FY2025: Deeper Learning Implementation Grant

Fund Codes: 0328 / 0247

Purpose:

Targeted funding to support districts participating in the Advanced Learning Pilot program.

Priorities:

• Build districts' conceptual understanding of multi-tiered systems of support so that tier 1 instruction can be utilized to include universal opportunities to advance students' learning which may include tier 2 and tier 3 supports.
• Districts will begin developing a draft continuum of services document beginning with tier 1 supports for third through eighth grade students with advanced learning needs, with a particular focus on students who have been historically underserved.

Eligibility:

Only districts who have been selected to participate in the Advanced Learning Pilot program for FY25 are eligible for this funding. Districts were notified of the pilot program through the Commissioner's Weekly Update as well as targeted outreach to districts on DESE's targeted assistance list. A review team selected the districts with the use of a rubric and consensus meeting. Geographic location and demographics were also considered to ensure diversity of representation.

Funding Type:

State Line Item 7061-9408 (FC 0328)
Trust Funds 1599-2056 (FC 0247)

Funding:

Approximately $50,000 will be awarded to eligible school districts. Each eligible district will be able to apply for up to $10,000.

This RFP is the governing document for these grant funds.

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:

Districts may utilize these funds for:

• Financial support for classroom teachers participating in the Advanced Learning Pilot to attend meetings outside of contracted hours
• Substitute pay for classroom coverage if/when classroom teachers participating in the Advanced Learning Pilot attend meetings during the school day
• High quality instructional materials and resources, such as those assessed by CURATE or aligned with guidance from the Center for Instructional Support or the National Association for Gifted Children (or similar) that will be used to support extension activities for lessons and/or resources such as books on pedagogical best practices for serving students with advanced learning needs.

Project Duration:

Upon Approval* – 6/30/2025

*Grant start date cannot be prior to DESE receiving a substantially approvable Application Submission as directed in this RFP's Submission Instructions. Goods and Services cannot be procured prior to Grants receiving and approving an application submission. Funds cannot exceed the project duration end date.

Program Unit:

Center for Strategic Initiatives

Contact:

Leah Murphy

Phone Number:

(781) 338-3510

Date Due:

March 21, 2025, 5:00p.m.

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

GEM$ Submission Instructions:

The FY25 0328/ 0247 Advanced Learning Pilot Grant will be submitted in our new GEM$ system. GEM$ is a cloud-based fiscal and program management grant system that will eventually phase out the use of EdGrants.

Grants for Education Management System (GEM$)

Please Note: Grant Submission at the LEA level requires roles to be established for Grant writer for the specific fund code, LEA fiscal for financial review/approval, and Superintendent/Chief Executive sign off. All these roles should be established prior to the grant due date and all appropriate forms should be either uploaded to GEM$, maintained at the LEA level or sent in to the DESE RFP contact as described on the individual forms. The user guidance documents and forms are found on the GEM$ homepage under DESE Resources. These forms can be accessed without logging in to the system.

Last Updated: March 6, 2025