Special Education Listserv

Subject: Improvement Grants/Special Education Grants

Source: Heike Imler, Interim Assistant Director, Effective Practices

Intended Audience: Superintendents, Special Education Administrators

Date: April 29, 2008

As you know, last Fall the Division of Special Education extended an invitation for public school districts (including public charter schools) to apply for $2 million dollars in competitive Special Education Improvement Grants.  We indicated our preference for applications to propose three-tiered models of intervention.  The deadline for submission was March 3, 2008.

A total of 120 districts submitted 115 elementary achievement and 60 post-secondary transition applications totaling $3,303,053.  Those grant applications were then scored and ranked by reviewers, who included many consultants from the Regional Professional Development Centers (RPDCs) as well as staff members in our division.  The scoring activity was difficult and time-consuming and we really appreciate the hard work of all to process these quickly and fairly.

We are happy to report that 79 elementary achievement and 28 post-secondary transition grants were awarded to school districts. 

Improvement plans will be returned to districts through IMACS no later than May 9, 2008.