Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration (84.332)
Program
84.332 Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Authorization
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Title I, Part E, Section 1502, as amended.
Program Number
84.332
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To provide financial incentives for schools that need to substantially improve student achievement, particularly Title I schools, to implement comprehensive school reform programs that are based on reliable research and effective practices, and include an emphasis on basic academics and parental involvement. These programs are intended to stimulate school-wide change covering virtually all aspects of school operations, rather than a piecemeal, fragmented approach to reform. Thus, to be considered comprehensive, a program must integrate, in a coherent manner, nine specific components listed in the legislation. Through supporting comprehensive school reform, the program aims to enable all children in the schools served, particularly low-achieving children, to meet challenging State content and student performance standards.
Types of Assistance
Formula Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration (CSRD) funds should be used to support schools that are initiating the implementation of comprehensive school reform programs based on reliable research and effective practices. In determining where to focus its CSRD resources, a State educational agency (SEA) must determine which schools are in the greatest need for reform. Thus, it is unlikely that a SEA would provide CSRD support to a school that is already well along in its efforts to implement a program designed to improve its entire operation. This program is subject to non-supplanting requirements and must use a restricted indirect cost rate which is referenced under 34 CFR 76.564-76.569. For assistance call the Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Cost Group on 202-708-7770.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
State educational agencies (SEAs). The subgrantees are local education agencies (LEAs) applying to their SEAs in collaboration with eligible schools within the LEAs.
Beneficiary Eligibility
State education agencies, local education agencies, and public schools.
Credentials/Documentation
Applications should demonstrate the existence of a State-wide plan for supporting research-based comprehensive school reform that describes the process and selection criteria by which competitive subgrants will be made; how the SEA will ensure that only high quality comprehensive school reform programs are funded; how the SEA will provide information and assistance to school districts and schools; and how the SEA will evaluate results achieved in schools districts receiving assistance.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."
Application Procedure
A SEA will submit standard application forms and narrative to the Secretary. An applicant may contact the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education for consultation and assistance in preparation of the application.
Award Procedure
Applications are reviewed by independent panels of field readers. Panel recommendations are made on the basis of the application requirements described in Public Law 105-78; H.R. Rep. No. 390,105th Cong., 1st Sess. 32, 38, 96-99, and 106-109. Grants are awarded to the SEA by the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Deadlines
SEA applications must be received by the Department of Education not later than June 30.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Appeals are processed under the rules established in the Education Department General Administration Regulations, 34 CFR Part 76.202.
Renewals
Grants are awarded to SEAs annually. Subgrants are for up to 3 years with annual renewals subject to the approval of the SEA and availability of funds.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Funds are available under Title I - Demonstrations of Innovative Practices Program and the Fund for Improvement of Education (FIE). Title I funds are allocated to SEAs based on Title I basic grant formula and FIE funds are allocated to SEAs based on each State's relative share of the school-age population. There are no matching requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Funds awarded to SEAs must be obligated not later than September 30, 2001.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
No annual reports are required as part of this program.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
In accordance with the General Educational Provisions Act and the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, certain project records must be maintained for 5 years.
Program Accomplishments
Not available.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0900-2-1-501.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $220,000,000; FY 03 est $260,000,000; and FY 04 est Not available. It will be determined upon completion of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Fiscal year 2001: Average State award is $3,204,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
34 CFR Part 76, regarding the program application package for SEAs. Contact the Program Office for more information.
Related Programs
84.010, Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies; 84.215, Fund for the Improvement of Education; 84.276, Goals 2000_State and Local Education Systemic Improvement Grants.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Program, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202. Contact: Hugh Burkett at (202) 205-4292.
Web Site Address
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE
Examples of Funded Projects
All funded projects under this program will include the following activities: (1) Effective research-based methods and strategies; (2) comprehensive schools designs with aligned components; (3) professional development; (4) measurable goals and benchmarks; (5) support within the school; (6) parental and community involvement; (7) external technical support and assistance; (8) evaluation strategies; and (9) coordination of resources.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The Secretary will use the selection criteria defined in the Conference Report (on the Appropriations Act for the Department's fiscal year 1998 budget, Public Law 105-78; H.R. Rep. No. 390, 105th Cong., 1st Sess. 32, 38, 96-99, and 106-109) to evaluate applications under this grant program. Each SEA application to the Secretary shall articulate research-based comprehensive school reform efforts that describe the process and selection criteria by which the SEA, using expert review, will make competitive grants to eligible LEAs; how the SEA will ensure that only high quality, well-defined, and well-documented comprehensive school reform programs meeting the criteria listed above are funded; how the SEA will disseminate materials developed by the Department identifying research-based comprehensive school reform models and provide technical assistance to assist LEAs and schools in evaluating selecting, developing and implementing comprehensive school reforms; how the SEA will evaluate the implementation of comprehensive school reforms and measure results achieved in improving student academic performance; and such other criteria as the Secretary may reasonably require.
