Transcript Document
The Early Reading First Program
CFDA # 84.359 A and B Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.ed.gov/faithandcommunity
Agenda
Overview of program purpose
Outline application info
Address selection criteria
Write pre and full proposals
Program Purpose
Create preschool centers of excellence Improve quality of teacher instruction Make classroom environment more conducive to learning Better prepare children to overcome or avoid future reading difficulties
Program Activities
Train teachers using scientifically based reading research methods to better instruct and screen preschool children Develop children’s abilities in: oral language phonological awareness print awareness alphabet knowledge
Program Results
Meet the needs of target population Professional development for teachers Disseminate best practices/model curricula Replicate success nationally Produce life long learners
Target Population Profile
Urban or rural high-poverty communities Low-income preschool age children including children with: disabilities (learning or physical) limited English proficiency Not for starting preschools—rather enhancing existing ones
Applicant Eligibility
1 or more “Eligible LEAs” identified on list www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/earlyreadingfirst/index.html See notice on eligibility details for LEAs 1 or more public or private organizations located in LEA area serving young children Combination of the first two Writing tip: Partnerships encouraged
Selecting Targeted Preschools
Start small—5 centers more or less to ensure quality results Stable, established preschools/centers Provide specific detail as how centers currently address needs of children: social emotional physical Activities Lesson plans Evaluations
Application Information
Applications available: March 17, 2003 Two-tier review process: Pre-Application —April 11, 2003 Full Application —June 27, 2003 Grants awarded late summer ‘03 Estimates: Number of awards: 17—250 Budget: $300,000 to $1.5 million annually for 3 years Contingent upon Congressional authorization
Understanding the Process
Grants process at ED: www.ed.gov
What Should I Know About ED Grants
Apply for Early Reading First: Grant application notice available at: www.ed.gov/GrantApp/#84.359
Contact program office with questions: Mary Ann Lesiak or Jill Stewart Phone: 202-260-4555 (TDD) 1-800-877-8339 email: [email protected]
Pre-Application Format
Possible 115 points with competitive priorities can be earned Reviewed by a panel of experts Up to 2 pages describing project 10 pages address selection criteria Appendix
Address criteria in order laid out in application
Grant Writing Suggestions
Clear, concise, and detailed Recipe: 2/3 planning & 1/3 writing Don’t repeat the selection criteria; Address the selection criteria Persuade through facts over rhetoric Ambitious but attainable objectives Utilize research and data
Resources
Early Reading First homepage National Reading Panel National Institute for Literacy Academic tool kits Experts in your community www.nationalreadingpanel.org/Publications/subgroups.htm
Invitational Priorities
Partnerships: SEAs and or LEAs with preschool not controlled by LEA Preschools’ goals aligned with state guidelines for grades K-12 Higher, more uniform standards Projects serve children with special needs—disabilities, language barriers No points awarded for addressing these priorities
Competitive Priorities
Pre-Application 84.359 A
Children from low-income families Worth 10 points (Submit Form B) Preschools located in eligible LEA service area 75% of children enrolled qualify for reduced lunch 75% of elementary school children in service area qualify for reduced lunch Novice Applicant Worth 5 points (Check block 6 on 424) Has not administered a federal grant for 5 years Applies to all parties in a partnership
Context Description
No direct point value for this section Sets tone for the application Detail current status of existing centers ID preschools (list full address in Appendix) Outline instructional program Funding source(s) Number of staff; qualifications, part time or full Number of children served and any special needs Include demographic/socioeconomic factors
Selection Criteria
Pre-Application 84.359 A
Vision Key Research and Program Design Continuity and Coordination with Formal School Instruction Measuring Success 25 pts 40 pts 10 pts 25 pts
Vision
Detail end result of how current centers would be transformed
Where you are now and where you want to be
Be creative and comprehensive
Explain vision in persuasive manner
Link end result to the research model or models you propose Lay out goals for centers of excellence
Ensure that goals are aligned with vision
Demonstrate vision is feasible and attainable
Key Research & Program Design
Link design to the research Explain why and how strategies selected Activities support project goals Compare/contrast current curricula with changes under new model Address how to involve parents Provide citations
Continuity & Coordination With Formal School
Describe state preschool standards for cognitive domain if applicable Explain how applicant’s project prepares children to meet standards Preschool level and or lowest grade with standards for reading and language arts Use specific examples if possible
Measuring Success
Plan for determining project success Note key outcomes of project and how to measure their success in Classroom environment, instructional practices, and children’s learning Measures will be evaluated on quality and appropriateness for target population Plans for continuing improvement and dissemination of findings
Full Application Format
Successful pre-applicants invited to submit full proposals Full is comparable to pre-application but differs significantly in key ways With novice status 105 points possible Page limit: 2 context; 35 narrative; and 5 pages for budget narrative
Full Application
Selection Criteria 84.359 B
Capacity and Significance Quality of Project Activities and Services Quality of Project Personnel Quality of Management Plan Quality of Project Evaluation 15 pts 35 pts 10 pts 20 pts 20 pts
Winning Reminders
Follow directions carefully Implement reader comments Use most recent data available Be specific, unique, and creative Pool resources and partner A cookie-cutter approach won’t work Best of luck in applying for an Early Reading First Grant!