The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is authorized under No Child Left Behind, Title II Part B, to administer a Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) competitive grant program to establish mathematics and/or science partnerships between institutions of higher education and local schools in need of improvement. Other service providers such as mathematics specialists, science specialists, regional service centers, two-year colleges, and university math/science centers may also share in the partnership. Proposals must focus on improved achievement of students (grades K-12) in mathematics and/or science by enhancing the content knowledge and teaching skills of teachers. Approximately $1.8 million is available for funding up to 15 new grant awards. Awards may be renewed for up to two additional fiscal years pending receipt of additional federal funds and acceptable performance and evaluation.
All applicants for the Title II Part B MSP grants are expected to send at least one representative to the MSP Grant Application Workshop to be held on Friday, October 27, 2006, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The workshop will be held in the auditorium of the Arkansas Department of Education building at #4 State Capitol Mall, Little Rock. The grant application will be distributed at the workshop and will also be posted on the ADE website (http://ArkansasEd.org) on Monday, October 23rd.
To register for the Grant Application Workshop, please e-mail the name, telephone number, and the name of the institution to Marge.Roberts@arkansas.gov no later than Wednesday, October 25th, so that adequate seating can be provided. This session will include an overview of the requirements of the Request for Proposal (RFP), including evaluation requirements, to be followed by a question and answer session. An Intent to Submit form (included in the RFP package) must be submitted by December 8, 2006, and proposals are due no later than January 26, 2007.
For additional information, contact Judy Trowell, MSP Program Manager, at 501-682-4247 or 501-371-2064.