[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 12, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9892-9899]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-03125]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Applications for New Awards; Supporting Effective Educator
Development Grant Program
AGENCY: Office of Innovation and Improvement, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
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Overview Information: Supporting Effective Educator Development
(SEED) Grant Program.
Notice inviting applications for new awards for FY 2013.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.367D.
DATES:
Applications Available: February 12, 2013.
Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: March 14, 2013.
Date of Pre-Application Meeting: March 7, 2013.
Further information will be available on the agency's Web site
www2.ed.gov/programs/edseed/index.html.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: April 15, 2013.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: June 12, 2013.
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Purpose of Program: The SEED program provides funding for grants to
national not-for-profit organizations (as defined in this notice) for
projects that support teacher or principal training or professional
enhancement activities and are supported by at least moderate evidence
of effectiveness (as defined in this notice). The purpose of the
program is to increase the number of highly effective teachers and
principals (as defined in this notice) by developing or expanding the
implementation of practices that are demonstrated to have an impact on
improving student achievement or student growth (as defined in this
notice). These grants will allow eligible entities to develop, expand,
and evaluate practices that can serve as models of best practices that
can be sustained and disseminated.
Priorities: These priorities are from the notice of final
priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria (NFP) for
this program, published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal
Register.
Absolute Priorities: For the FY 2013 grant competition and any
subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded
applicants from this competition, these priorities are absolute
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) we consider only applications
that meet one or more of these priorities.
These priorities are:
Absolute Priority 1: Teacher or Principal Recruitment, Selection,
and Preparation.
This priority funds projects that will create or expand practices
and strategies that increase the number of highly effective teachers
(as defined in this notice) or highly effective principals (as defined
in this notice) by recruiting, selecting, and preparing talented
individuals to work in schools with high concentrations of high-need
students (as defined in this notice). Projects must include activities
that focus on creating or expanding high-performing teacher preparation
programs, principal preparation programs, or both. Activities may
include but are not limited to expanding clinical experiences,
redesigning and implementing program coursework to align with State
standards and district requirements for P-12 teachers, providing
induction and other support for program participants in their
classrooms and schools, and developing
[[Page 9893]]
strategies for tracking the effect program graduates have on the
achievement of their students or the performance of their schools.
In addition, an applicant must propose a plan demonstrating a
rigorous, competitive selection process to determine which aspiring
teachers or principals participate in the applicant's proposed
activities.
Absolute Priority 2: Professional Development for Teachers to
Improve their Writing Instruction.
This priority funds projects designed to improve student literacy
and writing skills by creating or expanding practices and strategies
that increase the number of highly effective teachers (as defined in
this notice) by improving their knowledge, understanding, and teaching
of writing in the context of their subject areas. Projects will focus
on improving writing instruction to increase student achievement (as
defined in this notice) by providing high-quality professional
development to teachers in schools with high concentrations of high-
need students (as defined in this notice).
Applicants are required to (i) describe the need, in the districts
proposed to be served, for teacher professional development to improve
student literacy and writing skills and (ii) demonstrate alignment of
their proposed projects with State standards.
In addition, applicants must describe how they plan to measure the
impact the professional development has on the effectiveness of
teachers served by their projects. Applicants must determine teacher
effectiveness through a rigorous, transparent, and fair evaluation in
which performance is differentiated using multiple measures of
effectiveness and based in significant part on student growth (as
defined in this notice).
Absolute Priority 3: Advanced Certification and Advanced
Credentialing.
This priority funds projects that will create or expand practices
and strategies based on advanced certification or advanced
credentialing that increase the number of highly effective teachers (as
defined in this notice), highly effective principals (as defined in
this notice), or both, who work in schools with high concentrations of
high-need students (as defined in this notice).
Applicants are required to focus their proposed projects on
encouraging and supporting teachers, principals, or both, who seek a
nationally recognized, standards-based advanced certificate or advanced
credential through high-quality professional enhancement projects
designed to improve teaching and learning for teachers who may take on
career ladder positions (as defined in this notice), principals, or
both who would serve as models, mentors, and coaches for other
teachers, principals, or both working in schools with high
concentrations of high-need students (as defined in this notice).
In addition, the effectiveness of teachers or principals who
receive advanced certification or credentialing must be determined
through a rigorous, transparent, and fair evaluation in which
performance is differentiated using multiple measures of effectiveness
and based in significant part on student growth (as defined in this
notice).
Finally, an applicant must propose a plan demonstrating a rigorous,
competitive selection process to determine which teachers or principals
participate in the applicant's proposed activities.
Competitive Preference Priorities: For the FY 2013 grant
competition and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the
list of unfunded applicants from this competition, these priorities are
competitive preference priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i) we
award an additional 5 points to an application that meets Competitive
Preference Priority 1. We award an additional 1 point to an application
that meets Competitive Preference Priority 2. We award up to an
additional 3 points to an application that meets Competitive Preference
Priority 3. These points are in addition to any points the application
earns under the selection criteria. Addressing these competitive
preference priorities is optional, and applicants may choose to respond
to none, one, two, or all three of the competitive preference
priorities for this competition.
These priorities are:
Competitive Preference Priority 1: Supporting Practices and
Strategies for Which There Is Strong Evidence of Effectiveness (0 or 5
points).
This priority funds projects that are supported by strong evidence
of effectiveness (as defined in this notice).
Competitive Preference Priority 2: Improving Efficiency (Cost-
Effectiveness) (0 or 1 point).
This priority funds projects that will identify strategies for
providing cost-effective, high-quality services at the State, regional,
or local level by making better use of available resources. Such
projects may include innovative and sustainable uses of technology,
modification of school schedules and teacher compensation systems, use
of open educational resources (as defined in this notice), or other
strategies.
Competitive Preference Priority 3: Promoting Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education (0 to 3 points).
This priority funds projects that address one or both of the
following priority areas:
(a) Increasing the opportunities for high-quality preparation of,
or professional development for, teachers of STEM subjects.
(b) Increasing the number of individuals from groups traditionally
underrepresented in STEM, including minorities, individuals with
disabilities, and women, who are teachers of STEM subjects and have
increased opportunities for high-quality preparation or professional
development.
In addition, applicants must describe how they plan to measure the
impact the proposed project activities have on teacher effectiveness.
Applicants must determine teacher effectiveness through a rigorous,
transparent, and fair evaluation in which performance is differentiated
using multiple measures of effectiveness and based in significant part
on student growth (as defined in this notice).
Definitions
Career ladder positions means school-based instructional leadership
positions designed to improve instructional practice, which teachers
may voluntarily accept, such as positions described as master teacher,
mentor teacher, demonstration or model teacher, or instructional coach,
and for which teachers are selected based on criteria that are
predictive of the ability to lead other teachers.
High-need students means students at risk of educational failure,
such as students who are living in poverty, who are English learners,
who are far below grade level or who are not on track to becoming
college- or career-ready by graduation, who have left school or college
before receiving, respectively, a regular high school diploma or a
college degree or certificate, who are at risk of not graduating with a
diploma on time, who are homeless, who are in foster care, who are
pregnant or parenting teenagers, who have been incarcerated, who are
new immigrants, who are migrant, or who have disabilities.
Highly effective principal means a principal whose students,
overall and for each subgroup as described in section
1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as
amended (ESEA) (i.e., economically disadvantaged students, students
from major racial and ethnic groups, students with disabilities, and
students with limited English proficiency), achieve high rates (e.g.,
[[Page 9894]]
one and one-half grade levels in an academic year) of student growth.
Eligible applicants may include multiple measures, provided that
principal effectiveness is evaluated, in significant part, based on
student growth. Supplemental measures may include, for example, high
school graduation rates; college enrollment rates; evidence of
providing supportive teaching and learning conditions, support for
ensuring effective instruction across subject areas for a well-rounded
education, strong instructional leadership, and positive family and
community engagement; or evidence of attracting, developing, and
retaining high numbers of effective teachers.
Highly effective teacher means a teacher whose students achieve
high rates (e.g., one and one-half grade levels in an academic year) of
student growth. Eligible applicants may include multiple measures,
provided that teacher effectiveness is evaluated, in significant part,
based on student growth. Supplemental measures may include, for
example, multiple observation-based assessments of teacher performance
or evidence of leadership roles (which may include mentoring or leading
professional development learning communities) that increase
effectiveness of other teachers in the school or local educational
agency (LEA).
Large sample means a sample of 350 or more students (or other
single analysis units) who were randomly assigned to a treatment or
control group, or 50 or more groups (such as classrooms or schools)
that contain 10 or more students (or other single analysis units) and
that were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group.
Moderate evidence of effectiveness means one of the following
conditions is met:
(1) There is at least one study of the effectiveness of the
process, product, strategy, or practice being proposed that meets the
What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Evidence Standards without reservations;
\1\ found a statistically significant favorable impact on a relevant
outcome (as defined in this notice) (with no statistically significant
unfavorable impacts on that outcome for relevant populations in the
study or in other studies of the intervention reviewed by and reported
on by the WWC); and includes a sample that overlaps with the
populations or settings proposed to receive the process, product,
strategy, or practice.
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\1\ See WWC Procedures and Standards Handbook (Version 2.1,
September 2011), which can currently be found at the following link:
http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/DocumentSum.aspx?sid=19.
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(2) There is at least one study of the effectiveness of the
process, product, strategy, or practice being proposed that meets the
WWC Evidence Standards with reservations; \2\ found a statistically
significant favorable impact on a relevant outcome (as defined in this
notice) (with no statistically significant unfavorable impacts on that
outcome for relevant populations in the study or in other studies of
the intervention reviewed by and reported on by the WWC); includes a
sample that overlaps with the populations or settings proposed to
receive the process, product, strategy, or practice; and includes a
large sample (as defined in this notice) and a multi-site sample (as
defined in this notice). (Note: multiple studies can cumulatively meet
the large and multi-site sample requirements as long as each study
meets the other requirements in this paragraph.)
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\2\ See WWC Procedures and Standards Handbook (Version 2.1,
September 2011), which can currently be found at the following link:
http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/DocumentSum.aspx?sid=19.
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Multi-site sample means more than one site, where site can be
defined as an LEA, locality, or State.
National level describes the level of scope or effectiveness of a
process, product, strategy, or practice that is able to be effective in
a wide variety of communities, including rural and urban areas, as well
as with different groups (e.g., economically disadvantaged, racial and
ethnic groups, migrant populations, individuals with disabilities,
English learners, and individuals of each gender).
National not-for-profit organization means an entity that meets the
definition of ``nonprofit'' under 34 CFR 77.1(c) and is of national
scope, meaning that the entity provides services in multiple States to
a significant number or percentage of recipients and is supported by
staff or affiliates in multiple States.
Open educational resources means teaching, learning, and research
resources that reside in the public domain or have been released under
an intellectual property license that permits their free use or
repurposing by others.
Relevant outcome means the student outcome or outcomes (or the
ultimate outcome if not related to students) that the proposed project
is designed to improve, consistent with the specific goals of a
program.
Strong evidence of effectiveness means that one of the following
conditions is met:
(1) There is at least one study of the effectiveness of the
process, product, strategy, or practice being proposed that meets the
WWC Evidence Standards without reservations; \3\ found a statistically
significant favorable impact on a relevant outcome (as defined in this
notice) (with no statistically significant unfavorable impacts on that
outcome for relevant populations in the study or in other studies of
the intervention reviewed by and reported on by the WWC); includes a
sample that overlaps with the populations and settings proposed to
receive the process, product, strategy, or practice; and includes a
large sample (as defined in this notice) and a multi-site sample (as
defined in this notice). (Note: Multiple studies can cumulatively meet
the large and multi-site sample requirements as long as each study
meets the other requirements in this paragraph.)
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\3\ See WWC Procedures and Standards Handbook (Version 2.1,
September 2011), which can currently be found at the following link:
http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/DocumentSum.aspx?sid=19.
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(2) There are at least two studies of the effectiveness of the
process, product, strategy, or practice being proposed, each of which
meets the WWC Evidence Standards with reservations; \4\ found a
statistically significant favorable impact on a relevant outcome (as
defined in this notice) (with no statistically significant unfavorable
impacts on that outcome for relevant populations in the studies or in
other studies of the intervention reviewed by and reported on by the
WWC); includes a sample that overlaps with the populations and settings
proposed to receive the process, product, strategy, or practice; and
includes a large sample (as defined in this notice) and a multi-site
sample (as defined in this notice).
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\4\ See What Works Clearinghouse Procedures and Standards
Handbook (Version 2.1, September 2011), which can currently be found
at the following link: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/DocumentSum.aspx?sid=19.
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Student achievement means--
(a) For tested grades and subjects: (1) A student's score on the
State's assessments under the ESEA; and, as appropriate, (2) other
measures of student learning, such as those described in paragraph (b)
of this definition, provided they are rigorous and comparable across
schools.
(b) For non-tested grades and subjects: alternative measures of
student learning and performance, such as student scores on pre-tests
and end-of-course tests; student performance on English language
proficiency assessments; and other measures of student achievement that
are rigorous and comparable across schools.
[[Page 9895]]
Student growth means the change in student achievement (as defined
in this notice) for an individual student between two or more points in
time. An applicant may also include other measures that are rigorous
and comparable across classrooms.
Program Authority: Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2012
(Pub. L. 112-74, Title III, Division F).
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 81,
82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The Education Department debarment and
suspension regulations in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The notice of final
priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria,
published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all applicants
except federally recognized Indian tribes.
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions
of higher education only.
II. Award Information
Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: $25,349,859.
Estimated Range of Awards: $5,000,000-$15,000,000 per award.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $8,300,000.
Estimated Number of Awards: 1-5 awards.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.
Project Period: Up to 36 months.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: As established in the NFP published
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, to be eligible for a
SEED program grant, an entity must be a national not-for-profit
organization (as defined in this notice). Each applicant must provide
in its application documentation that it is a national not-for-profit
organization (as defined in this notice).
2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost
sharing or matching.
3. Evidence Standards: As established in the NFP published
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, to be eligible for
funding, an applicant must demonstrate that its proposed project is
supported by at least moderate evidence of effectiveness (as defined in
this notice).
Each applicant must provide in its application documentation that
its proposed project is supported by at least moderate evidence of
effectiveness. An applicant that responds to the Supporting Practices
and Strategies for Which There Is Strong Evidence of Effectiveness
priority also must provide documentation that its proposed project is
supported by strong evidence of effectiveness (as defined in this
notice). An applicant must ensure that all evidence is available to the
Department from publically available sources and provide links or
references to, or copies of, the evidence in the application. If the
Department determines that an applicant has provided insufficient
evidence that its proposed project meets the definition of ``moderate
evidence of effectiveness'' or ``strong evidence of effectiveness,''
the applicant will not have an opportunity to provide additional
evidence to support its application.
4. Evaluations: As established in the NFP published elsewhere in
this issue of the Federal Register, an applicant receiving funds under
this program must comply with the requirements of any evaluation of the
program conducted by the Department. In addition, an applicant
receiving funds under this program must make broadly available through
formal (e.g., peer-reviewed journals) or informal (e.g., newsletters)
mechanisms, in print or electronically, the results of any evaluations
it conducts of its funded activities.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package: Richard Wilson, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 4C125,
Washington, DC 20202-5960 or by email: SEED@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.
Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application
package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape,
or compact disc) by contacting the program contact person listed in
this section.
2. a. Content and Form of Application Submission: Requirements
concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you
must submit, are in the application package for this competition.
Notice of Intent to Apply: March 14, 2013. The Department will be
able to develop a more efficient process for reviewing grant
applications if it has a better understanding of the number of entities
that intend to apply for funding under this competition. Therefore, the
Department strongly encourages each potential applicant to notify the
Department by sending a short email message indicating the applicant's
intent to submit an application for funding. The email need not include
information regarding the content of the proposed application, only the
applicant's intent to submit it. The Department requests that this
email notification be sent to the SEED program inbox at: seed@ed.gov.
Eligible entities that fail to provide this email notification may
still apply for funding.
Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III of the application)
is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that
reviewers use to evaluate your application. We suggest you limit the
application narrative to the equivalent of no more than 50 pages, using
the following standards:
A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1''
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch)
all text in the application narrative, except for titles, headings,
footnotes, quotations, references, captions, charts, tables, figures,
and graphs.
Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller
than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier,
Courier New, or Arial.
The page limit does not apply to Part I, the cover sheet; Part II,
the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; Part
IV, the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, the
resumes, or letters of support.
b. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of
projects that may be proposed in applications for the SEED program, an
application may include business information that the applicant
considers proprietary. The Department's regulations define ``business
information'' in 34 CFR 5.11.
Because we plan to make successful applications available to the
public, you may wish to request confidentiality of business
information.
Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your
application any information that you feel is exempt from disclosure
under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act. In the appropriate
Appendix section of your application, under ``Other Attachments Form,''
please list the page number or numbers on which we can find this
information. For additional information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).
[[Page 9896]]
3. Submission Dates and Times:
Applications Available: February 12, 2013.
Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: March 14, 2013.
Date of Pre-Application Meeting: March 7, 2013. Further information
will be available on the agency's Web site www2.ed.gov/programs/edseed/index.html.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: April 15, 2013.
Applications for grants under this competition must be submitted
electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site (Grants.gov). For
information (including dates and times) about how to submit your
application electronically, or in paper format by mail or hand delivery
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission
requirement, please refer to section IV. 7. Other Submission
Requirements of this notice.
We do not consider an application that does not comply with the
deadline requirements.
Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or
auxiliary aid in connection with the application process should contact
the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII
of this notice. If the Department provides an accommodation or
auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability in connection with the
application process, the individual's application remains subject to
all other requirements and limitations in this notice.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: June 12, 2013.
4. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is subject to
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under
Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this
competition.
5. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
6. Data Universal Numbering System Number, Taxpayer Identification
Number, Central Contractor Registry, and System for Award Management:
To do business with the Department of Education, you must--
a. Have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and a
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);
b. Register both your DUNS number and TIN with the Central
Contractor Registry (CCR)--and, after July 24, 2012, with the System
for Award Management (SAM), the Government's primary registrant
database;
c. Provide your DUNS number and TIN on your application; and
d. Maintain an active CCR or SAM registration with current
information while your application is under review by the Department
and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.
You can obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet. A DUNS number
can be created within one business day.
If you are a corporate entity, agency, institution, or
organization, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue Service.
If you are an individual, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal
Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration. If you need a
new TIN, please allow 2-5 weeks for your TIN to become active.
The CCR or SAM registration process may take five or more business
days to complete. If you are currently registered with the CCR, you may
not need to make any changes. However, please make certain that the TIN
associated with your DUNS number is correct. Also note that you will
need to update your registration annually. This may take three or more
business days to complete. Information about SAM is available at
SAM.gov.
In addition, if you are submitting your application via Grants.gov,
you must (1) be designated by your organization as an Authorized
Organization Representative (AOR); and (2) register yourself with
Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these steps are outlined at the
following Grants.gov Web page: www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.
7. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under
this competition must be submitted electronically unless you qualify
for an exception to this requirement in accordance with the
instructions in this section.
a. Electronic Submission of Applications.
Applications for grants under the Supporting Effective Educator
Development Grant Program, CFDA number 84.367D, must be submitted
electronically using the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site at
www.Grants.gov. Through this site, you will be able to download a copy
of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload and
submit your application. You may not email an electronic copy of a
grant application to us.
We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format
unless, as described elsewhere in this section, you qualify for one of
the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no
later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written
statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these
exceptions. Further information regarding calculation of the date that
is two weeks before the application deadline date is provided later in
this section under Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement.
You may access the electronic grant application for the Supporting
Effective Educator Development Grant Program at www.Grants.gov. You
must search for the downloadable application package for this
competition by the CFDA number. Do not include the CFDA number's alpha
suffix in your search (e.g., search for 84.367, not 84.367D).
Please note the following:
When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find
information about submitting an application electronically through the
site, as well as the hours of operation.
Applications received by Grants.gov are date and time
stamped. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted and must
be date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system no later than 4:30:00
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Except as
otherwise noted in this section, we will not accept your application if
it is received--that is, date and time stamped by the Grants.gov
system--after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application
deadline date. We do not consider an application that does not comply
with the deadline requirements. When we retrieve your application from
Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are rejecting your application
because it was date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system after
4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date.
The amount of time it can take to upload an application
will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the
application and the speed of your Internet connection. Therefore, we
strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline
date to begin the submission process through Grants.gov.
You should review and follow the Education Submission
Procedures for submitting an application through Grants.gov that are
included in the application package for this competition to ensure that
you submit your application in a timely manner to the Grants.gov
system. You can also find the Education Submission Procedures
pertaining to Grants.gov under News and Events on the Department's G5
system home page at www.G5.gov.
[[Page 9897]]
You will not receive additional point value because you
submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission
requirement, as described elsewhere in this section, and submit your
application in paper format.
You must submit all documents electronically, including
all information you typically provide on the following forms: The
Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), the Department of
Education Supplemental Information for SF 424, Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and
certifications.
You must upload any narrative sections and all other
attachments to your application as files in a PDF (Portable Document)
read-only, non-modifiable format. Do not upload an interactive or
fillable PDF file. If you upload a file type other than a read-only,
non-modifiable PDF or submit a password-protected file, we will not
review that material.
Your electronic application must comply with any page-
limit requirements described in this notice.
After you electronically submit your application, you will
receive from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that
contains a Grants.gov tracking number. (This notification indicates
receipt by Grants.gov only, not receipt by the Department.) The
Department then will retrieve your application from Grants.gov and send
a second notification to you by email. This second notification
indicates that the Department has received your application and has
assigned your application a PR/Award number (a Department-specified
identifying number unique to your application).
We may request that you provide us original signatures on
forms at a later date.
Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of Technical Issues
with the Grants.gov System: If you are experiencing problems submitting
your application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov
Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. You must obtain a
Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number and must keep a record of it.
If you are prevented from electronically submitting your
application on the application deadline date because of technical
problems with the Grants.gov system, we will grant you an extension
until 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, the following business day to
enable you to transmit your application electronically or by hand
delivery. You also may mail your application by following the mailing
instructions described elsewhere in this notice.
If you submit an application after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC
time, on the application deadline date, please contact the person
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII of this
notice and provide an explanation of the technical problem you
experienced with Grants.gov, along with the Grants.gov Support Desk
Case Number. We will accept your application if we can confirm that a
technical problem occurred with the Grants.gov system and that that
problem affected your ability to submit your application by 4:30:00
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. The
Department will contact you after a determination is made on whether
your application will be accepted.
Note: The extensions to which we refer in this section apply
only to the unavailability of, or technical problems with, the
Grants.gov system. We will not grant you an extension if you failed
to fully register to submit your application to Grants.gov before
the application deadline date and time or if the technical problem
you experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov system.
Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an
exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your
application in paper format, if you are unable to submit an application
through the Grants.gov system because--
You do not have access to the Internet; or
You do not have the capacity to upload large documents to
the Grants.gov system; and
No later than two weeks before the application deadline
date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth calendar day before the
application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business
day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement
to the Department, explaining which of the two grounds for an exception
prevents you from using the Internet to submit your application.
If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be
postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline
date. If you fax your written statement to the Department, we must
receive the faxed statement no later than two weeks before the
application deadline date.
Address and mail or fax your statement to: Richard Wilson, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 4C125,
Washington, DC 20202-5960. FAX: (202) 401-8466.
Your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the
mail or hand delivery instructions described in this notice.
b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail.
If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission
requirement, you may mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a
commercial carrier) your application to the Department. You must mail
the original and two copies of your application, on or before the
application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:
U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center,
Attention: (CFDA Number 84.367D), LBJ Basement Level 1, 400 Maryland
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20202-4260.
You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:
(1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.
(2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the
U.S. Postal Service.
(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial
carrier.
(4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the
U.S. Department of Education.
If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do
not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:
(1) A private metered postmark.
(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.
If your application is postmarked after the application deadline
date, we will not consider your application.
Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated
postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your
local post office.
c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery.
If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission
requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper
application to the Department by hand. You must deliver the original
and two copies of your application by hand, on or before the
application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:
U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center,
Attention: (CFDA Number 84.367D), 550 12th Street SW., Room 7041,
Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-4260.
The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily
between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, except
Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.
Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications: If you mail
or hand deliver your application to the Department--
[[Page 9898]]
(1) You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by the
Department--in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including suffix
letter, if any, of the competition under which you are submitting your
application; and
(2) The Application Control Center will mail to you a notification
of receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this
notification within 15 business days from the application deadline
date, you should call the U.S. Department of Education Application
Control Center at (202) 245-6288.
V. Application Review Information
1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition
are from the NFP for this program, published elsewhere in this issue of
the Federal Register, and are as follows:
The maximum score for all the selection criteria is 100 points. The
maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses. Each
criterion also includes the factors that reviewers will consider in
determining the extent to which an applicant meets the criterion.
In addressing each criterion, applicants are encouraged to make
explicit connections to relevant aspects of responses to other
selection criteria.
A. Significance (20 points). The Secretary considers the
significance of the proposed project. In determining the significance
of the proposed project, the Secretary considers:
(1) The significance of the proposed project on a national level
(as defined in this notice).
(2) The potential contribution of the proposed project to the
development and advancement of teacher and school leadership theory,
knowledge, and practices.
(3) The importance or magnitude of the results or outcomes likely
to be attained by the proposed project, especially improvements in
teaching and student achievement.
B. Quality of the Project Design and Services (25 points). The
Secretary considers the quality of the design and services of the
proposed project. In determining the quality of the design and services
of the proposed project, the Secretary considers:
(1) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified, aligned, and
measurable.
(2) The extent to which the proposed project is part of a
comprehensive effort to improve teaching and learning and support
rigorous academic standards for students.
(3) The extent to which the training or professional development
services to be provided by the proposed project will be of sufficient
quality, intensity, and duration to lead to improvements in practice
among the recipients of those services.
C. Quality of the Management Plan and Personnel (15 points). The
Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the proposed
project and of the personnel who will carry out the proposed project.
In determining the quality of the management plan and the project
personnel, the Secretary considers:
(1) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience,
of the project director, key project personnel, and project consultants
or subcontractors.
(2) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing
project tasks.
(3) The extent to which the time commitments of the project
director and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate
to meet the objectives of the proposed project.
(4) The extent to which the proposed management plan includes
sufficient and reasonable resources to effectively carry out the
proposed project, including the project evaluation.
D. Sustainability (20 points). The Secretary considers the adequacy
of resources to continue the proposed project after the grant period
ends. In determining the adequacy of resources and the potential for
utility of the proposed project's activities and products by other
organizations, the Secretary considers:
(1) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build
capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of
Federal financial assistance.
(2) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to yield
findings and products (such as information, materials, processes, or
techniques) that may be used by other agencies and organizations.
(3) The extent to which the applicant will disseminate information
about results and outcomes of the proposed project in ways that will
enable others, including the public, to use the information or
strategies.
(e) Quality of the Project Evaluation (20 points). The Secretary
considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of the proposed
project. In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary
considers one or more of the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough,
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the
proposed project.
(2) The extent to which the evaluation includes the use of
objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended
outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative
data.
(3) The extent to which the evaluation will provide performance
feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving
intended outcomes.
(4) The extent to which the proposed project plan includes
sufficient resources to carry out the project evaluation effectively.
Note: We encourage applicants to review the following technical
assistance resources on evaluation: (1) WWC Procedures and Standards
Handbook: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/references/idocviewer/doc.aspx?docid=19&tocid=1; and (2) IES/NCEE Technical Methods
papers: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/tech_methods/.
2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition,
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary
also requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department
of Education (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
3. Special Conditions: Under 34 CFR 74.14 and 80.12, the Secretary
may impose special conditions on a grant if the applicant or grantee is
not financially stable; has a history of unsatisfactory performance;
has a financial or other management system that does not meet the
standards in 34 CFR parts 74 or 80, as applicable; has not fulfilled
the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not responsible.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award
Notification
[[Page 9899]]
(GAN). We may notify you informally, also.
If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding,
we notify you.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify
administrative and national policy requirements in the application
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable
Regulations section of this notice.
We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding
commitments under the grant.
3. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition,
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
(b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the
Secretary. If you receive a multi-year award, you must submit an annual
performance report that provides the most current performance and
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting,
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
4. Performance Measures: The overall purpose of the SEED program is
to support projects by national not-for-profit organizations (as
defined in this notice) that are supported by at least moderate
evidence of effectiveness (as defined in this notice) to recruit,
select, and prepare or provide professional enhancement activities for
teachers, principals, or both. We have established the following
performance measures for the SEED program: For absolute priorities 1
and 2, the percentage of teacher and principal participants who serve
concentrations of high-need students (as defined in this notice), are
highly effective (as defined in this notice), and serve for at least
two years, and the cost per such participant. For absolute priority 3,
the percentage of teacher and principal participants who receive
advanced certification or advanced credentialing and are highly
effective, and the cost per such participant. Grantees will report
annually on each component of these measures.
5. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award, the
Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.253, the extent to which a
grantee has made ``substantial progress toward meeting the objectives
in its approved application.'' This consideration includes the review
of a grantee's progress in meeting the targets and projected outcomes
in its approved application, and whether the grantee has expended funds
in a manner that is consistent with its approved application and
budget. In making a continuation grant, the Secretary also considers
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
VII. Agency Contacts
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Wilson, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 4C125, Washington, DC 20202-
5960. Telephone: (202) 453-6709, or by email: SEED@ed.gov.
If you use a TDD or TTY, call the FRS, toll free, at 1-800-877-
8339.
VIII. Other Information
Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format
(e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to
the program contact person listed under For Further Information Contact
in section VII of this notice.
Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this
document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free
Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the
Code of Federal Regulations is available via the Federal Digital System
at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well
as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal
Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the
site.
You may also access documents of the Department published in the
Federal Register by using the article search feature at:
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published
by the Department.
Dated: February 7, 2013.
James H. Shelton, III,
Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement.
[FR Doc. 2013-03125 Filed 2-11-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P