Grants for State Assessments and Related Activities
Examples of Funded Projects
Projects include development or subsequent implementation of standards-based state academic assessments in reading or language arts, mathematics, and science as required by the authorizing statute.
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
In 2007, 51 out of 52 State educational agencies had implemented reading/language arts and mathematics assessments that align with the State's academic content standards for all students in grades three through eight and in high school, and 5 had implemented science assessments that align with the State's academic content standards for all students in each grade span (grades 3 through 5,6 through 8, and high school).
Uses and Use Restrictions
State educational agencies must use these funds to carry out the responsibilities described in Section 6111 of the ESEA.
Funds may be used to support the development of the additional State assessments and standards required by Section 1111(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended (ESEA); or if a State has developed the assessments and standards required by Section 1111(b), then to support the administration of those assessments or to carry out other activities related to ensuring that the State's schools and local education agencies are held accountable for results.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
State educational agencies with either: (1) An approved consolidated application that includes application for funds under Section 6111 or (2) an approved Title I Part A application that includes application for funds under Section 6111.
Beneficiary Eligibility
States and local educational agencies.
Credentials/Documentation
Not applicable.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
States applying for Title I, Part A, funds under the consolidated application procedure must initiate Section 6111 on their list of "ESEA Programs included in the consolidated application" and must respond adequately to the single question asking them to identify how they will use Section 6111 funds. States applying for Title I, Part A, funds under an individual program application procedure must initiate Section 6111 on their cover sheet for this application and must respond adequately to the single question asking them to identify how they will use Section 6111 funds.
Award Procedures
The Department will allocate funds to any State whose State application submission demonstrates that funds will be used for covered activities and that costs associated with those activities are reasonable.
Deadlines
Contact the program office for deadlines.
Authorization
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, Title VI, Part A, Subpart I.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Approximately 30-90 days.
Appeals
If the Department disapproves a State's application for funds authorized by Section 6111, the State has the right to a hearing in accordance with Section 76.202 of the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR).
Renewals
States with approved applications will automatically receive grant awards for any year for which there is an appropriation for the program.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Under the funding formula, one-half of 1 percent of the appropriation is reserved for the DOI Bureau of Indian Education and one-half of 1 percent goes to the Outlying Areas. From the remaining funds, each State receiveds $3 million and then a share of any remaining funds based on its proportion of students ages 5 through 17.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Awards of funds are available for obligation for a maximum of 27 months. They become available to the Department on July 1, and are awarded to States on or about that date. They remain available for obligation under the initial period of availability for 15 months (until September 30, of the following fiscal year). Under section 421(b) of the General Education Provisions Act, any funds that remain unobligated may be carried over for obligation for an additional 12 months. Funds for succeeding fiscal years, if appropriated, will follow a similar timeline.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Grantees are subject to the reporting requirements contained in Parts 76 and 80 of the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR).
Audits
In accordance with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR 80, State and local governments that receive financial assistance of $100,000 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 $100,000 within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made in accordance with the Appendix to EDGAR, Part 80.
Records
All grantees must maintain and complete records in accordance with the General Education Provisions Act and the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR).
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-1000-0-1-501.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $407,563,000; FY 08 est $408,732,000; and FY 09 est $408,732,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
For FY 2008, the range of awards is expected to be $3,355,000 to $33,417; the average award is expected to be $7,615,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), Parts 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99. 34 CFR Parts 200 and 300. Nonregulatory guidance is available at http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/account/saa.html.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-6132. Contact: Zollie Stevenson, E-mail: zollie.stevenson@ed.gov. Telephone: (202)260-1824.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable; awards through a formula to the States.
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