include demonstration that the school administrative 
unit is able to implement strategies that use interdisciplinary, project-based and accelerated 
learning approaches. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules 
as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 2.  Appropriations and allocations.  The following appropriations and 
allocations are made.
EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF
Innovative Learning Fund N434
Initiative: Provides one-time funds for grants to school administrative units to promote 
innovative learning strategies to address student achievement gaps.
GENERAL FUND
2023-24
2024-25
All Other
$2,000,000
$2,000,000
__________
__________
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$2,000,000
$2,000,000
SUMMARY
This bill creates the Innovative Learning Fund and directs the Department of Education 
to provide grants to school administrative units to promote innovative learning strategies 
to address student achievement gaps. In awarding grants, the department must give special 
consideration to school administrative units that demonstrate instructional partnerships 
with professional organizations or companies and partnerships with institutions of higher 
education and that provide specific data on closing the achievement gap for economically 
disadvantaged students, racial and ethnic populations and students whose learning 
achievements were negatively affected due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.  The bill 
appropriates $2,000,000 in fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25 to provide such grants.