Tag Archives: Training

Teacher and Principal Resources Home– Pg 1

National/Regional

Teacher/Principal Quality Initiatives Available for National and Regional Programs

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Teacher Recruitment
(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)
Transition to Teaching Discretionary State Educational Agencies
Program description
National/regional, state and local grants are funded to local educational agencies, state educational agencies, education service centers, nonprofit agencies and other organizations including organizations with expertise in teacher recruitment and partnerships comprised of two or more of these entities. The program targets nontraditional teaching candidates with outstanding academic records and a baccalaureate degree in a field other than teaching.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Alternative Routes to Certification
(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)
Transition to Teaching Discretionary State Educational Agencies
Program description
National/regional, state and local grants are funded to local educational agencies, state educational agencies, education service centers, nonprofit agencies and other organizations including organizations with expertise in teacher recruitment and partnerships comprised of two or more of these entities. The program targets nontraditional teaching candidates with outstanding academic records and a baccalaureate degree in a field other than teaching.

Teacher and Principal Resources Home– Pg 6

Other Categories of Teacher Initiatives

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Teacher Recruitment Troops to Teachers

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Memo of Under-standing DANTES
Program description
This program is administered by DANTES with ED oversight. Requires the Secretary of Education to transfer funds for this program (except for a new "Innovative Preretirement Teacher Certification" component) to the Secretary of Defense to: (1) assist eligible members of the Armed Forces to obtain certification or licensing as elementary, secondary, or vocational/technical teachers and to become highly qualified; and (2) facilitate the employment of these individuals by LEAs or public charter schools that receive Title I, Part A grants or are experiencing a shortage of highly qualified teachers.

Authorizes the Secretary to award program funds to SEAs, institutions of higher education, or consortia of those entities to develop, implement, and demonstrate Innovative Preretirement Certification programs for members of the Armed Forces. Entities receiving funds would be expected to continue the programs after Federal funding ends. Up to $10 million of Troops-to-Teachers funds could be used for this purpose annually.

Requires the Secretary to provide to the Secretary of Defense information regarding participation in the program and applications for use in "preseparation counseling" for individuals leaving the military, and allows the Secretary of Education to provide placement assistance and referral services to those individuals.

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Alternative Routes to Certification Troops to Teachers

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Memo of Understanding DANTES
Program description
This program is administered by DANTES with ED oversight. Requires the Secretary of Education to transfer funds for this program (except for a new "Innovative Preretirement Teacher Certification" component) to the Secretary of Defense to: (1) assist eligible members of the Armed Forces to obtain certification or licensing as elementary, secondary, or vocational/technical teachers and to become highly qualified; and (2) facilitate the employment of these individuals by LEAs or public charter schools that receive Title I, Part A grants or are experiencing a shortage of highly qualified teachers.

Authorizes the Secretary to award program funds to SEAs, institutions of higher education, or consortia of those entities to develop, implement, and demonstrate Innovative Preretirement Certification programs for members of the Armed Forces. Entities receiving funds would be expected to continue the programs after Federal funding ends. Up to $10 million of Troops-to-Teachers funds could be used for this purpose annually.

Requires the Secretary to provide to the Secretary of Defense information regarding participation in the program and applications for use in "preseparation counseling" for individuals leaving the military, and allows the Secretary of Education to provide placement assistance and referral services to those individuals.

Teacher and Principal Resources Home– Pg 5

Community Organizations

Teacher/Principal Quality Initiatives Available for Community Organizations

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Professional Development Alaska Native Education Discretionary And Contracts (earmarks) Community Organizations in Alaska
Program description
Consolidates the three separate programs under current law into one program. Consolidated programs include: the Alaska Native Educational Planning, Curriculum Development, Teacher Training and Recruitment program, the Alaska Native Home Based Education for Preschool Children program, and the Alaska Native Student Enrichment program. Adds earmarks for certain organizations.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Recruitment School Leadership Grants (New Program)

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies & Consortia of high need LEAs & Partnerships with non-profit organizations and Institutions of Higher Education
Program description
Authorizes competitive awards to assist high-need local educational agencies to develop innovative programs that recruit, train and mentor principals (including assistant principals).

Authorizes grantees to use program funds to: provide financial incentives to aspiring new principals; provide stipends to principals who mentor new principals; carry out professional development programs in instructional leadership and management; provide incentives that are appropriate for teachers or individuals from other fields who want to become principals and that are effective in retaining new principals.

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Training School Leadership Grants (New Program)

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies & Consortia of high need LEAs & Partnerships with non-profit organizations and Institutions of Higher Education
Program description
Authorizes competitive awards to assist high-need local educational agencies to develop innovative programs that recruit, train and mentor principals (including assistant principals).

Authorizes grantees to use program funds to: provide financial incentives to aspiring new principals; provide stipends to principals who mentor new principals; carry out professional development programs in instructional leadership and management; provide incentives that are appropriate for teachers or individuals from other fields who want to become principals and that are effective in retaining new principals.

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Mentoring School Leadership Grants (New Program)

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies & Consortia of high need LEAs & Partnerships with non-profit organizations and Institutions of Higher Education
Program description
Authorizes competitive awards to assist high-need local educational agencies to develop innovative programs that recruit, train and mentor principals (including assistant principals).

Authorizes grantees to use program funds to: provide financial incentives to aspiring new principals; provide stipends to principals who mentor new principals; carry out professional development programs in instructional leadership and management; provide incentives that are appropriate for teachers or individuals from other fields who want to become principals and that are effective in retaining new principals.

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Professional Development School Leadership Grants (New Program)

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies & Consortia of high need LEAs & Partnerships with non-profit organizations and Institutions of Higher Education
Program description
Authorizes competitive awards to assist high-need local educational agencies to develop innovative programs that recruit, train and mentor principals (including assistant principals).

Authorizes grantees to use program funds to: provide financial incentives to aspiring new principals; provide stipends to principals who mentor new principals; carry out professional development programs in instructional leadership and management; provide incentives that are appropriate for teachers or individuals from other fields who want to become principals and that are effective in retaining new principals.

Teacher and Principal Resources Home– Pg 4

State Agencies of Higher Education

Teacher/Principal Quality Initiatives Available for State Agencies of Higher Education and Other Entities

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Recruitment School Leadership Grants (New Program)

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies & Consortia of high need LEAs & Partnerships with non-profit organizations and Institutions of Higher Education
Program description
Authorizes competitive awards to assist high-need local educational agencies to develop innovative programs that recruit, train and mentor principals (including assistant principals).

Authorizes grantees to use program funds to: provide financial incentives to aspiring new principals; provide stipends to principals who mentor new principals; carry out professional development programs in instructional leadership and management; provide incentives that are appropriate for teachers or individuals from other fields who want to become principals and that are effective in retaining new principals.

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Training School Leadership Grants (New Program)

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies & Consortia of high need LEAs & Partnerships with non-profit organizations and Institutions of Higher Education
Program description
Authorizes competitive awards to assist high-need local educational agencies to develop innovative programs that recruit, train and mentor principals (including assistant principals).

Authorizes grantees to use program funds to: provide financial incentives to aspiring new principals; provide stipends to principals who mentor new principals; carry out professional development programs in instructional leadership and management; provide incentives that are appropriate for teachers or individuals from other fields who want to become principals and that are effective in retaining new principals.

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Mentoring School Leadership Grants (New Program)

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies & Consortia of high need LEAs & Partnerships with non-profit organizations and Institutions of Higher Education
Program description
Authorizes competitive awards to assist high-need local educational agencies to develop innovative programs that recruit, train and mentor principals (including assistant principals).

Authorizes grantees to use program funds to: provide financial incentives to aspiring new principals; provide stipends to principals who mentor new principals; carry out professional development programs in instructional leadership and management; provide incentives that are appropriate for teachers or individuals from other fields who want to become principals and that are effective in retaining new principals.

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Professional Development School Leadership Grants (New Program)

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies & Consortia of high need LEAs & Partnerships with non-profit organizations and Institutions of Higher Education
Program description
Authorizes competitive awards to assist high-need local educational agencies to develop innovative programs that recruit, train and mentor principals (including assistant principals).

Authorizes grantees to use program funds to: provide financial incentives to aspiring new principals; provide stipends to principals who mentor new principals; carry out professional development programs in instructional leadership and management; provide incentives that are appropriate for teachers or individuals from other fields who want to become principals and that are effective in retaining new principals.

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Teacher Recruitment Transition to Teaching

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary State Educational Agencies
Program description
National/regional, state and local grants are funded to local educational agencies, state educational agencies, education service centers, nonprofit agencies and other organizations including organizations with expertise in teacher recruitment and partnerships comprised of two or more of these entities. The program targets nontraditional teaching candidates with outstanding academic records and a baccalaureate degree in a field other than teaching.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Alternative Routes to Certification Transition to Teaching

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary State Educational Agencies
Program description
National/regional, state and local grants are funded to local educational agencies, state educational agencies, education service centers, nonprofit agencies and other organizations including organizations with expertise in teacher recruitment and partnerships comprised of two or more of these entities. The program targets nontraditional teaching candidates with outstanding academic records and a baccalaureate degree in a field other than teaching.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Teacher Preparation Personnel Preparation

Searchable database of currently funded Part D programs

Discretionary Grants Institutions of Higher Education and other eligible entities under Subpart 2 of IDEA
Program description
The Personnel Preparation Program supports projects designed to help address state-identified needs for qualified personnel in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education to work with children with disabilities.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Professional Development Early Childhood Educator Professional Development Program Compensatory Education Program  
Program description
This is a new discretionary grant program. Approximately 20 awards (funded up to 48 months) to one or more institutions of higher education, State agencies for higher education, local educational agencies, educational service
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Teacher preparation, traditional / Certification and licensure National Professional Development Program Discretionary IHE’s
Program description
To prepare teachers and other educational personnel to serve LEP students
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Professional Development Native American Professional Development Discretionary Institutions of higher education, including Indian institutions of higher education;

A state or local educational agency in consortium with an institution of higher education;

An Indian tribe or organization, in consortium with an institution of higher education

Program description
The Professional Development program is a competitive grant program that supports activities to increase the number of qualified Indian individuals in professions that serve Indian people. Individuals who receive training under the Professional Development program are required to perform work that is related to the training received and that benefits Indian people, or repay all or a prorated part of the assistance received. One component of the Professional Development program supports training for qualified Indian individuals to (1) become teachers, administrators, teacher aides, social workers, and ancillary educational personnel; and (2) improve the skills of Indian individuals serving in these capacities. The second component of the program supports training of qualified Indian individuals in fields other than education that result in a degree at the graduate level.

Teacher and Principal Resources Home– Pg 3

Local School Districts

Teacher/Principal Quality Initiatives Available for Local Educational Agencies

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Teacher Recruitment Transition to Teaching

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies and Others
Program description
National/regional, state and local grants are funded to local educational agencies, state educational agencies, education service centers, nonprofit agencies and other organizations including organizations with expertise in teacher recruitment and partnerships comprised of two or more of these entities. The program targets nontraditional teaching candidates with outstanding academic records and a baccalaureate degree in a field other than teaching.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Alternative Routes to Certification Transition to Teaching

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies and Others
Program description
National/regional, state and local grants are funded to local educational agencies, state educational agencies, education service centers, nonprofit agencies and other organizations including organizations with expertise in teacher recruitment and partnerships comprised of two or more of these entities. The program targets nontraditional teaching candidates with outstanding academic records and a baccalaureate degree in a field other than teaching.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Professional Development Arts in Education Cultural Partnership
&
Professional Development for Music Educators
Discretionary Local Educational Agencies and Others
Program description
Eliminated from the No Child Left Behind Act. Provided funds for the professional development of music educators.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Professional Development Education of Native Hawaiians Discretionary Local Educational Agencies and Others
Program description
Consolidates six separate programs into one comprehensive grant program and adds a separate authorization for the Native Hawaiian Education Council. Consolidated programs include: the Native Hawaiian Family-Based Education Centers, the Native Hawaiian Curriculum Development, Teacher Training and Recruitment, the Native Hawaiian Gifted and Talented, the Native Hawaiian Higher Education the Native Hawaiian Special Education, and the Native Hawaiian Community-Based Education Learning Centers.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Recruitment School Leadership Grants (New Program)

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies & Consortia of high need LEAs & Partnerships with non-profit organizations and Institutions of Higher Education
Program description
Authorizes competitive awards to assist high-need local educational agencies to develop innovative programs that recruit, train and mentor principals (including assistant principals).

Authorizes grantees to use program funds to: provide financial incentives to aspiring new principals; provide stipends to principals who mentor new principals; carry out professional development programs in instructional leadership and management; provide incentives that are appropriate for teachers or individuals from other fields who want to become principals and that are effective in retaining new principals.

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Training School Leadership Grants (New Program)

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies & Consortia of high need LEAs & Partnerships with non-profit organizations and Institutions of Higher Education
Program description
Authorizes competitive awards to assist high-need local educational agencies to develop innovative programs that recruit, train and mentor principals (including assistant principals).

Authorizes grantees to use program funds to: provide financial incentives to aspiring new principals; provide stipends to principals who mentor new principals; carry out professional development programs in instructional leadership and management; provide incentives that are appropriate for teachers or individuals from other fields who want to become principals and that are effective in retaining new principals.

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Mentoring School Leadership Grants (New Program)

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies & Consortia of high need LEAs & Partnerships with non-profit organizations and Institutions of Higher Education
Program description
Authorizes competitive awards to assist high-need local educational agencies to develop innovative programs that recruit, train and mentor principals (including assistant principals).

Authorizes grantees to use program funds to: provide financial incentives to aspiring new principals; provide stipends to principals who mentor new principals; carry out professional development programs in instructional leadership and management; provide incentives that are appropriate for teachers or individuals from other fields who want to become principals and that are effective in retaining new principals.

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Professional Development School Leadership Grants (New Program)

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary Local Educational Agencies & Consortia of high need LEAs & Partnerships with non-profit organizations and Institutions of Higher Education
Program description
Authorizes competitive awards to assist high-need local educational agencies to develop innovative programs that recruit, train and mentor principals (including assistant principals).

Authorizes grantees to use program funds to: provide financial incentives to aspiring new principals; provide stipends to principals who mentor new principals; carry out professional development programs in instructional leadership and management; provide incentives that are appropriate for teachers or individuals from other fields who want to become principals and that are effective in retaining new principals.

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Professional Development Territories and Freely Associated States Education Grant Programs Discretionary Local Educational Agencies in theTerritories and Freely Associated States
Program description
Funds competitive grants to Local Educational Agencies in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the Virgin Islands for programs including teacher training programs, programs for curriculum development, instructional materials, or general school improvement and reform.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Professional Development Native American Professional Development Discretionary Institutions of higher education, including Indian institutions of higher education;

A state or local educational agency in consortium with an institution of higher education;

An Indian tribe or organization, in consortium with an institution of higher education

Program description
The Professional Development program is a competitive grant program that supports activities to increase the number of qualified Indian individuals in professions that serve Indian people. Individuals who receive training under the Professional Development program are required to perform work that is related to the training received and that benefits Indian people, or repay all or a prorated part of the assistance received. One component of the Professional Development program supports training for qualified Indian individuals to (1) become teachers, administrators, teacher aides, social workers, and ancillary educational personnel; and (2) improve the skills of Indian individuals serving in these capacities. The second component of the program supports training of qualified Indian individuals in fields other than education that result in a degree at the graduate level.

Teacher and Principal Resources Home– Pg 2

State-Level

Teacher/Principal Quality Initiatives Available for States

Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Teacher Recruitment Transition to Teaching

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary State Educational Agencies
Program description
National/regional, state and local grants are funded to local educational agencies, state educational agencies, education service centers, nonprofit agencies and other organizations including organizations with expertise in teacher recruitment and partnerships comprised of two or more of these entities. The program targets nontraditional teaching candidates with outstanding academic records and a baccalaureate degree in a field other than teaching.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Alternative Routes to Certification Transition to Teaching

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Discretionary State Educational Agencies
Program description
National/regional, state and local grants are funded to local educational agencies, state educational agencies, education service centers, nonprofit agencies and other organizations including organizations with expertise in teacher recruitment and partnerships comprised of two or more of these entities. The program targets nontraditional teaching candidates with outstanding academic records and a baccalaureate degree in a field other than teaching.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Teacher Recruitment Teacher & Principal Training & Recruiting Fund

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
Program description
This program expands on the former Eisenhower Program with a newly defined purpose of increasing student’s academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality. States disperse funds to local educational agencies for various purposes including "…Developing and implementing mechanisms to assist local educational agencies and schools in effectively recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers, including specialists in core academic subjects, principals, and pupil services personnel…"
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Teacher Retention Teacher & Principal Training & Recruiting Fund

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
Program description
This program expands on the former Eisenhower Program with a newly defined purpose of increasing student’s academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality. States disperse funds to local educational agencies for various purposes including "…Developing and implementing mechanisms to assist local educational agencies and schools in effectively recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers, including specialists in core academic subjects, principals, and pupil services personnel…"
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Teacher Training Teacher & Principal Training & Recruiting Fund

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
Program description
This program expands on the former Eisenhower Program with a newly defined purpose of increasing student’s academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality. States disperse funds to local educational agencies for various purposes including programs that support teachers and principals new to their profession through programs that provide teacher mentoring, team teaching, reduced class schedules, and intensive professional development and use standards or assessments for beginning teachers as described in the legislation.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Teacher Preparation Teacher & Principal Training & Recruiting Fund

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
Program description
This program expands on the former Eisenhower Program with a newly defined purpose of increasing student’s academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality. States disperse funds to local educational agencies for various purposes including programs that support teachers and principals new to their profession through programs that provide teacher mentoring, team teaching, reduced class schedules, and intensive professional development and use standards or assessments for beginning teachers as described in the legislation.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
New Teacher Initiatives Teacher & Principal Training & Recruiting Fund

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
Program description
This program expands on the former Eisenhower Program with a newly defined purpose of increasing student’s academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality. States disperse funds to local educational agencies for various purposes including programs that support teachers and principals new to their profession through programs that provide teacher mentoring, team teaching, reduced class schedules, and intensive professional development and use standards or assessments for beginning teachers as described in the legislation.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Recruitment Teacher & Principal Training & Recruiting Fund

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
Program description
This program expands on the former Eisenhower Program with a newly defined purpose of increasing student’s academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality. States disperse funds to local educational agencies for various purposes including "…Developing and implementing mechanisms to assist local educational agencies and schools in effectively recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers, including specialists in core academic subjects, principals, and pupil services personnel…"
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
New Principal Initiatives Teacher & Principal Training & Recruiting Fund

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
Program description
This program expands on the former Eisenhower Program with a newly defined purpose of increasing student’s academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality. States disperse funds to local educational agencies for various purposes including programs that support teachers and principals new to their profession through programs that provide teacher mentoring, team teaching, reduced class schedules, and intensive professional development and use standards or assessments for beginning teachers as described in the legislation.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Training Teacher & Principal Training & Recruiting Fund

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
Program description
This program expands on the former Eisenhower Program with a newly defined purpose of increasing student’s academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality. States disperse funds to local educational agenciesfor various purposes including "…Developing and implementing mechanisms to assist local educational agencies and schools in effectively recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers, including specialists in core academic subjects, principals, and pupil services personnel…"
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Retention Teacher & Principal Training & Recruiting Fund

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
Program description
This program expands on the former Eisenhower Program with a newly defined purpose of increasing student’s academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality. States disperse funds to local educational agencies for various purposes including "…Developing and implementing mechanisms to assist local educational agencies and schools in effectively recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers, including specialists in core academic subjects, principals, and pupil services personnel…"
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Preparation Teacher & Principal Training & Recruiting Fund

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
Program description
This program expands on the former Eisenhower Program with a newly defined purpose of increasing student’s academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality. States disperse funds to local educational agencies for various purposes including "…Developing and implementing mechanisms to assist local educational agencies and schools in effectively recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers, including specialists in core academic subjects, principals, and pupil services personnel…"
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Principal Professional Development Teacher & Principal Training & Recruiting Fund

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
  Program description
  This program expands on the former Eisenhower Program with a newly defined purpose of increasing student’s academic achievement through strategies such as improving teacher and principal quality. States disperse funds to local educational agencies for activities such as the development and implementation of professional development activities for principals that enable them to be effective leaders in preparing students. Funds can also pay for leadership academies for principals and superintendents that focus on school management and educational leaders models.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Professional Development Teacher & Principal Training & Recruiting Fund

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
Program description
Formerly known as the Eisenhower State Education Program, the Teacher Quality Program provides assistance to States based on a formula, to state and local education agencies, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations to help ensure that teachers, administrators, and other staff have high quality professional development.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Alternative Routes to Certification Transition to Teaching

(Title II – Preparing, Training, & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals in the NCLB Act of 2001.)

Formula State Educational Agencies
Program description
National/regional, state and local grants are funded to local educational agencies, state educational agencies, education service centers, nonprofit agencies and other organizations including organizations with expertise in teacher recruitment and partnerships comprised of two or more of these entities. The program targets nontraditional teaching candidates with outstanding academic records and a baccalaureate degree in a field other than teaching.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Professional Development State Program Improvement Grants Discretionary Grant State Educational Agencies
Program description
The State Improvement Grant Program supports projects designed to assist state educational agencies and their partners and their partners referred to in Section 652(b) of IDEA 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.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Professional Development Native American Professional Development Discretionary Institutions of higher education, including Indian institutions of higher education;

A state or local educational agency in consortium with an institution of higher education;

An Indian tribe or organization, in consortium with an institution of higher education

Program description
The Professional Development program is a competitive grant program that supports activities to increase the number of qualified Indian individuals in professions that serve Indian people. Individuals who receive training under the Professional Development program are required to perform work that is related to the training received and that benefits Indian people, or repay all or a prorated part of the assistance received. One component of the Professional Development program supports training for qualified Indian individuals to (1) become teachers, administrators, teacher aides, social workers, and ancillary educational personnel; and (2) improve the skills of Indian individuals serving in these capacities. The second component of the program supports training of qualified Indian individuals in fields other than education that result in a degree at the graduate level.
Category Title of Program Type of Grant Grantee
Professional Development – Vocational Education Professional Development Programs for vocational and technical, academic, guidance, and administrative personnel

Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998, P.L. 105-332, Section 124(b) (3), State Leadership Activities

Basic Formula Grant (Perkins allows either formula or competitive process) State Educational Agency
Program description
The Perkins Act of 1998 focuses the Federal investment in vocational and technical education on high-quality programs, requiring states to use a portion of its leadership funds on comprehensive professional development, including initial teacher preparation, for vocational and technical, academic, guidance, and administrative personnel.

Contact office and phone: Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), Division of Vocational and Adult Education (DVTE); (202) 205-9444.

Contact Person and phone: Ron Castaldi, Director (202) 205-9441

Technical Assistance Resources

Circles of Reflection for the STEP Competition Grant                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Use the materials found in the above link to conduct Circles of Reflection for the STEP Grant and to develop an application for the STEP Grant
FY2023 Competition Pre-application webinar #1 – May 17, 2023
Pre-application webinar #1 – June 1, 2023
Review the PDF of the PowerPoint Presentation
View additional information and resources on the How to Apply page.
FY2020 Competition (ended) The Office of Indian Education hosted two Pre-Application Training Webinars for the State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) Grants to Tribal Educational Agencies Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for fiscal year (FY) 2020.
  • Webinar #1:  Friday, June 12, 2020      Listen HERE.
  • Webinar #2:  Wednesday, June 17, 2020    Listen HERE.
These trainings are for potential applicants interested in applying for grant funding under the STEP program. The first webinar is intended to provide potential applicants with background on the STEP Grant Program as well as an overview of the grant competition. During the webinar OIE will review the following topics: Application Requirements & Eligibility, Absolute Priorities, Competitive Preference Priority, Application Instructions, Federal Grant Application Systems, and Review of Resources. The second webinar highlights the relationship between selection criteria, program requirements and application requirements. The intent is to highlight the connection between key components when building a project narrative. A brief overview of the first webinar will also be included.
IMPORTANT ONLINE LINKS FY2020 (ended): Download Application Submission Tips
STEP Talking Circle – May 2023 In this Talking Circle APRs and budget revisions were discussed, providing grantees and opportunity to review their recently submitted APRs. Grantees also had an opportunity to share program activities with other grantees and discuss what the plan to do next.
STEP Annual Performance Reporting (APR) Webinar 2023 This webinar provides guidance, tools, and resources for completing annual performance reporting for STEP grantees.
STEP Talking Circle – January 2023 This Talking Circle allowed grantees to share any implementation challenges and connect with their peers.
For prior event recordings please visit the STEP Playlist.
STEP Talking Circle – October 2022 This STEP Talking Circle focused on APR updates and budget revisions and discussed work-based learning.
STEP Talking Circle – September 2022 This STEP Talking Circle focused on APR Feedback, reporting and budget reminders, and work-based learning.
Distance Learning Session 12: Virtual Share Fair – June 2021 This distance learning session provided an opportunity for grantee’s virtual learning programs to be highlighted and best practices and challenges to be shared. This session culminated the distance learning series for this year.
Distance Learning Session 11: Student Engagement – May 2021 This distance learning session provides a walkthrough, tips, and strategies for increasing online student engagement through effective interactions and student choice featuring Google Keep, Edublogs, Book Creator, Spreaker, and Google Sites.
Distance Learning Session 10: Games and More! – May 2021 This distance learning session provides a walkthrough, tips, and strategies for creating virtual games featuring Doozy, Flippity, Tiny Tap, Oodlü, and Goosechase.
Distance Learning Session 9: Virtual Field Trips – April 2021 This distance learning session provides a walkthrough, tips, and strategies for creating and engaging students in online field trips featuring a multitude of resources for ready made field trips and custom created by you field trips.
Distance Learning Session 8: Small Group Engagement – April 2021 This distance learning session provides a walkthrough, tips, and strategies for engaging students in small groups focusing on social, logistical, and motivational considerations.
Distance Learning Session 7: Virtual Assessment – March 2021 This distance learning session provides a walkthrough, tips, and strategies for assessing learning virtually featuring Kahoot, Flipgrid, and Formative.
Distance Learning Session 6: Audio and Video Recording – March 2021 This distance learning session provides a walkthrough, tips, and strategies for creating audio and video recordings featuring Vocaroo, Screencastify, Screencast-o-matic, Animoto, and Zoom.
Distance Learning Session 5: Collaborating Online – February 2021 This distance learning session provides a walkthrough, tips, and strategies for collaborating virtually with students and staff featuring Edmodo and Google Classroom.
Distance Learning Session 4: Engaging Students Offline – February 2021 This distance learning session provides a walkthrough, tips, and strategies for engaging students offline featuring the Yukon Koyukuk School District.
Distance Learning Session 3: Communicating With Students and Families – January 2021 This distance learning session provides a walkthrough, tips, and strategies for effective virtual communication with families and students featuring Bloomz, ClassDojo, and Remind.
Distance Learning Session 2: Surveys and Forms – January 2021 This distance learning session provides a walkthrough, tips, and strategies for creating and using surveys and forms featuring Google Forms and Survey Monkey.
Distance Learning Session 1: Platforms – December 2020 This distance learning session provides a walkthrough, tips, and strategies for using online learning platforms featuring Zoom and Google Meet.
Data Sharing Agreements – October 2021 This webinar walked through important considerations for developing collaborative partnerships and developing data sharing agreements including a general data sharing agreement template.
Day 3: Data-Driven Decision Making – June 2021 The third session introduced the concept of data-driven decision making, how to integrate this into program planning and implementation, and how it works with logic models and evaluation.
Day 2: Logic Models – June 2021 The second session in this three part series provided an opportunity to work through creating a logic model and how the logic model fits into program evaluation.
Day 1: Logic Models – June 2021 The first session in this three part series provided an introduction to logic models, walks through how to create one, and provides a number of models and templates.
Trauma and Resilience in Tribal Communities: Part 1 An introduction to research on trauma as it relates to AI/AN people and tribal communities, including trauma types, brain science, developmental and behavioral effects, and the interconnected nature of historical and current traumas. Also includes practice scenarios and significant attention to resilience strategies. This is Part 1 of a two-part series.
Trauma and Resilience in Tribal Communities: Part 2 An introduction to research on trauma as it relates to AI/AN people and tribal communities, including trauma types, brain science, developmental and behavioral effects, and the interconnected nature of historical and current traumas. Also includes practice scenarios and significant attention to resilience strategies. This is Part 2 of a two-part series.
 

Legislation, Regulation and Guidance

Legislation

Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, Title VI, Part A, Subpart 3, Sec. 6131(a)(4); 20 U.S.C 7451(a)(4).

Regulations

June 1, 2020 State Tribal Education Partnership Grants to Tribal Education Agencies Regulationshttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/06/01/2020-11729/applications-for-new-awards-state-tribal-education-partnership-grants-to-tribal-educational-agencies

June 13, 2019 State Tribal Education Partnership Grants to Tribal Education Agencies Regulations: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/06/13/2019-12500/applications-for-new-awards-state-tribal-education-partnership-step-tribal-education-agency

The general administrative provisions that apply to all Education Department grants may be found here (note that Part 80 contains the grant requirements for Indian tribal governments): EDGAR; 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97,98 and 99.

Note: The regulations in 34 CRF part 79 apply to all applicants except federally recognized Indian tribes.

Guidance

For guidance on allowable costs under Federal grants, see 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E, available here:
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0ccb912939893ca4ecbd3c215557e00a&mc=true&node=sp2.1.200.e&rgn=div6

Funding Status

 

A grant competition is planned for this program in FY 2020. Please continue to check back for the latest updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions



  Select a link below to jump to the relevant page section.

  1. What is the purpose of the STEP Program?
  2. What do we mean by “SEA-type functions” and what are examples of SEA-level responsibilities that a TEA might assume as part of this grant program?
  3. For purposes of STEP, what is an LEA, what are LEA-type functions, and what are examples of LEA-level responsibilities that a TEA might assume as part of the STEP project?
  4. Does the Department have any prohibitions on the SEA-type or LEA-type functions a TEA may adopt?
  5. Which ESEA formula grant programs could TEAs and SEAs or LEAs include under STEP?
  6. How can a TEA include the title VII, part A Indian Education formula grant program in a project?
  7. Can a TEA propose to include in its STEP project only the title VII, part A Indian Education formula grant program?
  8. What is meant by “capacity-building” as part of the STEP grant program?
  9. Who must comply with the ISDEAA hiring preference?
  10. What are the ways in which the parties can share ESEA formula grants funds, or STEP funds?
  11. Will the Department provide TEAs with State-administered formula grant program funds to distribute to the affected LEAs under the STEP program?
  12. Will a TEA receiving a STEP grant become the agency responsible to the Department for ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements?
  13. If a TEA decides to undertake joint functions with either the SEA or the LEA, such as monitoring or providing technical assistance, would that count as the TEA assuming administrative functions?
  14. Does the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibit a TEA from collecting or receiving data on students as part of its agreement with the SEA?
  15. What does the Department expect to see in a Preliminary Agreement between a TEA, an SEA, and an LEA?
  16. Which parties must sign the Preliminary and Final Agreements?
  17. Will an application be reviewed if it is missing required signatures on the Preliminary Agreement?
  18. What does the Department expect to see in a Final Agreement between a TEA, an SEA, and an LEA?
  19. Are TEAs required to identify the participating schools in their applications?
  20. Can a TEA choose to work with only one school? Is a TEA required to make an agreement with two different LEAs?
  21. Can a TEA apply if one or more selected schools serve students from multiple tribes?
  22. Can a TEA choose to work with only BIE schools?
  23. What additional requirements apply to applicants that include BIE-funded schools?
  24. Can STEP funds be used for BIE schools if BIE-funded schools are included?
  25. What is the purpose of permitting applicants to include Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded tribally-controlled schools in STEP projects?
  26. What are the audit requirements for STEP applicants? Is the TEA required to have an audit?
  27. What are examples of costs that are not allowable under STEP?
  28. How does the Department review proposed project budgets before an award is made?
  29. Must a TEA submit a current indirect cost rate (ICR) agreement as part of its application?


1. What is the purpose of the STEP Program?

The purpose of the STEP program is to: (1) promote increased collaboration between Tribal Education Agencies (TEAs) and the State educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) that serve students from affected tribes, and (2) build the capacity of TEAs to conduct certain SEA-type or LEA-type administrative functions under certain Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) formula grant programs for eligible schools, as determined by the TEA, SEA, and LEA.

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2. What do we mean by “SEA-type functions” and what are examples of SEA-level responsibilities that a TEA might assume as part of this grant program?

Depending on the statutory authorization of the particular ESEA formula grant program, SEA-level functions may include developing policy; providing technical assistance to subgrantees; monitoring for compliance; collecting, analyzing, and reporting performance information; and evaluating programs. SEAs also make subgrants (either competitively or by formula) to LEAs and other subgrantees, but a TEA cannot take on an SEA’s subgranting function. A TEA can, however, agree to take on any of the other functions, under agreement with the SEA, consistent with State procurement laws.

For example, SEA-level responsibilities that a TEA might carry out through the STEP grant include:

    Developing a reservation-wide title I-A implementation plan in collaboration with the SEA
    Providing technical assistance to LEAs on various topics related to the implementation of title I, such as technical assistance on school improvement; or
    Working with the SEA on title II-A to develop teacher evaluation systems, provide training and support to teachers and school leaders, or provide technical assistance to LEAs.

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3. For purposes of STEP, what is an LEA, what are LEA-type functions, and what are examples of LEA-level responsibilities that a TEA might assume as part of the STEP project?

An LEA is an entity that meets the definition of “local educational agency” in section 9101(26) of the ESEA, (i.e., a school district that is recognized by the State as an LEA). This can include a charter school that is a stand-alone LEA, but not a charter school that is part of a larger LEA. A charter school that is part of a larger LEA can only participate as a school in a STEP project. Similarly, BIE schools can be included as participating schools in a STEP project, but are not considered LEAs for purposes of the STEP program.

Activities that LEAs typically conduct include supervision and direction for educational services to students, grant implementation, and data submissions, as well as school district curriculum development and staff professional development pursuant to State guidelines.

For example, LEA-level responsibilities that a TEA may carry out through the STEP grant include:

    Assisting with development of job descriptions for teachers in schools receiving School Improvement Grant (SIG) funds;
    Running an after-school program under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program;
    Conducting native language activities, summer programs for either students or teachers, or culturally-responsive curriculum development under title I-A; or
    Providing cultural competence training for staff under title II-A.

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4. Does the Department have any prohibitions on the SEA-type or LEA-type functions a TEA may adopt?

A TEA may choose any SEA-level or LEA-level functions, as long as all parties agree to each function in the preliminary and final agreements. However, if a TEA performs both SEA-level and LEA-level functions for a single ESEA program, the parties must ensure there is no conflict between these functions. A TEA cannot perform both LEA-type and SEA-type functions for the same ESEA formula grant program if the result would be that the TEA is monitoring itself. For example, if a TEA includes the title II-A formula grant program in its STEP project, the TEA could not perform both the LEA function of providing professional development to schools and the SEA function of monitoring the delivery of professional development, because then the TEA would be monitoring itself.

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5. Which ESEA formula grant programs could TEAs and SEAs or LEAs include under STEP?

ESEA State-administered formula grant programs are programs for which States: receive ESEA formula funding; subgrant funds to LEAs or other entities (in accordance with statutory allocation formulas or other criteria); and oversee the use of those funds by subrecipients.

TEAs may include the following SEA-administered programs in a STEP grant application:

    Improving Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged (title I, part A);
    School Improvement Grants (Section 1003(g));
    Migrant Education (title I, part C);
    Neglected and Delinquent State Grants (title I, part D);
    Improving Teacher Quality State Grants (title II, part A);
    English Learner Education State Grants (title III, part A); and
    21st Century Community Learning Centers (title IV, part B).

TEAs may include the following LEA-administered program in a STEP grant application:

    Indian Education Formula Grants (title VII, part A).

Title VII is a direct grant to LEAs; it is not a State-administered grant. Projects that include title VII grants must also include at least one State-administered ESEA formula grant program. (See question 7 below for more information). TEAs can still choose SEA-type or LEA-type functions for the State-administered ESEA formula grant.

Projects cannot include Impact Aid grants. Impact Aid funds are intended to replace local tax revenues and are generally treated by LEAs as part of the general fund budget. There is no required use of Impact Aid funds by LEAs. Thus, unlike the other ESEA formula programs, there are not required LEA functions for Impact Aid that would be relevant to the STEP program.

Additionally, the schools included in the partnership agreement must be recipients of grant funds or services under the particular ESEA formula grant program chosen. It is possible for a project to include one ESEA program for one school (e.g., title VII for a public school), and a different ESEA program for another school (e.g., title I for a BIE-funded school).

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6. How can a TEA include the title VII, part A Indian Education formula grant program in a project?

A TEA interested in assuming administrative functions for the title VII, part A Indian Education formula grant program has two options:

    i. A tribe may be eligible, outside of the STEP project, to apply for a title VII grant, but only if the tribe is applying in lieu of the LEA under the provisions of section 7112 of the ESEA. A tribe or TEA may not compete with an LEA for a title VII grant. If the LEA meets the eligibility requirements of the title VII program, but does not apply for or receive title VII funds, the tribe and LEA may agree that the tribe can apply for and administer the title VII program in place of the LEA. In this case, the tribe would be the grantee under title VII, and the parties could also include the title VII program in the STEP project.
    ii. If the LEA, not the TEA, remains the grantee under title VII, the parties can still agree to coordinate administration of the title VII project in participating STEP schools. Through the STEP project, the TEA would coordinate with the applicable LEA and submit a preliminary agreement that explains, in part, how the parties would work collaboratively to administer the title VII program and what functions the TEA would assume.

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7. Can a TEA propose to include in its STEP project only the title VII, part A Indian Education formula grant program?

No. If a TEA includes title VII, part A in its STEP project, it must also include at least one State-administered ESEA formula grant. STEP’s dual purpose is to build TEA capacity and to build relationships between the TEA and the relevant LEAs and SEA; if a proposed project only included title VII, part A, there would be no State role in the project. However, for each State-administered program, the TEA can still choose to propose either LEA-type or SEA-type functions.

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8. What is meant by “capacity-building” as part of the STEP grant program?

Capacity-building refers to activities that strengthen the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals or groups to perform specific activities or functions that lead to strengthening communication, cooperation, coordination and collaboration between and among individuals or groups. Regardless of which ESEA programs or functions are selected, we expect that capacity-building will be a focus of each grant proposal. For example, to build the capacity of the organization, applicants may conduct a needs assessment, develop a technical assistance plan, and implement the technical assistance plan.

We expect that a major component of both the preliminary and final agreements will be descriptions of capacity-building activities to be conducted by and for the TEA, SEA, and LEA. By “capacity-building activities,” we mean activities intended to increase the capacity of the:

    TEA to carry out administrative responsibilities under the affected ESEA programs;
    TEA, SEA, and LEA(s) to work together effectively on meeting the objectives of this program; and
    SEA and LEA to understand the unique cultural and academic needs of the American Indian/Alaskan Native students enrolled in participating schools and how to address them more effectively.

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9. Who must comply with the ISDEAA hiring preference?

STEP grants that are primarily for the benefit of members of federally-recognized tribes are subject to the provisions of section 7(b) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (Pub. L. 93-638). That section requires that, to the greatest extent feasible, a grantee—

    i. Give to Indians preferences and opportunities for training and employment in connection with the administration of the grant; and
    ii. Give to Indian organizations and to Indian-owned economic enterprises, as defined in section 3 of the Indian Financing Act of 1974 (25 U.S.C. 1452(e)), preference in the award of contracts in connection with the administration of the grant.

A TEA from a federally-recognized tribe that receives a STEP grant is subject to the hiring preference. If such a TEA shares STEP funds with an SEA or LEA or any other entity, that entity would be subject to the hiring preference when using STEP funds. However, a TEA from a State-recognized tribe generally would not be subject to this hiring preference.

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10. What are the ways in which the parties can share ESEA formula grants funds, or STEP funds?

There are several ways applicants could share funding. The applicant could: (a) share the STEP grant award only; (b) share the STEP grant award and the SEA’s or LEA’s formula grant administration funds; (c) share the SEA’s or LEA’s grant administration funds, but not the STEP grant award; or (d) share no funds. The ultimate goal of the distribution of funds should be to support the objectives of the program.

To enable the TEA to assume certain ESEA administrative functions, SEAs or LEAs can provide a portion of their formula grant administration funds to the TEA, in accordance with applicable State laws. If the TEA and the SEA or LEA agree to share formula grant administrative funds, the TEA must detail the fund distribution in the budget submitted to the Department with the grant application, and the TEA, SEA, or LEA should describe the plans to share these funds in the preliminary and final agreement.

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11. Will the Department provide TEAs with State-administered formula grant program funds to distribute to the affected LEAs under the STEP program?

No. The Department will not grant formula funds to TEAs as a part of this grant program. No changes have been made to the ESEA that would permit the Department to change the designated grantee under any ESEA program. STEP grant funds to successful applicants will consist only of discretionary funds appropriated for this competition. However, a TEA, SEA and LEA may distribute funds according to the options listed in question ten.

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12. Will a TEA receiving a STEP grant become the agency responsible to the Department for ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements?

No. SEAs that participate in the STEP program will continue to subgrant ESEA State-administered formula funds to eligible LEAs in the State, including to LEAs with schools involved in the STEP grant program. SEAs will continue to have the responsibility and authority to ensure subrecipient compliance with the applicable laws and regulations governing all ESEA State-administered formula grant programs. The Department will continue to monitor the performance of the SEA as the agent required to comply with the requirements of Federal laws and regulations related to the administration of the ESEA.

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13. If a TEA decides to undertake joint functions with either the SEA or the LEA, such as monitoring or providing technical assistance, would that count as the TEA assuming administrative functions?

Yes. A TEA’s assumption of SEA-level or LEA-level responsibilities under an agreement could include carrying out responsibilities jointly with the SEA or LEA. Alternatively, TEAs could take on an activity alone, on behalf of the SEA or LEA. Under either option, SEAs retain legal responsibility to the Department, as discussed above. The types of SEA-level or LEA-level functions that a TEA will perform will depend on the terms of the agreement reached by the TEA and SEA, or TEA and LEA.

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14. Does the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibit a TEA from collecting or receiving data on students as part of its agreement with the SEA?

FERPA does not prohibit data-sharing with TEAs if required steps and safeguards are followed. FERPA generally prohibits the disclosure of personally identifiable information from students’ education records without parental consent; however, an SEA or an LEA could release student information in non-personally identifiable form to a TEA. In addition, an SEA or an LEA may designate an Indian tribe or TEA as its authorized representative to audit or evaluate Federal or State-supported education programs, under the conditions set forth in the Department’s regulations. See 34 CFR 99.3, 99.31(a)(3), 99.35. For further information, see resources from the Department’s Family Policy Compliance Office and Departmental regulations. Also, review the requirements for the preliminary and final agreements, as detailed in the application package.

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15. What does the Department expect to see in a Preliminary Agreement between a TEA, an SEA, and an LEA?

A TEA must submit a preliminary agreement between the TEA, SEA, and LEA with its application. The preliminary agreement must document the commitment of the TEA, SEA, and LEA to work together and must include all of the elements required in the application package.

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16. Which parties must sign the Preliminary and Final Agreements?

The preliminary and final agreements must be signed by the TEA, the SEA, and at least one LEA. Letters of support will not be accepted as a substitute.

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17. Will an application be reviewed if it is missing required signatures on the Preliminary Agreement?

No. The signatures in the preliminary agreement are evidence of a commitment between the TEA, SEA and LEA to fulfill the requirements in the proposed application.

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18. What does the Department expect to see in a Final Agreement between a TEA, an SEA, and an LEA?

By March 30, 2016, each TEA grantee must submit to the Department a final agreement that builds on the preliminary agreement and details a feasible, sustainable plan for how the TEA, SEA, and LEA will work together to administer selected ESEA formula grant programs for identified schools. The final agreement must contain all required elements listed in the application package.

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19. Are TEAs required to identify the participating schools in their applications?

Yes. Applicant TEAs are required to list the participating schools in the preliminary agreements that they submit with their applications.

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20. Can a TEA choose to work with only one school? Is a TEA required to make an agreement with two different LEAs?

A TEA cannot work with only one school; it must work with a minimum of two schools, at least one of which is a public school. However, the TEA is not required to make an agreement with two different LEAs. For example, a TEA may work with two schools within a single LEA, such as an elementary school on the reservation, and a high school off the reservation; it could not choose, however, to include only the single elementary school. The TEA could also work with one school that is part of an LEA and one BIE school. This does not require that a TEA make an agreement with two different LEAs. (Please refer to the LEA definition in question three).

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21. Can a TEA apply if one or more selected schools serve students from multiple tribes?

Yes. We expect TEA grantees to serve students from all tribes who attend schools participating in the STEP project. For schools that have students from multiple tribes with a presence in the community, we would encourage a TEA planning a STEP application to first consult with other affected tribes. One option for the TEA would be to form a consortium and include the affected TEAs as its consortium partners. Another option is for all tribes in the community to agree that one TEA will serve as the sole applicant, without forming a formal consortium.

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22. Can a TEA choose to work with only BIE schools?

No. If a project includes a BIE school, the TEA must include at least one public school as well, in order to promote better communication and collaboration between the tribe and the SEA and LEA.

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23. What additional requirements apply to applicants that include BIE-funded schools?

Applicants that include one or more BIE schools in a proposed project are required to transmit a copy of the application to the Bureau of Indian Education. Applicants may transmit this application through email to stepapp@bia.gov
, fax the application to (202) 208-3312, or send the application to Dr. Charles M. Roessel, Director, Bureau of Indian Education, 1849 C Street, NW, MS-4657-MIB, Washington, D.C. 20240. In submitting the application to the Department, these applicants must include as an attachment evidence of the submission to BIE (e.g., copy of dated email transmission or fax receipt).

This will allow the Department and BIE to consult as to whether the TEA will be required to enter into an agreement with BIE that details the respective responsibilities of each entity. Applicants proposing to assume SEA-type functions in a BIE-funded school will be required to enter such an agreement. If the TEA is not able to reach an agreement with BIE by the time of award, the TEA must remove the proposed BIE school from its project and adjust its budget accordingly. A TEA that proposes to assume only LEA-type functions with respect to BIE-funded schools will not be not required to enter into an agreement with the BIE.
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24. Can STEP funds be used for BIE schools if BIE-funded schools are included?

STEP funds can be used to build communication between BIE-funded tribally-controlled schools and public schools. However, STEP funds cannot be used on activities that are already funded by BIE. For example, a TEA may work with a BIE-funded tribally-controlled preschool and the LEA to promote kindergarten readiness and ensure that student goals are aligned across the programs. The STEP funds could not be used, however, to hire additional teachers for the BIE-funded school.

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25. What is the purpose of permitting applicants to include Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded tribally-controlled schools in STEP projects?

BIE-funded tribally-controlled schools are administered by the tribe. These schools serve students that may move between BIE-funded schools and public schools. By including BIE-funded tribally-controlled schools, we promote better communication between the BIE-funded schools and public schools, coordinated through the TEA whose member students are affected by the systems serving the community.

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26. What are the audit requirements for STEP applicants? Is the TEA required to have an audit?

Under 2 CFR 200.500-512, all entities that expend $750,000 or more annually in total Federal awards must have a current audit. If an entity does not comply with the Federal audit requirements, the Department has the option of awarding the STEP grant with special conditions or not funding an application. Note that, as applicable, TEAs may meet this requirement through an audit of the whole tribe; if the tribe expends $750,000 or more annually, the tribe is required to have a current audit. A late audit or an audit with findings for the tribe may have an impact on the TEA’s application status.

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27. What are examples of costs that are not allowable under STEP?

Direct services are not allowable costs under STEP. For example, a grantee cannot hire teachers for a school using STEP funds. In addition, costs must be aligned to the scope of the application, the project purpose, and the general purpose of the STEP program. Additionally, the general government-wide cost principles apply, which prohibit use of funds for most purchases of food, any entertainment expenses, incentives, prizes, or other items identified by the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Cost Principles at 2 CFR 200. For more information, please read the FAQs about the Cost Principles.

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28. How does the Department review proposed project budgets before an award is made?

The Department’s pre-award review of a proposed budget will focus on whether the proposed budget supports the goals and objectives of the grant program and whether those costs are allowable, reasonable, and allocable. The Department eliminates amounts for unallowable or unreasonable expenditures; thus the actual grant amount may be less than the amount in the applicant’s proposed budget. For information on allowable costs, see references in question 27

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29. Must a TEA submit a current indirect cost rate (ICR) agreement as part of its application?

If a TEA has a current ICR agreement and intends to charge indirect costs to the STEP grant, the TEA must submit a copy of the ICR agreement as part of its application. The ICR agreement must be negotiated with and approved by the grantee’s cognizant agency, i.e., either (1) the Federal agency from which it has received the most direct funding, subject to indirect cost support; (2) the Federal agency specifically assigned cognizance by OMB; or (3) the State agency that provides the most subgrant funds to the grantee (if no direct federal awards are received). For federally-recognized tribes, the Department of Interior (DOI) is the cognizant agency.

An applicant selected for funding that has an expired ICR agreement and intends to charge indirect costs to the STEP grant must follow the Department’s regulations at 34 CFR 75.560. Those rules permit an applicant to use a temporary rate of 10 percent of budgeted direct salaries and wages while it negotiates a rate with its cognizant agency (e.g., DOI); the applicant must then submit an ICR proposal to its cognizant agency within 90 days after the Department issues the grant award notification. 34 CFR 75.560.

Applicants with no previous ICR can use a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC); these TEAs do not need to negotiate for this rate. Should such an applicant decide to use this MTDC as its ICR, it must use this rate for a full fiscal year; it cannot negotiate for a different rate. 2 CFR 200.414(f).

Please note that, in accordance with OMB’s Cost Principles at 2 CFR 200, applicants that have an expiring ICR agreement can apply to the cognizant agency for a one-time extension of up to four years. 2 CFR 200.414(g). If a successful applicant has an expiring ICR agreement, after the expiration date of the original agreement, the grantee will be required to submit evidence to the Department that its cognizant agency granted an extension of the ICR agreement in order to charge indirect costs to the STEP grant at the approved rate.

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