| Funding Available |
November 29, 1999
TO THE ELIGIBLE APPLICANT ADDRESSED:
SUBJECT: Request for Application (RFA) #701-00-009 Texas Ready to Read Grant Program
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is requesting applications from public school districts operating a prekindergarten program, including open enrollment charter schools; shared services
arrangements among public school districts operating a prekindergarten program(s); regional education service centers operating a prekindergarten program or a shared services arrangement to
operate a prekindergarten program; public institutions of higher education as defined under Texas Education Code Section 61.003; private or independent institutions of higher education as
defined under Texas Education Code Section 61.003; organizations exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(26 U.S.C. Section 501(c)(3)); or governmental entity in Texas to provide scientific, research-based pre-reading instruction for the purpose of directly improving pre-reading skills and for
identifying cost-effective models for pre-reading intervention.
The goals of the program are to ensure the establishment of effective professional development and curriculum materials for pre-reading instruction in early childhood programs; encourage the coordination of resources among early childhood educational providers; and evaluate the effectiveness of programs of pre-reading instruction and intervention.
The funding categories allowed for under this grant and according to the General Appropriations Act, House Bill 1, Article III, Rider 65 include acquisition and implementation of pre-reading curriculum and materials; acquisition and implementation of required pre-reading skills assessment materials; ongoing and intensive professional staff development, including training specifically focused on the selected pre-reading curriculum and materials and pre-reading skills assessment materials; and employment of additional pre-reading instructors, as necessary.
The Texas Ready to Read grants for project year 1 will be implemented during the 1999-2001 fiscal years. Applicants should plan for a project year 1 starting date of no earlier than April 10, 2000 and a project year 1 ending date of no later than May 31, 2001. Funding will be provided for approximately 6-10 projects. Each project will receive a maximum of $150,000 for the 1999?2001 school years.
It is the intent of the Texas Education Agency to provide continuation funding for the recipients in the 2001-2002 fiscal year. However, project funding in the second year will be based on
satisfactory progress of the first-year objectives and activities.
Applications will be selected based on the independent reviewers' assessment of each applicant's ability to carry out all requirements contained in the RFA. Reviewers will evaluate applications
based on the overall quality and validity of the proposed grant program and the extent to which the application addresses the primary objective(s) and intent of the project. Applications must
address each requirement as specified in the RFA to be considered for funding.
An applicant is eligible to apply for a grant if at least 75% of the children enrolled in the proposed program are from low-income households. As a condition of receiving a grant, an applicant must commit new public or private matching funds to the grant program in a percentage from 30 percent to 75 percent, as determined by county property wealth per ADA, based on 1998 taxable values. Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate coordination of resources among early childhood educational providers. The TEA reserves the right to select from the highest-ranking applications those that address all requirements in the RFA and that are most advantageous to the project.
The TEA is not obligated to approve an application, provide funds, or endorse any application submitted in response to this RFA. This RFA does not commit TEA to pay any costs before an application is approved. The issuance of this RFA does not obligate TEA to award a grant or pay any costs incurred in preparing a response.
Enclosed is a copy of RFA #701-00-009. You may obtain additional copies by writing the Document Control Center, Room 6-108, Texas Education Agency, William B. Travis Building, 1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701; by calling (512) 463-9304; by faxing (512) 463?9811; by Web page (http://www.tea.state.tx.us/grant/announcements); or by e-mailing dcc@tea.state.tx.us. Please refer to the RFA number and title in your request. Provide your name, complete mailing address, and phone number including area code.
For clarifying information about the RFA, contact D. J. Johnson, Office of Statewide Initiatives, Texas Education Agency, (512) 463-9027. Applications must be received in the Document Control Center of the Texas Education Agency by 5:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday, January 31, 2000, to be considered for funding.
Sincerely,
Robin Gilchrist
Assistant Commissioner
Office of Statewide Initiatives
For further information on this topic, contact D. J. Johnson, Office of Statewide Initiatives, (512) 463-9027.