Grants and Other Financial Assistance Programs: FY2009

Program and Staff Development Regional Support Centers for Adult Basic Education
Fund Code: 667/343

March 6, 2008

Dear Applicant:

I am pleased to issue the Program and Staff Development Regional Support Centers for Adult Basic Education Open and Competitive Request for Proposals (RFP). Successful applicants will receive a one-year grant award for FY2009.

Over the years, the Department has funded five regional organizations that have worked closely with our staff, with a statewide central resource center, and with each other to provide training, support, and resources to Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs and practitioners throughout the Commonwealth. Collectively, these organizations have comprised the largest segment of the Massachusetts Adult Basic Education professional development system. That system has been strengthened recently with the addition of a data base that places Massachusetts on the cutting edge of data collection and analysis related to ABE professional development.

As a result of the work of this system and the organizations that comprise it, many Massachusetts ABE programs have strengthened their curriculum, assessment, and instruction. Thousands of teachers, counselors, administrators, and other practitioners have gained new knowledge and skills. Programs and practitioners have improved their capacity to assist the Commonwealth's under-educated and limited English proficient adults to acquire the literacy and language skills needed to reach their goals as parents, workers, and community members.

This grant program seeks applicants that will bring creativity in the delivery of services, coupled with demonstrated knowledge of the clearly defined parameters of the Massachusetts ABE professional development system. I encourage you to use the sources cited in the RFP to understand better its context and requirements.

The program continues the Department's support of a statewide system of Program and Staff Development Regional Support Centers for Adult Basic Education. Applicants are eligible to apply for additional funding to provide an ABE Statewide Research and Resource Collection.

I encourage organizations with experience in Adult Basic Education and in program and staff development to apply for these funds. The challenges are great, but the opportunities to make a significant difference in the quality of teaching and learning of adult learners in Massachusetts are even greater. I look forward to continuing effective professional development and Adult Basic Education services in Massachusetts.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Nellhaus
Acting Commissioner of Education