The document serves as a revised set of common instructions for applicants seeking discretionary grants from the U.S. Department of Education. It aims to streamline the application process, reducing barriers for applicants. Key updates include the removal of references to the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), replaced by the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and technical modifications to ensure clarity. Applicants are required to register in the System for Award Management (SAM), obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and use the Grants.gov platform for electronic submissions. The instructions emphasize timely submissions, noting that applications must be date- and time-stamped before a specified deadline to be considered valid. For paper applications, a prior notification is needed, and the application must be postmarked by the deadline. It also includes provisions for accommodations for individuals with disabilities and promotes public participation in associated meetings. This document reflects the Department's commitment to facilitating access to federal funding opportunities while maintaining rigorous application standards based on accountability and transparency.
The Department of Education is inviting applications for new State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) for fiscal year 2024, up to a total of $3,571,054. The purpose of the SPDG program is to assist state educational agencies in improving personnel preparation and professional development for providing early intervention and educational services to children with disabilities. Applications must be submitted by August 23, 2024, with pre-application webinars available for guidance.
The program emphasizes recruiting well-qualified special education personnel, enhancing collaborative instructional practices, and ensuring equity in educational opportunities. Three absolute priorities include effective delivery of professional development, developing a comprehensive state personnel development plan, and fostering engagement between schools and families. Additionally, there are competitive preference priorities aimed at supporting pathways for aspiring special education teachers, such as residency programs and GYO (Grow Your Own) initiatives.
Applicants must address the stated priorities and demonstrate how their projects will use evidence-based practices to improve educational outcomes. Grant funding is contingent upon the quality of applications and may support various professional development activities, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness in meeting the needs of children with disabilities. The program highlights strategic partnerships and the integration of family engagement into educational practices.
The document outlines final priorities and requirements for the State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) program, aimed at improving personnel preparation and professional development for special education. The SPDG program, under the Department of Education, supports state efforts to reform systems for the benefit of children with disabilities. Effective August 8, 2024, priorities include creating pathways for fully certified special education teachers through residency, grow-your-own (GYO), and apprenticeship programs. It addresses barriers faced by emergency-certified teachers to achieve full certification within three years, and emphasizes training in developmental strategies.
The document highlights the importance of collaboration among State Educational Agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and educator preparation programs to enhance teacher recruitment, retention, and certification processes. It also discusses supports for developing person-centered Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and improving family engagement in educational settings.
Grantees must integrate current research, evidence-based practices, and maintain sustainable programs post-funding. The regulatory actions aim to strengthen educational equity while minimizing costs for eligible entities. In essence, this initiative prioritizes effective teacher development and data-driven methods to enhance educational outcomes for children with disabilities.
The FY 2024 State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) program provides funding opportunities aimed at enhancing personnel development in education, particularly in special education. The application brochure and accompanying resources include vital information for prospective applicants, focusing on the priorities and considerations for this year's competition. Notably, the webinars detail new SPDG priorities like pathways for becoming certified special education teachers through initiatives such as grow-your-own programs, registered teacher apprenticeships, and teacher residency models. Participants can access recorded webinars and PowerPoint presentations that clarify the absolute priorities and offer guidance on aligning application submissions with these goals. The "Office Hours" discussion also provides answers to applicant questions, ensuring clarity in the application process. Overall, this funding opportunity is crucial for supporting educational personnel development, particularly in special education, aligning with federal and state educational improvement initiatives.