Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP): State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.323A

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The U.S. Department of Education has issued revised common instructions for applicants seeking discretionary grant funding, superseding previous guidelines from December 2022. These comprehensive instructions, intended to streamline the application process, clarify requirements across various aspects, such as submission methods, formatting, and essential registrations. Key stipulations include the necessity for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for electronic applications via Grants.gov. Additionally, the Department has authorized the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in grant applications, while emphasizing the importance of responsible usage to mitigate risks such as bias or inaccuracies. Applicants must ensure that all materials, including forms like the SF 424, are submitted electronically in either Portable Document Format (PDF) or Microsoft Word. The instructions also detail submission deadlines, procedures for paper applications, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. It concludes by reminding applicants of the importance of adhering to the submission guidelines to avoid disqualification. This update aims to enhance clarity and efficiency in the federal grant application landscape.

The Department of Education is inviting applications for the State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) program for FY 2025, aimed at improving systems for preparing and developing personnel in special education. Applications will be available from June 23, 2025, with a submission deadline of August 1, 2025. The SPDG program focuses on enhancing personnel preparation and professional development to support children with disabilities. The application process includes addressing three absolute priorities and three competitive preference priorities, emphasizing evidence-based practices, effective professional development, and family engagement strategies. Eligible applicants include state educational agencies from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. The available funding for the grants is estimated at $3,767,623, with awards ranging from $500,000 to $2,100,000 based on the size of the state and proposed activities. The document outlines specific funding requirements, evaluation criteria, and the importance of integrating initiatives with other educational efforts, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Overall, the SPDG program seeks to improve outcomes for children with disabilities by fostering well-prepared educational personnel through targeted grants and comprehensive support systems.