GRANT OPPORTUNITY

February 1, 2005

TO THE SUPERINTENDENT ADDRESSED:

Subject: AP Spanish Language in Middle School Grant Opportunity

During the 2000-2001 school year, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) started a pilot grant program in which middle school students who were native Spanish speakers and who were in economic need began taking Advanced Placement Spanish courses. In May 2001, the first group of eighth graders from the seven pilot districts took their AP Spanish Language examination. Of the more than 350 students who were tested, 89% received a score of three or better (out of a possible five). In May 2002, with over 400 Texas middle school students taking the national examination, more than 90% received a score of three or better. Results of this program have continued to improve over the past 2 years. For more information about the program, please see the press release at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/press/apspanish05.html or visit the program website at http://www.teamiddleschoolspanish.org .

Districts that participated in the program reported additional benefits; participating students have fewer disciplinary problems, begin to do better in their other classes, and view college as a goal they can attain. Because of the program's success, TEA wrote a grant proposal to the United States Department of Education to expand the program to other Texas districts. This year TEA, in conjunction with Education Service Center (ESC) Region 13 Office of Statewide Initiatives, is offering the opportunity for other middle/high school campuses to participate in this program.

Any campus that wishes to be considered for funding must complete the attached grant application. This year's grant offers districts a minimum of $10,000 for the planning of a program that must start during the 2006-2007 school year. Campuses that wish to apply must commit to offering AP Spanish Language courses in the middle school and to work with feeder high schools to assure that participating students have the opportunity to continue their studies in AP Spanish Literature as well as other Languages Other Than English (LOTE) courses.

Additionally, districts receiving funds will be expected to:

• send at least one person to a meeting in Austin on March 29, 2005;
• send a team including teachers, the principal, the middle school counselor, and at least one high school teacher to an AP Spanish Language in Middle School training session during the summer of 2005 (location to be announced);
• meet at least once with a grant mentor to work on program development;
• select middle school students to participate in the program that begins in school year 2006-2007;
• hold at least one informational meeting with parents of potential participating students during the spring of 2006;
• provide project teachers a minimum of three days’ release time to work together and modify curriculum to meet the needs of students participating in the program; and
• work with the project evaluator by providing data and opportunities for school visitations and participant interviews.

All grant applications must be received in the Office of Statewide Initiatives at ESC Region 13 by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2005. Grant schools will be notified by March 4, 2005. Priority will be given to those districts that have a high percentage of students with financial need and that have existing LOTE services in the middle schools.

Should you have questions about the application, please contact Erin Midgley at (512) 919-5489 or erin.midgley@esc13.txed.net. Should you have questions concerning the AP Spanish in Middle Schools Program, please contact Dalissa Brandenburg at (512) 463-9581 or dalissa.brandenburg@tea.state.tx.us.

Sincerely,

Susan Barnes
Associate Commissioner for Standards and Programs

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