FY2025: CTE Frameworks and Competency Based Implementation

Fund Code: 0426

Purpose:

This competitive project will support districts in implementing the CTE Frameworks using competency-based systems that integrate career-connected learning with grade level aligned math, English, and science content.

Priorities:

Priority will be given to applicants that:

1. Support the development of tools and resources for implementation frameworks using of competency-based teaching, learning, assessment and support within a school's Multitiered system of support (MTSS) . Use the MTSS process to implement academic supports and interventions that provide all students, particularly students with disabilities and English learners, equitable access to deeper learning.
2. Engage with students, families, and other constituents to ensure the project includes stakeholder perspective and support a more inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment.
3. Reduce barriers to student engagement and motivation to persist in learning while ensuring strong alignment with local graduation requirements.
4. Promote transparency and empower students to monitor and improve their own learning experiences and performance.
5. Support deeper learning experiences and rigorous course taking while:
   1. Maximizing participation of all students with appropriate supports
   2. Engaging in student-centered and student-led career development planning
   3. Ensuring all students have access to positive postgraduation outcomes including (as examples) postsecondary opportunities and entry level jobs.
6. Incorporate school adopted HQIM in the implementation of new CTE frameworks and use of competency-based curriculum and assessment.
7. Create, develop, and ensure implementation of instructional leadership structures that that foster culturally and linguistically sustaining grade appropriate instruction
8. Implement and train all staff in high-leverage instructional practices designed for students with disabilities. (e.g., providing scaffolded supports, explicit instruction, flexible grouping, and adapting curriculum and tasks based on students' specific learning goals)
9. Engage teachers in professional development linked directly to the curriculum and set up a process to regularly monitor the effectiveness of curriculum implementation
10. Implement the WIDA 2020 framework and ensure alignment to EL BluePrint

Additionally, all districts will share learning from this experience in the form of replicable tools, resources, artifacts, lessons and more, which the Department can compile and make available statewide in the future. Recipients will be required to submit a final report on or before July 31, 2025. The final report must include:

• The outcomes of the planning process; and
• A summary of implementation; and potential for replication;
• Challenges encountered during planning and implementation;
• Any plans to institutionalize, continue or scale up the program or project;
• What support/resources might be necessary to replicate or expand these programs/activities; and
• How the grantee used the funds.

Eligibility:

Eligible applicants include any school district with State Approved Career Technical (Chapter 74) programs.

Funding Type:

Federal CFDA 84.048

Federal grant funds must adhere to:

• UGG (2 CFR 200)
• EDGAR As Applicable
• EDGAR General Fiscal Administration 34 CFR Part 76

Funding:

An approximate total amount of $500,000 is available to eligible applicants.

This grant will prioritize at least 25% of available funds available for schools and districts in chronically underperforming status. If applications are not received from schools in status, funds will be distributed to other applicants.

This RFP is the governing document for these grant funds.

Funding is contingent upon availability. Eligible organizations can apply for up to the amount listed here. 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 must be used to support robust participation in the project. Funds may also be used for:

• Stipends for additional staff support
• Costs to support an inclusive and equitable process to gather input from staff, students, families, higher education partners, and other community stakeholders and institutional partners

Project Duration:

Upon Approval – 6/30/2025

Program Unit:

Office of College, Career, and Technical Education

Contact:

Marnie Jain

Date Due:

Round 1: Friday June 28, 2024*

Round 2: Friday September 13, 2024*

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

*All responses must be received by the due date listed above. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. Responses not received on time will not be reviewed. Applicants applying after the due date may be notified their application was received late and will not be reviewed. Applications must be submitted as directed in the Submissions Instructions below. Failure to do so may result in disqualification. If you need assistance with submitting your application, please reach out to the contact person listed on this funding opportunity.

Competitive grant applications are considered submitted when the Superintendent / Chief Executive approves the grant application in GEM$. In order to be considered for competitive funding, applicants must submit a grant application through the LEA Superintendent Approved stage by the due date listed in the RFP.

Submission Instructions:

The 0426 CTE Frameworks and Competency Based Implementation 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$)

Competitive grant applications are considered submitted when the Superintendent / Chief Executive approves the grant application in GEM$. In order to be considered for competitive funding, applicants must submit a grant application by the due date listed in the RFP.

The Superintendent / Chief Executive Approved Step allows for the organization lead to review and approve the grant application. Removing the requirement for the Part I Standard Contract Form, this step signifies Superintendent /Chief Executive sign off. Any grant budget changes requiring signature, will re-execute this step when amended signifying the organization lead is approving these changes.

New Organizations: Grant Submission requires applicants to have their organization established in GEM$. Entities that do not have an organization established in GEM$ must contact the DESE Program Unit issuing this grant at a minimum 5 business days prior to the grant due date for temporary organization access.

Failure to provide DESE with GEM$ Temp Organization Access Request at least 5 business days prior to the due date may result in not meeting the submission due date listed above. DESE cannot accept or review applications after the due date.

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: June 4, 2024