Mathematics and Science Partnerships
The Vermont Mathematics Partnership is a partnership of the University of Vermont, numerous school districts, and the Vermont Mathematics Initiative--a state organization that supports improvments in mathematics learning.
MSP funds support an 80-hour (6 graduate credit) course of content-rich professional development for elementary and middle school teachers taught by math professors over the summer.
This professional development is followed up with mentoring and intensive support by highly trained practitioners who have received a masters degree in mathematics.
These mentors assist the teachers transfer their knowledge into their classroom practice.
In 2006-07 67 teachers were enrolled.
The Department of Education ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through coordination, management and accountability in Federal education programs. The Department works to supplement and complement educational efforts on all levels, encouraging increased involvement by the public, parents and students.
Program Accomplishments
Grants supported programs in all States in FY 2007.
Uses and Use Restrictions
This program supports State and local efforts to improve students' academic achievement in mathematics and science by promoting strong teaching skills for elementary and secondary school teachers, including by integrating teaching methods based on scientifically based research and technology into the curriculum.
Grantees may also use program funds to develop more rigorous mathematics and science curricula that are aligned with challenging State and local content standards; establish distance learning programs for mathematics and science teachers; and recruit individuals with mathematics, science, and engineering majors into teaching profession through the use of signing and performance incentives, stipends, and scholarships.
Professional development can include summer workshops, or institutes and programs that bring mathematics and science teachers into contact with working scientists, mathematicians, and engineers in order to expand teachers' subject-matter knowledge.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
The Department awards 3-year grants directly to partnerships on a competitive basis when the appropriation for the program is less than $100 million.
If the appropriation reaches or exceeds $100 million, as has been the case since fiscal year 2003, the Department provides grants to States by formula based on the number of children aged 5 to 17 who are from families with incomes below the poverty line; States then award the funds competitively to partnerships.
Eligible partnerships must include the State educational agency (if the Department is awarding the grants directly to partnerships); an engineering, mathematics, or science department of an institution of higher education (IHE); and a high-need local educational agency (LEA).
In addition, partnerships may include another engineering, mathematics, science, or teacher training department of an IHE; additional LEAs, public charter schools, public or private elementary or secondary schools; a business; or a nonprofit or for-profit organization of demonstrated effectiveness in improving the quality of mathematics and science teachers.
Beneficiary Eligibility
University staff, school administrators, teachers, students, parents and the community.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Eligible partnerships submit an application directly to the Department when the program's appropriation is less than $100 million. Partnerships submit an application to the State if the appropriation is $100 million or greater.
Award Procedures
The Department awards grants to States by formula. States then award grants to eligible partnerships.
Deadlines
None.
Authorization
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Title II, Part B.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
None.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants are awarded for a period of not more than three years. Renewals are subject to the availability of funds.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) of State-administrered programs (34 CFR Part 76).
Audits
The State will correct deficiencies in program operations that are identified through audits, monitoring, or evaluation. In accordance with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in the Appendix to 34 CFR 80, State and local governments that receive financial assistnce of $300,000 or more within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year. State and local governments that receive between $25,000 and $300,000 whin the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made in accordance wht the Appendix to Part 80, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate.
Records
Records must be maintained for three years. In all cases of audit questions, records must be maintained until resolution has occurred.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-1000-0-1-501.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $182,160,000; FY 08 est $178,978,000; and FY 09 est $178,978,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The range of awards was $890,000 - $21,906,000; the average award was $3,180,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99. For further guidance and other information, contact the Program Office.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Academic Improvement and Teacher Quality Programs, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-6254. Contact: Pat O'Connell Johnson, E-mail: patricia.johnson@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 260-7813.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Selection criteria are contained in the program guidelines. Contact the Program Office for more information.
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