Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANTS 041818 001
The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program (CFDA 84.215G) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Education intended to strengthen literacy outcomes for children from birth through 12th grade, with a clear emphasis on serving high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools. The program is focused on funding high-quality, evidence-informed literacy efforts that are designed to measurably develop and improve reading and related literacy skills, particularly in low-income communities where access to books, strong library services, and early language supports may be limited.
A central goal of IAL is to encourage innovative, practical approaches that increase both access to literacy resources and the quality of literacy supports around children. The notice highlights three major examples of the kinds of projects the Department is looking to support. First, it prioritizes developing and enhancing effective school library programs in high-need schools, which can include professional development for school librarians as well as purchasing books and other current, relevant library materials. Second, it supports early literacy services, including pediatric literacy models where medical providers use well-child visits as a touchpoint to promote early language and literacy development, provide developmentally appropriate books, and coach parents on reading aloud starting in infancy using research-based practices. Third, it includes book distribution strategies that provide high-quality books to children and adolescents on a regular basis, with the goal of improving reading motivation, reading frequency, and reading performance over time. Across these approaches, the IAL program is aimed at supporting well-designed literacy plans and book distribution efforts that "demonstrate a rationale," meaning applicants are expected to explain why their strategies should work, typically by tying project design to research, prior evidence, or a strong theory of action.
The funding is also shaped by Congressional direction tied to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018. In particular, the Department indicates it will reserve no less than 50 percent of IAL funds for grants specifically focused on developing and enhancing effective school library programs. In addition, the Department notes that it will pay attention to geographic diversity when making awards, including ensuring that funded projects serve a mix of regions and that rural areas are included rather than overlooked.
From an administrative and timing standpoint, the opportunity was posted with applications available on April 18, 2018, and a deadline for transmittal of applications on May 18, 2018. The listing indicates an expectation of around six awards. The synopsis also emphasizes that the brief description is not a substitute for the official Federal Register notice, and that applicants must rely on the Federal Register application notice for the definitive requirements, including eligibility rules, submission procedures, priorities, performance measures, and contact information. It also points applicants to the Department of Education's "Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs" (Federal Register, February 12, 2018) for standard submission and procedural requirements. The opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of Education, categorized as an education discretionary grant, and identified under CFDA number 84.215G.Apply for ED GRANTS 041818 001
- The Department of Education in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program CFDA Number 84.215G" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.215.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 18, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 18, 2018 Applications Available April 18, 2018. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications May 18, 2018.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 6 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program?
The Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). It is intended to strengthen literacy outcomes for children from birth through 12th grade by supporting high-quality, evidence-informed literacy efforts.
What is the CFDA number for this grant opportunity?
This opportunity is identified under CFDA number 84.215G.
Who is this program designed to serve?
The program is focused on improving literacy outcomes for children from birth through 12th grade, with a clear emphasis on serving high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools. It particularly targets low-income communities where access to books, strong library services, and early language supports may be limited.
What kinds of projects does IAL support?
The notice highlights innovative, practical approaches that increase access to literacy resources and improve the quality of literacy supports around children. Examples specifically emphasized include effective school library programs, early literacy services (including pediatric literacy models), and book distribution strategies that provide high-quality books to children and adolescents on a regular basis.
How does IAL define the age/grade span it supports?
IAL is focused on children from birth through 12th grade, covering early childhood through elementary, middle, and high school years.
What is meant by "high-need" schools and LEAs in the context of this opportunity?
The description emphasizes high-need schools and LEAs, especially in low-income communities with limited access to books, strong library services, and early language supports. The official Federal Register notice is described as the source for definitive eligibility rules and definitions.
What is the program's emphasis regarding school libraries?
A central emphasis is developing and enhancing effective school library programs in high-need schools. This can include professional development for school librarians and purchasing books and other current, relevant library materials.
Is any portion of the funding reserved specifically for school library projects?
Yes. The Department indicates it will reserve no less than 50 percent of IAL funds for grants specifically focused on developing and enhancing effective school library programs.
What are "early literacy services" under IAL?
Early literacy services include approaches such as pediatric literacy models where medical providers use well-child visits to promote early language and literacy development, provide developmentally appropriate books, and coach parents on reading aloud starting in infancy using research-based practices.
What are "book distribution strategies" in this program?
Book distribution strategies refer to efforts that provide high-quality books to children and adolescents on a regular basis, with the goal of improving reading motivation, reading frequency, and reading performance over time.
What does it mean that projects should "demonstrate a rationale"?
The synopsis explains that applicants are expected to explain why their strategies should work. This typically means tying the project design to research, prior evidence, or a strong theory of action showing how the proposed activities are expected to measurably improve literacy skills.
Does the program require a focus on measurable literacy outcomes?
Yes. The opportunity is aimed at strengthening literacy outcomes and supporting efforts designed to measurably develop and improve reading and related literacy skills.
Does IAL prioritize any specific communities?
The description places particular emphasis on low-income communities where access to books, strong library services, and early language supports may be limited.
How does geographic diversity factor into funding decisions?
The Department notes it will pay attention to geographic diversity when making awards. This includes ensuring funded projects serve a mix of regions and that rural areas are included rather than overlooked.
When were applications available for this opportunity?
Applications were available on April 18, 2018.
What was the deadline to submit an application?
The deadline for transmittal of applications was May 18, 2018.
Approximately how many awards were expected?
The listing indicates an expectation of around six awards.
What federal agency administers this grant?
This opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of Education, through the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE).
Is this a formula grant or a discretionary grant?
It is described as a discretionary grant opportunity.
Is the brief synopsis a substitute for the official application notice?
No. The synopsis emphasizes that the brief description is not a substitute for the official Federal Register notice. Applicants are directed to rely on the Federal Register application notice for definitive requirements.
Where are the definitive eligibility and submission requirements found?
The synopsis states that definitive requirements, including eligibility rules, submission procedures, priorities, performance measures, and contact information, are provided in the official Federal Register application notice.
Are there standard instructions that apply across Department of Education discretionary grants?
Yes. The opportunity points applicants to the Department of Education's "Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs" (Federal Register, February 12, 2018) for standard submission and procedural requirements.
What broad category does this opportunity fall under?
It is categorized as an education discretionary grant.
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