FY2023: From Research to Practice: Evidence-Based Literacy

Fund Code: 734A

Purpose:

The purpose of the competitive Early Grades Literacy Grant, From Research to Practice: Evidence-Based Early Literacy is to increase teacher knowledge to implement evidence-based, inclusive, culturally responsive practices in early literacy through professional learning on?evidence-based, inclusive, culturally responsive early literacy with a focus on the Mass Literacy Guide, and Culturally & Linguistically Sustaining Practices.

Schools participating in the Early Grades Literacy grant will select a core grant team of up to 6 individuals. This team will attend two full-day professional development institutes (October 2022 and January 2023) and a Showcase meeting (June 2023). In addition, the school-based literacy consultant will facilitate six, 90-minute after-school meetings for the grant team and up to 32 additional educators who opt to participate. All participating educators receive a stipend.

Each school will be funded for 320 hours of school-based work with an expert literacy consultant. This support includes collaborating with the established, school-based literacy leadership team, implementing evidence-based, inclusive, culturally responsive early literacy instruction through grade 3, promoting equity of access and academic achievement for diverse students, coaching individual teachers and administration, and co-facilitating after school professional learning focused on tier I instruction.

Priorities:

DESE seeks to award LEAs that agree to build capacity through this grant to provide evidence-based, inclusive, culturally responsive early literacy instruction and use data to inform instruction in grades kindergarten through grade 3. Applicants agree to the following:

1. Using high-quality core instructional materials (HQIM) in All K–3 classrooms in fall 2022
   • (HQIM) for ELA/Literacy, as defined by a rating of "Partially Meets Expectations" or "Meets Expectations" on EdReports or CURATE
     Or
   • will be implementing a newer version of instructional materials that have previously been rated as high-quality on EdReports or CURATE.
   • Note: Appleseeds can be used for foundational skills instruction but is not a comprehensive HQIM.
2. Administering DIBELS 8^th edition screener to All students in grades K–3 and progress monitor students who need additional support.
3. Engaging in data-driven decision-making meetings a minimum of three times per year.
4. Establishing and maintaining a school-based literacy team to develop explicit, short-term, school-based goals, and lead the implementation of evidence-based, inclusive, culturally responsive early literacy practices in grades K–3.
5. Applying knowledge of and implementing evidence-based, inclusive, culturally responsive, early literacy instruction in grades K–3.

Competitive priority will be given to districts and schools in chronically underperforming status.

Eligibility:

Public school districts, charter schools, collaboratives, and approved special education programs that serve students in grades K–1, K–2, or K–3 are eligible to apply. LEAs may determine the number of schools, and which schools, within the district, will participate.

Note: Schools that participated in the Early Grades Literacy grant during and FY 2021 and FY2022 are not eligible to apply for FC 734a and should apply for FC 734b.

Funding Type:

State

Funding:

Approximately $500,000 is projected to be available and will be distributed on the number of quality proposals submitted.

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:

Funds may be used for the following four categories: stipends, substitutes, evidence-based materials and screener/progress monitoring tools, and a DESE-approved literacy consultant.

• Grant Team Stipends: $1,000 each for up to six grant team members for participation in professional learning beyond contractual hours and associated travel costs, which include:
  • Participation in six, 90-minute after school meetings
  • Travel (mileage, parking, and/or hotel fees for two (2) full-day institutes and a Showcase meeting) as needed
• Additional Stipends: $400 for each additional staff member (up to 32) fully committed to participating in the six after-school meetings.
• Substitutes: up to $100 for up to six grant team members to attend 3 in-person meetings (two institutes and a Showcase). Note: the substitute budget should be based on the district's standard substitute rate.
• Materials: up to $6,000 for Amplify DIBELS 8^th edition (if needed) See Appendix A, DIBELS 8^th edition pricing sheet .
  In addition, up to $3,000 to purchase evidence-based materials to support instruction and professional learning.
• The literacy consultant is funded by the grant and paid by the district for 320 hours at $75/hour for on-site, school-based support, and professional learning.

Project Duration:

Upon Approval – 6/30/2023

Funding may continue in year 2 — Upon Approval (no earlier than 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024) and Year 3 — Upon Approval (no earlier than 7/1/2024) – 6/30/2025) pending state budget appropriation, submitting all required documents, successful utilization of prior funding, and awarding of funds after a continuation grant process. In continuation years, only prior FC734 From Research to Practice: Evidence-Based Literacy grant recipients will be eligible for the continuation grant.

Program Unit:

Center for Instructional Support

Contact:

Tracey Martineau

Date Due:

Monday, July 18, 2022

Proposals must be received at the Department by 5:00 p.m. on the date due.

Required Forms:

Schools applying for funding must submit a grant application that includes all of the following required forms:

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

• Part II — Budget Details
  Complete the following section:
  • Section 4: Stipends
    • $1,000/participant for up to 6 grant team members
    • $400/participant up to 32 additional participants that commit to attending 6 after-school meetings
  • Section 6: Contractual Services
    • School-based literacy consultant ($24,000)
    • Substitutes (up to $100/day for 6 teachers for 3 days each)
  • Section 7: Supplies and Materials
    • Up to $6,000 to purchase DIBELS 8^th edition if needed
    • Up to $3,000 to purchase evidence-based instructional materials
  
  

• Part III: Required Program Information — Grant Narrative Form

• Part IV: School District Assurance Page

Additional Information:

Districts submitting a budget with an Indirect Cost Rate must use "Indirect Cost District Rates 2023" to confirm the maximum FY2023 approved indirect cost rate allowed and must fill out "Indirect Cost Rate Calculation Worksheet ".

For Grant Management processes, including the Request for Funds, information about requesting funds beyond the initial payment, and additional details on managing your grant, see this webpage: EdGrants: User Guides, Information and Trainings.

Districts whose proposals are accepted will receive Part V: School Assurance Page via email. This form requires the names, emails, and signatures of all staff who commit to all required grant activities. Once complete, this form will be submitted to EdGrants.

Submission Instructions:

Complete proposals must be received via email to Tracey.J.Martineau@mass.gov by 5:00 on Monday, July 18, 2022

Applicants will receive a confirmation when the materials are received. Early submission is strongly encouraged to ensure the complete application is received and confirmed by 5:00 pm on the due date.

Awarded Recipients: Upon award, recipients will be required to enter the approved budget, Part I and required documents in EdGrants. Once selected, recipients will be contacted with further instructions on the process.

Please sign up for the Grants Management Monthly Update mailing list to keep informed regarding various grant deadlines.

Last Updated: June 14, 2022