Archived Information

Grants and Other Financial Assistance Programs: FY2006

School Redesign: Expanding Learning Time to Support Student Success - Planning and Early Implementation Grant
Fund Code: 222-B

August 12, 2005

Dear Superintendent and Charter School Leader:

I am pleased to announce that we have posted the Request for Proposals for the expanded learning time grant opportunity described in my July 22, 2005 update. The School Redesign: Expanding Learning Time to Support Student Success - Planning and Early Implementation Grant RFP provides funding to support district planning and preparation to establish newly designed schools that use longer school days and/or years to help students meet higher performance standards. Redesigned schools are expected to add at least 30% more time to their schedules to enhance their instruction in English/language arts, mathematics, and other core subjects; and to allow more time for planning and professional development for teachers, and enrichment opportunities (arts, sports, tutoring, experiential learning) for students. This is an exciting opportunity for districts to overcome the constraints of the traditional school day and/or year to address the needs of their students.

Districts may apply for Planning and Early Implementation grants of $25,000 to be awarded on a competitive basis. At least 75% of the grants will go to districts that have 25% or more of their students eligible for free or reduced price meals. The application process for the grant requires that districts assess the feasibility of redesigning schools and prepare the overall strategic design of the initiative. Districts that are awarded grant funding will use the resources to prepare detailed Implementation Plans and conduct early implementation activities next year.

The state budget language that established the grant program (a portion of line item 7061-9408) provides detailed expectations for the program and sets out a timeline that anticipates opening redesigned schools in School Year 2006-2007. The timeline for the planning year, SY 2005-2006, is described in Addendum A of the enclosed RFP. Please note that School Redesign: Expanding Learning Time to Support Student Success - Planning and Early Implementation Grants are due September 30, 2005 and, for districts awarded grant funding, Implementation Plans will be submitted to the Department of Education by January 13, 2006. The Department of Education will provide information for districts interested in applying for the grant during two upcoming teleconferences on Thursday, August 18^th at 9:30 a.m. and Wednesday, August 24^th at 10:00 a.m.. If you would like to participate in a conference call to learn more about applying for the School Redesign: Expanding Learning Time to Support Student Success - Planning and Early Implementation Grant, please contact Diane Beck at dbeck@doe.mass.edu and she will email you instructions for connecting to the call.

For more information, please contact Lise Zeig at the Department at lzeig@doe.mass.edu or Sarah McLaughlin at smclaughlin@doe.mass.edu.

Sincerely,

David P. Driscoll
Commissioner of Education