The Arkansas Department of Education is pleased to announce a grant competition for proposals funded under the Goals 2000: Educate America Act (P.L.103-227). Proposals under this legislation should be framed to encompass and extend education reform efforts already underway through the implementation of the Arkansas Public Education Act of 1997 as amended by Act 999 of 1999.
Proposals should address the infusion of technology into teaching and learning. Grants will be awarded for Local School Improvement Through Technology, Professional Development Through Technology or Preservice Teacher Technology Training. Approximately $4 million in grants will be awarded.
Grants from the Goals 2000: Educate America Act funds will be awarded on a competitive basis. In this funding round, the following priorities will be considered in the competitive selection process:
· Local education agencies or consortia that have a greater percentage or number of disadvantaged students than the statewide average when all local districts are considered.
· Local education agencies or consortia not previously receiving Goals 2000 or Technology Literacy Challenge Funds.
· Local education agencies or consortia that have a higher than average state poverty index.
It is not necessary to qualify for one of the priority funding categories in order for a grant proposal to be approved.
Guidelines for preparing grant applications as well as selection criteria are contained in the attached Request for Proposals (RFP). Proposals for competitive grants are due by 3:00 p.m. on December 13, 1999.
Attachment will also be sent through mass mail.