Program Descriptions
Program Number
84.283
Title
Comprehensive Centers
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Authorization
Education Technical Assistance Act of 2002, Section 203.
Status
Active
Objectives
This program supports 21 comprehensive centers that provide training and technical assistance, and professional development in reading, mathematics, and technology, particularly to school districts and schools that fail to meet their state's definition of adequate yearly progress (AYP). By statute, the Department is required to establish at least one center in each of the 10 geographic regions served by the Department's regional education laboratories.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The Comprehensive Centers consist of 21 centers, including 16 regional centers and 5 content centers. Grantees are required to develop five-year plans for carrying out authorized activities that address state and regional needs. The 16 regional centers provide services primarily to State educational agencies to enable them to assist school districts, regional education agencies, and schools, especially low-performing schools. Each regional center provides training and technical assistance in: the implementation and administration of programs authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the use of scientifically valid teaching methods and assessment tools in mathematics, science, reading and language arts. The 5 content centers focus on specific areas, with one center in each of five areas: accountability, instruction, teacher quality, innovation and improvement, and high schools. These centers supply much of the research-based information and products in the specific area that regional centers use when working with states.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Research organizations, institutions, agencies, institutions of higher education (IHEs), or partnerships among such entities, or individuals that have the expertise to provide training to States, school districts, and schools may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Agencies supporting or providing elementary and secondary education will benefit, including state and local educational agencies, schools, Indian tribes, community-based organizations, and other recipients of funds under ESEA.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Applications or proposals must be prepared and submitted in accordance with applicable program announcements.
Award Procedure
After completion of competitive review of applications, the Department makes the final decision on the approval and funding of applications.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters for application deadlines.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Approximately 60 to 120 days.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants may be awarded for up to five years subject to the availability of funds and performance by the grantee.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Specified reporting requirements are included in the grant or cooperative agreement document.
Audits
As required by EDGAR, 34 CFR 74.
Records
Records must be kept for three years after the completion of the activity that grant funds were used.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-1000-0-1-501.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 07 $56,257,000; FY 08 est $57,114,000; and FY 09 est $57,114,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
For fiscal year 2007, the average award was $2,678,893. Range $860,000 - $6,039,909.
Program Accomplishments
Awards were made to 21 centers.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Regulations applicable to this program are in The Department of Education's General Administrative Regulations (34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86).
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Department of Education, OESE, School Support and Technology Programs, 400 Maryland Ave. S.W., Washington DC 20202-6140. Contact: Fran Walter. E-mail: fran.walter@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 205-9198.
Web Site Address
http://www.ed.gov/programs/newccp/index.html
Related Programs
84.004, Civil Rights Training And Advisory Services
84.168, Eisenhower Professional Development_Federal Activities.
Examples of Funded Projects
One comprehensive regional assistance center has set as its goal the implementation of a system of sustained and comprehensive support that improves teaching and learning in schools in the region, resulting in high academic achievement for all students, particularly those at risk of educational failure. The center provides support and professional development and assistance to schools; operates a coordinated system of technical assistance with partners at the local, State and national levels; and provides technical assistance and research-based information supported by technology. In working with client educational agencies, the center uses awareness of the need for change, greater responsibility for student achievement, requirements of recent legislation and the promise of technology as openings to help move clients from token or tentative reform measures to more comprehensive ones. Consistent with statutory priorities, the center concentrates on assisting school-wide programs and those who serve children from high-poverty schools.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Criteria include: (1) Meeting the purpose of the authorizing statue; (2) extent of need for the center; (3) plan of operation; (4) quality of key personnel; (5) budget and cost-effectiveness; (6) evaluation plan; and (7) adequacy of resources.
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