The Early Reading First Program CFDA # 84.359 A and B
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Transcript of The Early Reading First Program CFDA # 84.359 A and B
The Early ReadingFirst Program
CFDA # 84.359 A and B
Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiativeswww.ed.gov/faithandcommunity
Agenda Overview of program purpose
Outline application info
Address selection criteria
Write pre and full proposals
Program Purpose Create preschool centers of excellence
Improve quality of teacher instruction
Make classroom environment more conducive to learning
Better prepare children to overcome or avoid future reading difficulties
Program Activities Train teachers using scientifically based reading research methods to better instruct and screen preschool children
Develop children’s abilities in: oral language phonological awareness print awareness alphabet knowledge
Program Results Meet the needs of target population
Professional development for teachers
Disseminate best practices/model curricula
Replicate success nationally
Produce life long learners
Target Population Profile
Urban or rural high-poverty communities
Low-income preschool age children including children with:
disabilities (learning or physical) limited English proficiency
Not for starting preschools—ratherenhancing existing ones
Applicant Eligibility 1 or more “Eligible LEAs” identified on list
www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/earlyreadingfirst/index.html See notice on eligibility details for LEAs
1 or more public or private organizations located in LEA area serving young children
Combination of the first two
Writing tip: Partnerships encouraged
Selecting Targeted Preschools Start small—5 centers more or less to ensure quality results
Stable, established preschools/centers
Provide specific detail as how centers currently address needs of children:
social emotional physical
ActivitiesLesson plansEvaluations
Application Information Applications available: March 17, 2003
Two-tier review process: Pre-Application —April 11, 2003 Full Application —June 27, 2003
Grants awarded late summer ‘03
Estimates: Number of awards: 17—250 Budget: $300,000 to $1.5 million annually for 3 years
Contingent upon Congressional authorization
Understanding the Process Grants process at ED: www.ed.gov What Should I Know About ED Grants
Apply for Early Reading First: Grant application notice available at: www.ed.gov/GrantApp/#84.359
Contact program office with questions:
Mary Ann Lesiak or Jill StewartPhone: 202-260-4555 (TDD) 1-800-877-8339email: [email protected]
Pre-Application Format Possible 115 points with competitive priorities can be earned
Reviewed by a panel of experts
Up to 2 pages describing project
10 pages address selection criteria
Appendix Address criteria in order
laid out in application
Grant Writing Suggestions Clear, concise, and detailed
Recipe: 2/3 planning & 1/3 writing Don’t repeat the selection criteria;
Address the selection criteria Persuade through facts over rhetoric
Utilize research and data
Ambitious but attainable objectives
Resources Early Reading First homepage
National Reading Panel
National Institute for Literacy
Academic tool kits
Experts in your community
www.nationalreadingpanel.org/Publications/subgroups.htm
Invitational Priorities Partnerships: SEAs and or LEAs
with preschool not controlled by LEA Preschools’ goals aligned with state guidelines for grades K-12 Higher, more uniform standards
Projects serve children with special needs—disabilities, language barriersNo points awarded for addressing these priorities
Competitive PrioritiesPre-Application 84.359 A
Children from low-income families Worth 10 points (Submit Form B) Preschools located in eligible LEA service area 75% of children enrolled qualify for reduced lunch 75% of elementary school children in service area qualify for reduced lunch
Novice Applicant Worth 5 points (Check block 6 on 424) Has not administered a federal grant for 5 years Applies to all parties in a partnership
Context Description No direct point value for this section
Sets tone for the application
Detail current status of existing centers ID preschools (list full address in Appendix) Outline instructional program Funding source(s) Number of staff; qualifications, part time or full Number of children served and any special needs Include demographic/socioeconomic factors
Selection CriteriaPre-Application 84.359 A
Vision 25 pts
Key Research and Program Design 40 pts
Continuity and Coordination with 10 pts Formal School Instruction
Measuring Success 25 pts
Vision Detail end result of how current centers would be transformed
Where you are now and where you want to be Be creative and comprehensive Explain vision in persuasive manner
Link end result to the research model or models you propose
Lay out goals for centers of excellence Ensure that goals are aligned with vision Demonstrate vision is feasible and attainable
Key Research & Program Design Link design to the research
Explain why and how strategies selected Activities support project goals
Compare/contrast current curricula with changes under new model
Address how to involve parents
Provide citations
Continuity & CoordinationWith Formal School
Describe state preschool standards for cognitive domain if applicable
Explain how applicant’s project prepares children to meet standards
Preschool level and or lowest grade with standards for reading and language arts
Use specific examples if possible
Measuring Success Plan for determining project success
Note key outcomes of project and how to measure their success in
Classroom environment, instructional practices, and children’s learning Measures will be evaluated on quality and appropriateness for target population
Plans for continuing improvement and dissemination of findings
Full Application Format Successful pre-applicants invited to submit full proposals
Full is comparable to pre-application but differs significantly in key ways
With novice status 105 points possible
Page limit: 2 context; 35 narrative; and 5 pages for budget narrative
Full ApplicationSelection Criteria 84.359 B
Capacity and Significance 15 pts
Quality of Project Activities 35 pts and Services
Quality of Project Personnel 10 pts
Quality of Management Plan 20 pts
Quality of Project Evaluation 20 pts
Winning Reminders Follow directions carefully
Implement reader comments
Use most recent data available
Be specific, unique, and creative
Pool resources and partner
A cookie-cutter approach won’t work
Best of luck in applying for an Early Reading First Grant!