Improving Teacher Quality State Grants (84.367)

 

Program

84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants

 

Federal Agency

OFFICE OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Authorization

Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 as amended, Title II, Part A, Public Law 107-110.

 

Program Number

84.367

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To provide grants to State Education Agencies (SEAs) on a formula basis to increase student academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality and increasing the number of highly qualified teachers in the classroom and highly qualified principals and assistant principals in schools and hold local educational agencies and schools accountable for improvements in student academic achievement.

 

Types of Assistance

Formula Grants.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

At least 95 percent of awards to SEAs must be used to make subgrants to LEAs for the following purposes; to assist schools in effectively recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers; to afford to LEAs the means of recruiting, hiring, and retaining teachers; to make available professional development activities that address subject matter knowledge and other activities as set forth in Section 2123. These funds supplement, but do not supplant, nonfederal funds used for these activities.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

States with approved Consolidated State Plans.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Elementary and secondary schools, principals, students, parents, pupil services personnel and teachers will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation

Not applicable.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure

An SEA is eligible for funding if it submits an application that includes statewide activities based on scientifically based research and an explanation of why the activities will improve student academic achievement. The plan must: (1) assure compliance by LEA; (2) assure that the activities are aligned with challenging State academic content, student academic achievement standards, State assessments and State and local curricula; and (3) use of the funds to improve the quality of the State's teachers and principals. The State Education Agency for Higher Education to make grants, on a competitive basis to eligible partnerships to carry out as activities listed above.

Award Procedure

The Department will allocate funds to any State whose application the Secretary has "deemed approved" under conditions set forth in Section 2112 (c).

Deadlines

To ensure receipt of funds (based on approved plan) on or about July 1, 2002, States must submit consolidated plan applications no later than March 15, 2002 (estimate). Contact the Program Office for additional information.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

The procedure of an appeal is described in ESEA section: 2112 (c), (d), and (e). Contact the program office for more information.

Renewals

None.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Funds are distributed to each State based on an amount that bears the same relationship to 35 percent of the excess amount as the number of individuals age 5 through 17 in the State, as determined by the Secretary on the basis most recent satisfactory data (census 1997). 65 percent of the excess funds must be distributed to States based on the relative numbers of individuals age five through 17 from families with incomes below the poverty line, as determined by the Secretary based on the most recent satisfactory data (census 1997).

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Generally, awards to States are made from July 1 to September 30 of the following year. In addition, funds remain available to States for an additional fiscal year for obligation and expenditure.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) of State-administered programs (34 CFR part 76). Generally, SEA's are subject to the reporting requirements contained in Title IX of the ESEA, Consolidated State Performance Report Section 9303 (b).

Audits

The State will correct deficiencies in program operations that are identified through audits, monitoring, or evaluation. In accordance with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in the Appendix to 34 CFR 80, State and local governments that receive financial assistance of $300,000 or more within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year. State and local governments that receive between $25,000 and $300,000 within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made in accordance with the Appendix to Part 80, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate.

Records

The State will maintain such records, provide such information to the Secretary, and afford such access to the records as the Secretary may find necessary to carry out the Secretary's duties. In accordance with the General Education Provisions Act, and the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, States must maintain certain program records for 3 years.

 

Program Accomplishments

Not applicable, new funding authority.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-1000-0-1-501.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 01 $0; FY 02 est $2,850,000,000; and FY 03 est $2,850,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

The average award for FY 2002 is expected to be $53,988,000.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

The Department is in the process of developing guidance for this program. Contact the Program Office for additional information.

 

Related Programs

None.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Not applicable.

Headquarters Office

Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20202, Daniel F. Bonner. Telephone: (202) 260-2517. E-mail: daniel.bonner@ed.gov.

Web Site Address

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE

 

Examples of Funded Projects

None.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

After consultation with the governor, an SEA submits a consolidated application and is not required to submit separate applications. The Secretary shall require only descriptions, information, assurances (including assurances of compliance with applicable provisions regarding participation by private school children and teachers), and other materials that are absolutely necessary for the consideration of a consolidated State application. Contact the Program Office for additional information.