FY2021: Systems for Student Success Initiative

Fund Code: 248

Purpose:

This continuation grant for the Systems for Student Success (SfSS) initiative is designed to support districts that want to thoughtfully examine and significantly strengthen systems and core practices that can either promote or hinder students' ability to thrive in and outside of school. Many districts are working hard to support their students proactively and holistically. Often, however, our structures, policies, and approaches are relics from years, if not decades, in the past and are no longer in alignment with current research, evidence-based practice, or the lives and needs of the students and families that we serve. Rather than simply adding new programs, instructional tools/resources, or ad hoc training, SfSS is focused on fundamentally changing "the way we do school" and the role that districts play in supporting schools. Grant funds through SfSS may be used for staff stipends, consultants, substitutes, professional development and materials to be used in the implementation of system-level changes.

Priorities:

Through the SfSS initiative, participating districts are asked to identify and focus on specific priorities to eliminate inequities and/or foster all students' success.

1. Family Engagement: Significantly improve relationships with families and develop systems to communicate and collaborate with families in ways that are meaningful and inclusive.
2. Restorative Practices/Positive Behavioral Support: Ensure behavioral support practices/policies are positive, restorative, and consistently implemented; develop systems and routines to continuously monitor for disproportionate, punitive, and/or ineffective practices/policies.
3. Mindset and Capacity to Integrate SEL & Academics: Cultivate adult mindset and capacity to support all students' academic and social-emotional development in an effective, integrated manner.
4. Diversify Staffing: Recruit and retain leaders and educators who are more reflective of students and communities served.
5. Integrated Data Systems: Build and/or improve data systems (assessment tools, data collection/analysis methods, platforms, etc.) to enable the collection and triangulated use of school climate, social-emotional, academic, and student support data.
6. Universal Student Support: Strengthen our systems and teaming structures to regularly and proactively assess each student's strengths and needs, identify and provide appropriate support strategies/interventions, and monitor the efficacy/impact of those strategies to ensure student needs are being met.
7. Culturally Responsive Teaching: Develop and/or improve culturally responsive teaching practices and learning environments for all students and staff.
8. Mitigate the Impact of Poverty and/or Trauma: Build staff capacity and systems to support a greater range of student needs related to poverty and trauma.
9. Adult Culture: Foster a positive, collaborative culture of learning for staff and support their social emotional learning and well-being in order to reduce burnout and improve retention.
10. District-Identified Priority: Districts can propose a priority not included on the list above that is in alignment with the goals of this grant.

Eligibility:

The districts/LEAs currently involved in the Systems for Student Success Initiative are invited to apply for this grant: Advanced Math and Science Academy, Boston Day and Evening Academy, Chelsea Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, Gardner Public Schools, King Phillip Regional School District, Martha's Vineyard Public Schools, Newton Public Schools, Pittsfield Public Schools, Randolph Public Schools, Sandwich Public Schools, Southbridge Public Schools, Waltham Public Schools, Wellesley Public Schools, West Bridgewater Public Schools.

Funding Type:

Federal CFDA 84.027

Funding:

The Department has approximately $400,000 allocated for SfSS grants through August 31, 2021. Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding becomes available it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this RFP document.

Each applicant district may apply for up to $35,000 in FY21 to implement systems and strategies identified in their district plan. Funding for subsequent years is subject to availability and successful performance in the previous grant year. Actual allocated amount for FY21 will be subject to available funds and proposals. Projected funding amounts:

• FY21 (Upon approval (no earlier than September 1, 2020) – August 31, 2021): Up to $35,000
• FY22 (Upon Approval (no earlier than September 1, 2021) – August 31, 2022): Up to $35,000

Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change.

Fund Use:

Grant funds must be used to implement systems and strategies outlined in submitted plans. Grant funds may be used for staff stipends, consultants, substitutes, professional development and materials to be used in the implementation of system-level changes.

Project Duration:

Upon Approval – 8/31/2021

All grant-funded activities must be completed by the end of August 2021.

FY21 is the second year of this 3-year continuation grant.

An electronic report on grant activities and resulting outcomes is required. An online link to the grant report form will be emailed to grant recipients by September 2021.

Applications can legally claim expenses to the grant only from the date of final DESE approval.

Program Unit:

Systems for Student Success Office

Contact:

Andrea Ricotta

Date Due:

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Required Forms:

Part I — General — Program Unit Signature Page — (Standard Contract Form and Application for Program Grants)

 

Part II — Budget to be entered directly into EdGrants

Part III — Required Program Information

Additional Information:

EdGrants User Guides includes information on how to apply in EdGrants, how to Request funds, how to request user access.

Budget Detail — Description of Line Item Information

Submission Instructions:

Email one copy of application materials (all required grant materials) directly to andrea.l.ricotta@mass.gov on or before September 15, 2020.

In addition, submit all required grant materials through EdGrants

In EdGrants, districts are required to create and name the project. Please use the following naming convention for your "Applicant Project Name" in EdGrants:

• FY21 248 SfSS Applicant Name

All items listed under the required forms section of this RFP should be uploaded / attached in the Attachments List formlet of the Application Submission in EdGrants. This includes a signed / scanned PDF of Part I / Coversheet with Superintendent's signature and Required Program Information Form. The final budget the applicant is requesting will be entered directly into EdGrants as part of the application submission process.

For Guidance Documents regarding EdGrants, visit EdGrants: User Guides and Information.

Please note: It is up to the district to determine who they want to add as EdGrants Front Office users to submit grant application as well as payment request information. Please review the EdGrants: User Security Controls to make informed decisions regarding assigning your district level users.

Last Updated: August 25, 2020