Ready to Teach (84.286)
Program
84.286 Ready to Teach
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Authorization
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, Title V, Part D, Subpart 8, Secs. 5481-5485, 20 U.S.C. 7257-7257d.
Program Number
84.286
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To carry out a national telecommunications-based program to improve the teaching in core curriculum areas. The program shall be designed to assist elementary school and secondary school teachers in preparing all students to achieve challenging State academic standards in core curriculum areas. The Ready to Teach program also supports digital educational programming grants that enable eligible entities to develop, produce, and distribute innovative educational and instructional video programming.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Not more than five percent of the amount received under the grant may be used for administrative costs.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
A local public telecommunications entity or partnership of such entities, as defined in section 397(12) of the Communications Act of 1934, that is able to demonstrate a capacity for the development and distribution of educational instructional television programming of high quality. The applicant shall: (a) demonstrate that it will use the public broadcasting infrastructure, the Internet, and school digital networks, where available, to deliver video and data in an integrated service to train teachers in the use of materials and learning technologies; (b) ensure that the project will be conducted in cooperation with appropriate State educational agencies, local educational agencies and State or local nonprofit public telecommunications entities; and (c) ensure that a significant portion of the benefits from the project will be available to schools of local educational agencies that have a high percentage of children counted for purpose of part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Elementary and secondary school teachers in core curriculum areas in the United States.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedure
Application forms and instructions are available from the program office. Application deadlines and other information for applicants are published in the Federal Register.
Award Procedure
Awards are competitively selected following review by nonfederal experts and by the program staff. The Assistant Secretary for the Office of Educational Research and Improvement approves the selection.
Deadlines
Application deadlines and other information for applicants are published in the Federal Register.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for direct grant programs (see 34 CFR 75.253). Generally, for multiple-year awards, continuation awards after the first budget period are made if: sufficient funds have been appropriated; the recipient has either made substantial progress in meeting the goals of the project or obtained approval for changes in the project; the recipient has submitted all required reports; and continuation is in the best interest of the government.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
An entity receiving a grant shall contribute to the activities assisted under the grant an amount equal to not less than 100 percent of the grant. Such matching funds may include funds provided for the transition to digital broadcasting, as well as in-kind contributions.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Following a competitively selected 12-month award, up to two additional years may be awarded. Renewals are subject to the availability of appropriations.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
A s required by the Educational Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for direct grant programs (34 CFR 75). Generally, annual performance and financial reports are required.
Audits
See 34 CFR 74.26. Institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations are subject to the audit requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133. State and local governments are subject to the requirements in the Single Audit Act and the ED regulations implementing OMB Circular No. A-128 (see 34 CFR 80).
Records
As required by EDGAR for direct grant programs (34 CFR 75). Generally, records related to grant funds, compliance, and performance must be maintained for a period of five years after completion.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2002, two national telecommunications awards were made and three digital educational programming awards were made.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-1000-0-1-503.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $12,000,000; FY 03 est $14,406,000; and FY 04 est $0.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not available.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
U.S. Department of Education, OII Technology in Education Programs, 400 Maryland Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20202. Contact: Joseph Caliguro E-mail Address joe.caliguro@ed.gov. Telephone (202) 219-1596.
Web Site Address
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OII/
Examples of Funded Projects
None.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The Secretary uses the selection criteria contained in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) to evaluate applications to this program.
