FY2022: FY22 Math Acceleration Academies Grant

Fund Code: 125

Purpose:

The purpose of this competitive grant is to fund the implementation of a specific strategic initiative, the Acceleration Academies, to help accelerate the learning of students most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Focus Area for the FY22 Math Acceleration Academies Grant

Funds from this grant can be used to support the implementation of math focused Acceleration Academies for students in grades 3 through 10. The Math Acceleration Academies must take place during the February and/or April school vacation weeks of the 2021-2022 school year.

Acceleration Academy Model

An Acceleration Academy is a week-long academic program designed to accelerate student learning through engaging, standards-aligned lessons.

Applicants that receive FY22 Math Acceleration Academies Grant funds must implement the Acceleration Academy model with fidelity, ensuring the program adheres to the following key program components:

• Instruction is provided in-person
• Lessons are tailored to the specific needs of students and should involve engaging, hands-on learning experiences
• Multiple forms of student data (MCAS, benchmark assessments, attendance, etc.) are used to determine which students are invited to participate in an Academy
• Students receive 4+ hours of in-person math instruction each day for a total of 20+ hours of math instruction during the Academy week
• Students in elementary and middle school grades attend at least 1 specials or enrichment class each day. (Highly recommended but not required)
• Class sizes are small (10–12 students per math teacher)
• Each Acceleration Academy math teacher teaches the same group of students each day for the duration of the Academy week
• Classes are taught by highly effective teachers who are hired through a selective application process
• Teachers are given the autonomy to create lessons based on their students' specific needs and/or focus standards set by the district or school

Key Instructional Components for Math Acceleration Academies

• A Math Acceleration Academy should involve engaging, collaborative and hands-on learning experiences where students apply their mathematical knowledge and skills to real-world problems and focus on mastery (conceptual understanding and fluency) of a limited number of grade level or above grade level standards (depth, not breadth)

To ensure classes are taught by highly effective teachers and instruction during the Academy week meet instructional expectations, districts must commit to the following:

• Teachers are hired through an application process that ensures highly effective teachers are chosen to teach during the Academy week
• Teachers hired to teach in the Math Acceleration Academies receive a stipend between $3,000 – $3,500 for each Math Acceleration Academy they teach in (Maximum of $7,000 if a teacher is hired to teach in a February Math Acceleration Academy and an April Math Acceleration Academy at the $3,500 stipend rate)
• Math Acceleration Academy site facilitators should conduct classroom walk-throughs/observations throughout the Academy week to ensure instruction meets instructional expectations and to provide feedback, if needed

Program Guidance

Please review the Math Acceleration Academy Guidebook for additional information regarding planning and implementation.

• Math Acceleration Academy Guidebook

Eligibility:

All Massachusetts Local Education Agencies (LEA) — school districts, charter schools, education collaboratives, and career vocational technical education schools — that serve students in any of the target grades (Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, and/or Grade 10) are eligible to apply.

LEAs in the Strategic Transformation Region may be awarded multiple awards to account for alternative governance structures (e.g., Springfield Empowerment Partnership Zone).

LEA's that do not serve students in any of the target grades are not eligible to apply. Due to the in-person program requirement, virtual schools/districts are not eligible to apply.

Funding Type:

Federal 84.425D

Funding:

Approximately $17,000,000 is available through federal funds.

For each proposed Math Acceleration Academy an LEA plans to run (February, April, or both), an LEA may apply for up to $5,000 for every 100 total students enrolled in grades 3–10 in the 2021-2022 school year. For example, an LEA that has 100 or fewer total students enrolled in grades 3–10 may apply for up to $5,000 to run one (1) Math Acceleration Academy or can apply for up to $10,000 to run two (2) Math Acceleration Academies, an LEA that has between 101 – 200 total students enrolled in grades 3–10 may apply for up to $10,000 to run one (1) Math Acceleration Academy or can apply for up to $20,000 to run two (2) Math Acceleration Academies, an LEA that has between 201 – 300 total students enrolled in grades 3–10 may apply for up to $15,000 to run one (1) Math Acceleration Academy or can apply for up to $30,000 to run two (2) Math Acceleration Academies, etc.

For a complete list of maximum potential funds an LEA can apply for, please click on the attachment below.

• FY22 Math Acceleration Academies Grant Funding Ranges

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.

Fund Use:

As outlined in the Purpose section, funds must be used to implement the Acceleration Academy model with fidelity and instruction must take place in person.

Funds should primarily be used for teacher stipends but can also be used for administrative staff stipends, student transportation, food services, and general classroom supplies.

Funds cannot be used to purchase student incentives or curricula.

Approved applicants are expected to use these funds in accordance with state and federal laws.

Project Duration:

Upon Approval – 6/30/2022

Program Unit:

Center for Strategic Initiatives

Contact:

Thomas Zorich
Email address: thomas.zorich@mass.gov
Phone: (781) 338-3528

Date Due:

Proposals must be received via email by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 17, 2021.

Required Forms:

• Part I — General — Program Unit Signature Page

• Part II — Budget Workbook

• Part III — Required Program Information

• Part IV — Grant Assurances

Submission Instructions:

Please email Parts I, II, III, and IV to CSI@mass.gov by the due date noted above. Email all required forms in their original Word or Excel formats (e.g., not converted to a PDF; with the exception of the signed Part I documents which should be converted to PDF).

Upon award, recipients will be required to enter the approved budget in EdGrants and upload required documents. Grant recipients will be contacted with further instructions on the process.

Last Updated: December 2, 2021