Ready To TEACH

Program Descriptions

Program Number

84.286

Title

Ready To TEACH

Federal Agency

OFFICE OF INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Authorization

Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title V, Part D, Subpart 8.

Status

Active

Objectives

To carry out a national telecommunications-based program to improve teaching, and prepare students to achieve challenging academic standards, in core curriculum areas. The Ready to Teach program also supports digital educational programming grants that enable eligible entities to develop, produce, and distribute educational and instructional video programming.

Types of Assistance

Project Grants.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Not more than five percent of the amount received under the grant may be used for administrative costs.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

A local public telecommunications entity or partnership of such entities, as defined in section 397(12) of the Communications Act of 1934, that is able to demonstrate a capacity for the development and distribution of educational instructional television programming of high quality.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Elementary and secondary students, and school teachers who provide instruction in core curriculum areas (in the United States).

Credentials/Documentation

None.

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

Application forms and instructions are available from the program office. Application deadlines and other information for applicants are published in the Federal Register.

Award Procedure

Awards are competitively selected following review by nonfederal experts and by the program staff. The Assistant Secretary for the Office of Educational Research and Improvement approves the selection.

Deadlines

Application deadlines and other information for applicants are published in the Federal Register.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

The range of approval/disapproval time is approximately 60 days following the application deadline.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Digital educational programming grants amended under ESEA Sec. 5484, require a match of not less than 100 percent from federal applicants. Grants awarded under ESEA Sec. 5481, to carry out a national telecommunications-based program have no formula or matching regulations. Such matching funds may include funds provided for the transition to digital broadcasting, as well as in-kind contributions.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Following a competitively selected 12-month award, up to two additional years may be awarded. Renewals are subject to the availability of appropriations.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

A s required by the Educational Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for direct grant programs (34 CFR 75). Generally, annual performance and financial reports are required.

Audits

See 34 CFR 74.26. Institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations are subject to the audit requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133. State and local governments are subject to the requirements in the Single Audit Act and the ED regulations implementing OMB Circular No. A-128 (see 34 CFR 80).

Records

As required by EDGAR for direct grant programs (34 CFR 75). Generally, records related to grant funds, compliance, and performance must be maintained for a period of five years after completion.

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0204-0-1-501.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 07 $10,890,000; FY 08 est $10,700,000; and FY 09 est $0.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Fory FY 2008, the range is $4.2 million to $6.5 million; the average award is $5.35 million.

Program Accomplishments

In FY 2008, two continuation awards were made.

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Department of Education, OII Technology in Education Programs, 400 Maryland Ave. S.W., Washington, DC 20202. Contact: Sharon Harris, Telephone: (202) 205-5880. E-mail: sharon.harris@ed.gov.

Web Site Address

http://www.ed.gov/programs/readyteach/index.html

Related Programs

None.

Examples of Funded Projects

In FY 2005, the most recent year that new awards were made in this program, the Department funded a grant to Alabama Public Television and the Alabama State Department of Education to lead a multi-state collaborative effort to provide online staff development programs for educators. Eight state departments of education and their public broadcast station partners have joined together in this partnership to address the need for accessible professional development opportunities. Partners in the Alabama Public Television e-Learning for Educators project include the following States: Alabama, Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Boston College, Education Development Corporation (EDC) and Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) are providing technical assistance, consultation, and evaluation. Alabama Public Television is administering the grant.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

The Department uses the selection criteria contained in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) to evaluate applications to this program.