Special Education-State Program Improvement Grants for Children with Disabilities (84.323)

 

Program

84.323 Special Education-State Program Improvement Grants for Children with Disabilities

 

Federal Agency

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Authorization

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part D, Subpart 1, as amended by Public Law 105-17, 20 U.S.C. 1452-1456.

 

Program Number

84.323

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To assist State educational agencies and their partners in reforming and improving their systems for providing educational, early intervention, and transitional services, including their systems for professional development, technical assistance, and dissemination of knowledge about best practices to improve results for children with disabilities.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds must be used to address the objectives of the program.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

State educational agencies.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities, and other individuals with disabilities, and their families benefit from this program.

Credentials/Documentation

None.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is covered under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as a single point of contact in his or her State to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

The standard application forms as furnished by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program.

Award Procedure

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts.

Deadlines

Deadlines are published in the Federal Register. Contact the Headquarters Office for application deadlines.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

Not applicable.

Renewals

Awards may be renewed annually for up to 5 years throughout the project period of the award, depending upon the availability of appropriations.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Typically from 1 to 5 years, subject to the availability of appropriations.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Progress reports shall be made on an annual basis. Final reports shall be made at the en of the project period. Cash balance reports will be required annually.

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

As stated in award terms and conditions, the awardee shall maintain accounts, records, and other evidence pertaining to all costs incurred, revenues or other applicable credits acquired under this grant.

 

Program Accomplishments

In fiscal year 2002, 51 awards were made.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0300-0-1-500.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 02 $51,700,000; FY 03 est $51,364,000; and FY 04 est $44,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

The average award in fiscal year 2002 is $1,000,000.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

None.

 

Related Programs

84.027, Special Education_Grants to States; 84.173, Special Education_Preschool Grants; 84.184, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities_National Programs; 84.324, Special Education_Research and Innovation to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities; 84.325, Special Education_Personnel Preparation to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities; 84.327, Special Education_Technology and Media Services for Individuals with Disabilities; 84.328, Special Education_Parent Information Centers; 84.329, Special Education_Studies and Evaluations.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Not applicable.

Headquarters Office

U.S. Department of Education, OSERS Office of Special Education Programs 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Rm. 3630, MES Washington, DC 20202-2500. Contact: Larry Wexler. E-mail Address larry.wexler@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 205-5390.

Web Site Address

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/OSEP/index.html

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Funded projects have helped States address special education staff shortages through a variety of innovative approaches, e.g., revisions to preservice curriculum content for regular and special educators.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Criteria for selecting among grant applications will normally be selected from those in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR Part 75.210.