| Purpose: | The purpose of this federal continuation grant program is to assist nine high schools in developing school communities in which school personnel, youth, family members, and adult service agency personnel integrate course knowledge and skills into practice. Desired outcomes are to ensure that youth reach high academic achievement, develop sound career goals, and obtain leadership and self-advocacy skills that will result in successful post-school outcomes.
In order for high schools to move theory to practice, they will receive technical assistance from existing Project FOCUS Academy (PFA) providers in the areas of Universal Design for Learning, Schoolwide Positive Behavior Supports, Research-Based Practices for Successful Post-School Outcomes, and will receive support in expanding initiatives that encourage family participation. Participants will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and share their expertise with others. Networking opportunities and face-to-face meetings will assist in honing such skills. |
| Priorities: |
Leadership Teams and PFA course participants will choose one or more content areas for implementation: Transition - Research-Based Practices for Successful Post-School Outcomes; Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS); and/or Universal Design for Learning (UDL). High schools will develop an implementation plan that will guide them in the application of knowledge and skills gained through previous coursework. The school communities from each of the participating high schools will come together to share and to learn from each other through face-to-face and virtual interactions, solidifying the Project FOCUS Academy Community of Practice (CoP). Parents and families will partner with high schools as full participants in this implementation phase.
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| Eligibility: |
ELIGIBLE HIGH SCHOOLS
Only districts receiving funds currently from the FY2007 Fund Code: 246-A - Project FOCUS Academy High Schools grant program may apply on behalf of high schools participating in this program.
The districts eligible to apply are:
Ashland (Ashland High School) Brookline (Brookline High School) Dudley-Charlton (Shepard Hill Regional High School) Fall River (B.M.C. Durfee High School) Hamilton-Wenham (Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School) New Bedford (New Bedford High School) Old Rochester (Old Rochester Regional High School) Peabody (Peabody Veterans Memorial High School) Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School
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| Funding: | A total of $333,000 is available for FY2008. Individual proposals for FY2008 may be for up to $37,000 depending on selection of priority areas (UDL, PBIS, Transition) and the scale of implementation as follows:
Districts implementing one area: up to $15,000 Districts implementing two areas: up to an additional $12,000 Districts implementing three areas: up to an additional $10,000
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| Fund Use: | Allowable costs
Stipends Fringe benefits related to stipends Substitutes Contractual services Proposals may include up to $6,000 for computer software, hardware, and related technology that supports the content of the chosen area(s) of implementation Professional development supplies Travel
Non-allowable costs
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| Project Duration: | Upon Approval - 8/31/2008 |
| Program Unit: | Special Education Planning and Policy Development |
| Contact: | William Blackwell wblackwell@doe.mass.edu |
| Phone Number: | (781) 338-3375 |
| Date Due: | Thursday, October 18, 2007
Proposals must be received at the Department by 5:00 p.m. on the date due. |
| Required Forms: |
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Part I - General - Program Unit Signature Page - (Standard Contract Form and Application for Program Grants)
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Part II Budget Detail Pages (Include both pages) - Instructions
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Part III - Project Application
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Part IV - Budget Justification (Submit one for each priority area selected.)
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| Additional Information: |
Attachment A - Project Overview and Design:
Three conferences will be held over the course of the year. The fall conference will be on October 30, 2007. The winter and spring conference dates are to be determined. Schools will be required to submit a mid-year progress report to the Department of Education. Participation in all evaluation activities is a requirement of the grant. Activities will include interviews and site visits.
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| Submission Instructions: | Submit three (3) sets, each with an original signature of the Superintendent/ Executive Director. Mail to:
William Blackwell
Special Education Planning and Policy Development
Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148-5023
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