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What is the purpose of this program?
This program provides formula grants to SEAs to award competitive grants to LEAs on behalf of schools. Schools receive awards renewable for up to two additional years of not less than $50,000 annually to adopt and implement comprehensive school reforms based on scientifically-based research and effective practices so that all children can meet challenging state academic content and achievement standards. SEAs are required to give competitive preference to LEAs that plan to use the funds in schools identified as being in need of improvement or corrective action and demonstrate a commitment to help schools implement and sustain reform.
How can these funds be used?
All participating schools must use program funds to adopt and implement a comprehensive school reform program that: (1) employs proven methods and strategies based on scientifically-based research; (2) integrates a comprehensive design with aligned components; (3) provides high-quality professional development for teachers and staff; (4) includes measurable goals and benchmarks for student achievement; (5) is supported within the school by teachers, administrators, and staff; (6) provides support for teachers, administrators, and staff; (7) provides for meaningful parent and community involvement in planning, implementing, and evaluating school improvement activities; (8) uses high-quality external technical support and assistance from an external partner with experience and expertise in school-wide reform and improvement; (9) plans for the evaluation of strategies for the implementation of school reforms and for student results achieved annually; (10) identifies resources to support and sustain the school's comprehensive reform effort; and (11) has been found to significantly improve the academic achievement of students or demonstrates strong evidence that it will improve the academic achievement of students.
What are the eligibility requirements?
The CSR program targets high-poverty and low-achieving schools, especially those receiving Title I funds, by helping them to increase the quality and accelerate the pace of their reform efforts.
What is the application or allocation process?
Funds appropriated under Title I are allocated to states on the basis of each state's share of prior-year Title I Basic Grants. In turn, SEAs make competitive subgrants to LEAs for use in schools eligible for Title I funds. Funding provided under the Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE) is used for additional state allocations based on each state's share of school-age children. SEAs may subgrant their FIE funds to LEAs for use in any public school in the state.
Contact your state department of education or local district to learn about the application process, timeliness, eligibility requirements, and when funds are disbursed.
Funding Process for Schools:
Competitive grants
Total FY 2004 Funding:
$307,687,000
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
This information also appears at the US Department of Education:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/compreform/index.html
Authorizing Legislation:
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended, Title I, Part F, and Title V, Part D
Name: Irene Harwarth
Email: irene.harwarth@ed.gov
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