83 FR 17161 - Applications for New Awards; Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 75 (April 18, 2018)

Page Range		17161-17166
FR Document		2018-08093

The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2018 for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 84.215G.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 75 (Wednesday, April 18, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 18, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17161-17166]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08093]

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Applications for New Awards; Innovative Approaches to Literacy
Program

AGENCY: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of
Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting
applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2018 for the
Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program, Catalog of

[[Page 17162]]

Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 84.215G.

DATES:
Applications Available: April 18, 2018.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 18, 2018.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: July 17, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an
application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to
Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the
Federal Register on February 12, 2018 (83 FR 6003) and available at
www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/pdf/2018-02558.pdf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beth Yeh, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 3E230, Washington, DC 20202-
6450. Telephone: (202) 205-5798. Email: beth.yeh@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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Purpose of Program: The IAL program supports high-quality programs
designed to develop and improve literacy skills for children and
students from birth through 12th grade in high-need local educational
agencies (high-need LEAs) and schools. The U.S. Department of Education
(Department) intends to promote innovative literacy programs that
support the development of literacy skills in low-income communities,
including programs that (1) develop and enhance effective school
library programs, which may include providing professional development
for school librarians, books, and up-to-date materials to high-need
schools; (2) provide early literacy services, including pediatric
literacy programs through which, during well-child visits, medical
providers trained in research-based methods of early language and
literacy promotion provide developmentally appropriate books and
recommendations to parents to encourage them to read aloud to their
children starting in infancy; and (3) provide high-quality books on a
regular basis to children and adolescents from low-income communities
to increase reading motivation, performance, and frequency. The IAL
program supports the implementation of high-quality plans for childhood
literacy activities and book distribution efforts that demonstrate a
rationale.
In accordance with the Senate report accompanying the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2018, S. Rep. No. 115-150, at 163 (2017), the
Department will reserve no less than 50 percent of funds under the IAL
program for grants to develop and enhance effective school library
programs, which may include providing professional development to
librarians in high-need schools or books and other up-to-date library
materials to such schools. Further, the Department will ensure that
grants are distributed among eligible entities that will serve
geographically diverse areas, including rural areas.
Priorities: This notice contains one absolute priority and two
competitive preference priorities. We are establishing the absolute
priority for the FY 2018 grant competition and any subsequent year in
which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition in accordance with section 437(d)(1) of the General
Education Provisions Act (GEPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232(d)(1). Competitive
preference priority 1 is from the Secretary's Final Supplemental
Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs published
in the Federal Register on March 2, 2018 (83 FR 9096) (FY 2018
Supplemental Priorities). Competitive preference priority 2 is from the
notice of final priorities, requirement, and definitions for this
program published in the Federal Register on June 17, 2014 (79 FR
34428) (IAL NFP).
Absolute Priority: This priority is an absolute priority. Under 34
CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet this
priority.
This priority is:
High-Quality Plan for Innovative Approaches to Literacy That
Includes Book Distribution, Childhood Literacy Activities, or Both, and
That, at a Minimum, Demonstrates a Rationale.
To meet this priority, applicants must submit a plan that
demonstrates a rationale, including a rationale for the project
component and a corresponding logic model.
The applicant must submit a plan with the following information:
(a) A description of the proposed book distribution, childhood
literacy activities, or both, that are designed to improve the literacy
skills of children and students by one or more of the following--
(1) Promoting early literacy and preparing young children to read;
(2) Developing and improving students' reading ability;
(3) Motivating older children to read; and
(4) Teaching children and students to read.
(b) The age or grade spans of children and students from birth
through 12th grade to be served.
(c) A detailed description of the key goals, the activities to be
undertaken, the rationale for those activities, the timeline, the
parties responsible for implementing the activities, and the
credibility of the plan (as judged, in part, by the information
submitted that demonstrates a rationale); and
(d)(1) A description of how the proposed project demonstrates a
rationale; and
(2) The corresponding logic model.
Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2018 and any subsequent
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications
from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), for competitive preference
priority 1, we award an additional five points to an application that
meets the priority. For competitive preference priority 2, we award an
additional three points to an application that meets the priority, for
a possible maximum total of eight competitive preference priority
points.
These priorities are:
Competitive Preference Priority 1--Promoting Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education, with a Particular Focus on
Computer Science.
To meet this priority, an applicant must propose a project designed
to improve student achievement or other educational outcomes in one or
more of the following areas: Science, technology, engineering, math, or
computer science. The project must address one or more of the following
priority areas:
(a) Utilizing technology for educational purposes in communities
served by rural local educational agencies (rural LEAs) or other areas
identified as lacking sufficient access to such tools and resources.
(b) Utilizing technology to provide access to educational choice.
(c) Working with schools, municipal libraries, or other partners to
provide new and accessible methods of accessing digital learning
resources, such as by digitizing books or expanding access to such
resources to a greater number of children or students.
(d) Making coursework, books, or other materials available as open
educational resources or taking other steps so that such materials may
be inexpensively and widely used.

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Competitive Preference Priority 2--Serving Rural LEAs.
To meet this priority, an applicant must propose a project designed
to provide high-quality literacy programming, or distribute books, or
both, to students served by a rural LEA.
Definitions: The definitions listed below are from 34 CFR 77.1; the
FY 2018 Supplemental Priorities; and the IAL NFP. These definitions
apply to the FY 2018 grant competition and any subsequent year in which
we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this
competition.
Computer science means the study of computers and algorithmic
processes and includes the study of computing principles and theories,
computational thinking, computer hardware, software design, coding,
analytics, and computer applications. Computer science often includes
computer programming or coding as a tool to create software including
applications, games, websites, and tools to manage or manipulate data;
or development and management of computer hardware and the other
electronics related to sharing, securing, and using digital
information.
In addition to coding, the expanding field of computer science
emphasizes computational thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving
to equip students with the skills and abilities necessary to apply
computation in our digital world.
Computer science does not include using a computer for everyday
activities, such as browsing the internet; use of tools like word
processing, spreadsheets or presentation software; or using computers
in the study and exploration of unrelated subjects. (FY2018
Supplemental Priorities.)
Demonstrates a rationale means a key project component included in
the project's logic model is informed by research or evaluation
findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve
relevant outcomes. (34 CFR 77.1.)
Educational choice means the opportunity for a child or student (or
a family member on their behalf) to create a high-quality personalized
path for learning that is consistent with applicable Federal, State,
and local laws; is in an educational setting that best meets the
child's or student's needs; and, where possible, incorporates evidence-
based activities, strategies, and interventions.
Opportunities made available to a student through a grant program
are those that supplement what is provided by a child's or student's
geographically assigned school or the institution in which he or she is
currently enrolled and may include one or more of the options listed
below:
(1) Public educational programs or courses including those offered
by traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet
schools, public online education providers, or other public education
providers.
(2) Private or home-based educational programs or courses including
those offered by private schools, private online providers, private
tutoring providers, community or faith-based organizations, or other
private education providers.
(3) Internships, apprenticeships, or other programs offering access
to learning in the workplace.
(4) Part-time coursework or career preparation offered by a public
or private provider in person or through the internet or another form
of distance learning, that serves as a supplement to full-time
enrollment at an educational institution, as a stand-alone program
leading to a credential, or as a supplement to education received in a
homeschool setting.
(5) Dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high
schools (as defined in section 8101(15) and (17) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act, as amended \1\), or other programs that enable
secondary school students to begin earning credit toward a
postsecondary degree or credential prior to high school graduation.
(2018 Supplemental Priorities.)
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\1\ In December 2015, Congress enacted the Every Student
Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reauthorized the ESEA. Therefore, for
purposes of this notice, unless otherwise indicated, all references
to the ``ESEA'' are to the ``ESEA, as amended by the ESSA.''
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High-need local educational agency (High-need LEA) means--
(1) Except for LEAs referenced in paragraph (2), an LEA in which at
least 20 percent \2\ of the students aged 5-17 in the school attendance
area of the LEA are from families with incomes below the poverty line,
based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Small Area Income and
Poverty Estimates for school districts for the most recent income year
(Census list).
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\2\ Section 2226(b)(1) of the ESEA changed this from 25 percent
to 20 percent.
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(2) For an LEA that is not included on the Census list, such as a
charter school LEA, an LEA for which the State educational agency (SEA)
determines, consistent with the manner described under section 1124(c)
of the ESEA, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, in
which the SEA determines an LEA's eligibility for Title I allocations,
that 20 percent of the students aged 5-17 in the LEA are from families
with incomes below the poverty line. (IAL NFP.)
Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project
components and relevant outcomes. (34 CFR 77.1.)
National not-for-profit (NNP) organization means an agency,
organization, or institution owned and operated by one or more
corporations or associations whose net earnings do not benefit, and
cannot lawfully benefit, any private shareholder or entity. In
addition, it means, for the purposes of this program, an organization
of national scope that is supported by staff or affiliates at the State
and local levels, who may include volunteers, and that has a
demonstrated history of effectively developing and implementing
literacy activities. (IAL NFP.)

Note: A local affiliate of an NNP organization does not meet
the definition of NNP organization. Only a national agency,
organization, or institution is eligible to apply as an NNP
organization.

Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention,
process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence
may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of
project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices
for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers). (34
CFR 77.1.)
Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s)
the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the
specific goals of the program. (34 CFR 77.1.)
Rural local educational agency (Rural LEA) means an LEA that is
eligible under the Small Rural School Achievement program (SRSA) or the
Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program authorized under Title V,
Part B of the ESEA. Eligible applicants may determine whether a
particular district is eligible for these programs by referring to
information on the Department's website at www2.ed.gov/nclb/freedom/local/reap.html. (FY 2018 Supplemental Priorities.)
Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking: Under the Administrative Procedure
Act (5 U.S.C. 553) the Department generally offers interested parties
the opportunity to comment on proposed priorities. Section 437(d)(1) of
GEPA, however, allows the Secretary to exempt from rulemaking
requirements, regulations governing the first grant competition

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under a new or substantially revised program authority. This is the
first grant competition for this program under section 2226(b)(1) of
the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 6646) and therefore qualifies for this exemption.
In order to ensure timely grant awards, the Secretary has decided to
forgo public comment on the absolute priority under section 437(d)(1)
of GEPA. This priority will apply to the FY 2018 grant competition and
any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded
applications from this competition.

Program Authority: Section 2226 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 6646).

Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86,
97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department
in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part
200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR
part 3474. (d) The regulations in 34 CFR part 299. (e) The IAL NFP. (f)
The FY 2018 Supplemental Priorities.

Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all applicants
except federally recognized Indian Tribes.

II. Award Information

Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
Estimated Available Funds: $26,730,000.
IAL has received $27,000,000 for new awards for this program for FY
2018, of which we intend to use an estimated $26,730,000 for this
competition.
Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of
applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent years from
the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
Estimated Range of Awards to LEAs and Consortia of LEAs: $175,000
to $750,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards to LEAs and Consortia of LEAs:
$500,000.
Estimated Number of Awards to LEAs and Consortia of LEAs: 30.
Estimated Range of Awards to NNP Organizations, Consortia of NNP
Organizations, and Consortia of NNP Organizations and LEAs: $1,500,000
to $5,000,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards to NNP Organizations, Consortia of
NNP Organizations, and Consortia of NNP Organizations and LEAs:
$3,000,000.
Estimated Number of Awards to NNP Organizations: 2-6.

Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.

Project Period: 36 months.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants: To be considered for an award under this
competition, an applicant must:
(a) Be one of the following:
(1) A high-need LEA;
(2) An NNP organization that serves children and students within
the attendance boundaries of one or more high-need LEAs;
(3) A consortium of high-need LEAs; or
(4) The Bureau of Indian Education; and
(b) Coordinate with school libraries in developing project
proposals.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost
sharing or matching.
3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award
subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities
described in its application.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Application Submission Instructions: For information on how to
submit an application please refer to our Common Instructions for
Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs,
published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2018 (83 FR 6003) and
available at www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/pdf/2018-02558.pdf.
2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of
projects that may be proposed in applications for the IAL program, an
application may include business information that the applicant
considers proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11, we define ``business
information'' and describe the process we use in determining whether
any of that information is proprietary and, thus, protected from
disclosure under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5
U.S.C. 552, as amended).
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 believe is exempt from disclosure
under Exemption 4. 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).
3. Intergovernmental Review: This program 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.
4. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
5. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you,
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the
application narrative to no more than 25 pages and (2) use 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.
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 recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the
assurances and certifications; the one-page abstract, resumes,
bibliography, logic model, or letters of support. However, the
recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative
section.

Note: The applicant should include, as an attachment, the logic
model used to address paragraph (d)(2) of the absolute priority.

V. Application Review Information

1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition
are from 34 CFR 75.210. The maximum score for all selection criteria is
100. The maximum possible score for each selection criterion is
indicated in parentheses. The selection criteria for this competition
are as follows:
(a) Need for project (up to 10 points).
The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project. In
determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary considers
the extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services,
infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be
addressed by the proposed project, including the

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nature and magnitude of those gaps or weaknesses.
(b) Significance (up to 10 points).
The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed project.
In determining the significance of the proposed project, the Secretary
considers the extent to which the proposed project is likely to build
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the
needs of the target population.
(c) Quality of the project design (up to 20 points).
The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed
project. In determining the quality of the design of the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.
(5 points)
(2) The extent to which the proposed project will establish
linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations providing
services to the target population. (5 points)
(3) 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. (5 points)
(4) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a
rationale. (5 points)
(d) Quality of project services (up to 25 points).
The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be provided
by the proposed project. In determining the quality of the services to
be provided by the proposed project, the Secretary considers:
(1) The quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal
access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members
of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race,
color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (10 points)
(2) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed
project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or
beneficiaries of those services. (10 points)
(3) The extent to which the training or professional development
services to be provided by the proposed project are of sufficient
quality, intensity, and duration to lead to improvements in practice
among the recipients of those services. (5 points)
(e) Adequacy of resources (up to 10 points).
The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the proposed
project. In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed
project, the Secretary considers the extent to which the costs are
reasonable in relation to the number of persons to be served and to the
anticipated results and benefits.
(f) Quality of the management plan (up to 20 points).
The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the
proposed project. In determining the quality of the management plan for
the proposed project, the Secretary considers:
(1) 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. (10 points)
(2) The extent to which the time commitments of the project
director and principal investigator and other key project personnel are
appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed
project. (10 points)
(g) Quality of the project evaluation (up to 5 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 the extent to which the methods of
evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals,
objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project.
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
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 (34 CFR
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR
200.205, before awarding grants under this program the Department
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR
3474.10, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, in
appropriate circumstances, high-risk 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 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not
fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not
responsible.
4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently
$150,000), under 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal
awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make
an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that
is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as
the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System
(FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may
review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal
agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.
Please note that, if the total value of your currently active
grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the
Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity
information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal
funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.

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 (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to
access an electronic version of your 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.

[[Page 17166]]

3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent
that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or
other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works.
Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant
funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables.
This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your
application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional
information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR
3474.20(c).
4. 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 multiyear award, you must submit an annual
performance report (APR) 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.
5. Performance Measures: The Department has established the
following Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 performance
measures for the IAL program: (1) The percentage of four-year-old
children participating in the project who achieve significant gains in
oral language skills; (2) the percentage of fourth graders
participating in the project who demonstrated individual student growth
(i.e., an improvement in their achievement) over the past year on State
reading or language arts assessments under section 1111(b)(3) of the
ESEA; (3) the percentage of eighth graders participating in the project
who demonstrated individual student growth (i.e., an improvement in
their achievement) over the past year on State reading or language arts
assessments under section 1111(b)(3) of the ESEA; (4) the percentage of
schools participating in the project whose book-to-student ratios
increase from the previous year; and (5) the percentage of
participating children who receive at least one free, grade- and
language-appropriate book of their own.
All grantees will be expected to submit an APR that includes data
addressing these performance measures to the extent that they apply to
the grantee's project.
6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: Whether a grantee
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
In making a continuation award, 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. 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.
Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this
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Dated: April 13, 2018.
Jason Botel,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Delegated the Authority to
Perform the Functions and Duties of the Position of Assistant Secretary
of Elementary and Secondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2018-08093 Filed 4-17-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P

17162 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 18, 2018 / Notices

Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) plans for childhood literacy activities (3) Motivating older children to read;
number 84.215G. and book distribution efforts that and
DATES: demonstrate a rationale. (4) Teaching children and students to
Applications Available: April 18, In accordance with the Senate report read.
2018. accompanying the Consolidated (b) The age or grade spans of children
Deadline for Transmittal of Appropriations Act, 2018, S. Rep. No. and students from birth through 12th
Applications: May 18, 2018. 115–150, at 163 (2017), the Department grade to be served.
Deadline for Intergovernmental will reserve no less than 50 percent of (c) A detailed description of the key
Review: July 17, 2018. funds under the IAL program for grants goals, the activities to be undertaken,
to develop and enhance effective school the rationale for those activities, the
ADDRESSES: For the addresses for
library programs, which may include timeline, the parties responsible for
obtaining and submitting an implementing the activities, and the
application, please refer to our Common providing professional development to
librarians in high-need schools or books credibility of the plan (as judged, in
Instructions for Applicants to part, by the information submitted that
Department of Education Discretionary and other up-to-date library materials to
such schools. Further, the Department demonstrates a rationale); and
Grant Programs, published in the (d)(1) A description of how the
Federal Register on February 12, 2018 will ensure that grants are distributed
among eligible entities that will serve proposed project demonstrates a
(83 FR 6003) and available at rationale; and
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/ geographically diverse areas, including
rural areas. (2) The corresponding logic model.
pdf/2018-02558.pdf. Competitive Preference Priorities: For
Priorities: This notice contains one
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beth absolute priority and two competitive FY 2018 and any subsequent year in
Yeh, U.S. Department of Education, 400 preference priorities. We are which we make awards from the list of
Maryland Avenue SW, Room 3E230, establishing the absolute priority for the unfunded applications from this
Washington, DC 20202–6450. FY 2018 grant competition and any competition, these priorities are
Telephone: (202) 205–5798. Email: subsequent year in which we make competitive preference priorities. Under
beth.yeh@ed.gov. awards from the list of unfunded 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), for competitive
If you use a telecommunications applications from this competition in preference priority 1, we award an
device for the deaf (TDD) or a text accordance with section 437(d)(1) of the additional five points to an application
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay General Education Provisions Act that meets the priority. For competitive
Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877– (GEPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232(d)(1). preference priority 2, we award an
8339. Competitive preference priority 1 is additional three points to an application
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: from the Secretary’s Final Supplemental that meets the priority, for a possible
Priorities and Definitions for maximum total of eight competitive
Full Text of Announcement Discretionary Grant Programs published preference priority points.
I. Funding Opportunity Description in the Federal Register on March 2, These priorities are:
2018 (83 FR 9096) (FY 2018 Competitive Preference Priority 1—
Purpose of Program: The IAL program Promoting Science, Technology,
supports high-quality programs Supplemental Priorities). Competitive
preference priority 2 is from the notice Engineering, and Math (STEM)
designed to develop and improve Education, with a Particular Focus on
literacy skills for children and students of final priorities, requirement, and
definitions for this program published Computer Science.
from birth through 12th grade in high- To meet this priority, an applicant
need local educational agencies (high- in the Federal Register on June 17, 2014
(79 FR 34428) (IAL NFP). must propose a project designed to
need LEAs) and schools. The U.S. improve student achievement or other
Department of Education (Department) Absolute Priority: This priority is an
absolute priority. Under 34 CFR educational outcomes in one or more of
intends to promote innovative literacy the following areas: Science,
programs that support the development 75.105(c)(3), we consider only
applications that meet this priority. technology, engineering, math, or
of literacy skills in low-income computer science. The project must
This priority is:
communities, including programs that High-Quality Plan for Innovative address one or more of the following
(1) develop and enhance effective Approaches to Literacy That Includes priority areas:
school library programs, which may Book Distribution, Childhood Literacy (a) Utilizing technology for
include providing professional Activities, or Both, and That, at a educational purposes in communities
development for school librarians, Minimum, Demonstrates a Rationale. served by rural local educational
books, and up-to-date materials to high- To meet this priority, applicants must agencies (rural LEAs) or other areas
need schools; (2) provide early literacy submit a plan that demonstrates a identified as lacking sufficient access to
services, including pediatric literacy rationale, including a rationale for the such tools and resources.
programs through which, during well- project component and a corresponding (b) Utilizing technology to provide
child visits, medical providers trained logic model. access to educational choice.
in research-based methods of early The applicant must submit a plan (c) Working with schools, municipal
language and literacy promotion with the following information: libraries, or other partners to provide
provide developmentally appropriate (a) A description of the proposed book new and accessible methods of
books and recommendations to parents distribution, childhood literacy accessing digital learning resources,
to encourage them to read aloud to their activities, or both, that are designed to such as by digitizing books or
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children starting in infancy; and (3) improve the literacy skills of children expanding access to such resources to a
provide high-quality books on a regular and students by one or more of the greater number of children or students.
basis to children and adolescents from following— (d) Making coursework, books, or
low-income communities to increase (1) Promoting early literacy and other materials available as open
reading motivation, performance, and preparing young children to read; educational resources or taking other
frequency. The IAL program supports (2) Developing and improving steps so that such materials may be
the implementation of high-quality students’ reading ability; inexpensively and widely used.

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 18, 2018 / Notices 17163

Competitive Preference Priority 2— and may include one or more of the families with incomes below the
Serving Rural LEAs. options listed below: poverty line. (IAL NFP.)
To meet this priority, an applicant (1) Public educational programs or Logic model (also referred to as a
must propose a project designed to courses including those offered by theory of action) means a framework
provide high-quality literacy traditional public schools, public that identifies key project components
programming, or distribute books, or charter schools, public magnet schools, of the proposed project (i.e., the active
both, to students served by a rural LEA. public online education providers, or ‘‘ingredients’’ that are hypothesized to
Definitions: The definitions listed other public education providers. be critical to achieving the relevant
below are from 34 CFR 77.1; the FY (2) Private or home-based educational outcomes) and describes the theoretical
2018 Supplemental Priorities; and the programs or courses including those and operational relationships among the
IAL NFP. These definitions apply to the offered by private schools, private key project components and relevant
FY 2018 grant competition and any online providers, private tutoring outcomes. (34 CFR 77.1.)
subsequent year in which we make providers, community or faith-based National not-for-profit (NNP)
awards from the list of unfunded organizations, or other private education organization means an agency,
applications from this competition. providers. organization, or institution owned and
Computer science means the study of (3) Internships, apprenticeships, or operated by one or more corporations or
computers and algorithmic processes other programs offering access to associations whose net earnings do not
and includes the study of computing learning in the workplace. benefit, and cannot lawfully benefit, any
principles and theories, computational (4) Part-time coursework or career private shareholder or entity. In
thinking, computer hardware, software preparation offered by a public or addition, it means, for the purposes of
design, coding, analytics, and computer private provider in person or through this program, an organization of
applications. Computer science often the internet or another form of distance national scope that is supported by staff
includes computer programming or learning, that serves as a supplement to or affiliates at the State and local levels,
coding as a tool to create software full-time enrollment at an educational who may include volunteers, and that
including applications, games, websites, institution, as a stand-alone program has a demonstrated history of effectively
and tools to manage or manipulate data; leading to a credential, or as a developing and implementing literacy
or development and management of supplement to education received in a activities. (IAL NFP.)
computer hardware and the other homeschool setting.
electronics related to sharing, securing, Note: A local affiliate of an NNP
(5) Dual or concurrent enrollment
organization does not meet the definition of
and using digital information. programs or early college high schools NNP organization. Only a national agency,
In addition to coding, the expanding (as defined in section 8101(15) and (17) organization, or institution is eligible to
field of computer science emphasizes of the Elementary and Secondary apply as an NNP organization.
computational thinking and Education Act, as amended 1), or other
interdisciplinary problem-solving to Project component means an activity,
programs that enable secondary school
equip students with the skills and strategy, intervention, process, product,
students to begin earning credit toward
abilities necessary to apply computation practice, or policy included in a project.
a postsecondary degree or credential
in our digital world. Evidence may pertain to an individual
prior to high school graduation. (2018
Computer science does not include project component or to a combination
Supplemental Priorities.)
using a computer for everyday activities, High-need local educational agency of project components (e.g., training
such as browsing the internet; use of (High-need LEA) means— teachers on instructional practices for
tools like word processing, spreadsheets (1) Except for LEAs referenced in English learners and follow-on coaching
or presentation software; or using paragraph (2), an LEA in which at least for these teachers). (34 CFR 77.1.)
computers in the study and exploration 20 percent 2 of the students aged 5–17 in Relevant outcome means the student
of unrelated subjects. (FY2018 the school attendance area of the LEA outcome(s) or other outcome(s) the key
Supplemental Priorities.) are from families with incomes below project component is designed to
Demonstrates a rationale means a key the poverty line, based on data from the improve, consistent with the specific
project component included in the U.S. Census Bureau’s Small Area goals of the program. (34 CFR 77.1.)
project’s logic model is informed by Income and Poverty Estimates for school Rural local educational agency (Rural
research or evaluation findings that districts for the most recent income year LEA) means an LEA that is eligible
suggest the project component is likely (Census list). under the Small Rural School
to improve relevant outcomes. (34 CFR (2) For an LEA that is not included on Achievement program (SRSA) or the
77.1.) the Census list, such as a charter school Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS)
Educational choice means the LEA, an LEA for which the State program authorized under Title V, Part
opportunity for a child or student (or a educational agency (SEA) determines, B of the ESEA. Eligible applicants may
family member on their behalf) to create consistent with the manner described determine whether a particular district
a high-quality personalized path for under section 1124(c) of the ESEA, as is eligible for these programs by
learning that is consistent with amended by the No Child Left Behind referring to information on the
applicable Federal, State, and local Act of 2001, in which the SEA Department’s website at www2.ed.gov/
laws; is in an educational setting that determines an LEA’s eligibility for Title nclb/freedom/local/reap.html. (FY 2018
best meets the child’s or student’s I allocations, that 20 percent of the Supplemental Priorities.)
needs; and, where possible, incorporates students aged 5–17 in the LEA are from Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking:
evidence-based activities, strategies, and Under the Administrative Procedure Act
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interventions. 1 In December 2015, Congress enacted the Every (5 U.S.C. 553) the Department generally
Opportunities made available to a Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reauthorized offers interested parties the opportunity
student through a grant program are the ESEA. Therefore, for purposes of this notice, to comment on proposed priorities.
those that supplement what is provided unless otherwise indicated, all references to the Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA, however,
‘‘ESEA’’ are to the ‘‘ESEA, as amended by the
by a child’s or student’s geographically ESSA.’’ allows the Secretary to exempt from
assigned school or the institution in 2 Section 2226(b)(1) of the ESEA changed this rulemaking requirements, regulations
which he or she is currently enrolled from 25 percent to 20 percent. governing the first grant competition

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17164 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 18, 2018 / Notices

under a new or substantially revised Organizations, and Consortia of NNP under ‘‘Other Attachments Form,’’
program authority. This is the first grant Organizations and LEAs: $3,000,000. please list the page number or numbers
competition for this program under Estimated Number of Awards to NNP on which we can find this information.
section 2226(b)(1) of the ESEA (20 Organizations: 2–6. For additional information please see 34
U.S.C. 6646) and therefore qualifies for Note: The Department is not bound by any CFR 5.11(c).
this exemption. In order to ensure estimates in this notice. 3. Intergovernmental Review: This
timely grant awards, the Secretary has program is subject to Executive Order
decided to forgo public comment on the Project Period: 36 months. 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR
absolute priority under section 437(d)(1) III. Eligibility Information part 79. Information about
of GEPA. This priority will apply to the Intergovernmental Review of Federal
1. Eligible Applicants: To be
FY 2018 grant competition and any Programs under Executive Order 12372
considered for an award under this
subsequent year in which we make is in the application package for this
competition, an applicant must:
awards from the list of unfunded (a) Be one of the following: competition.
applications from this competition. (1) A high-need LEA; 4. Funding Restrictions: We reference
Program Authority: Section 2226 of the (2) An NNP organization that serves regulations outlining funding
ESEA (20 U.S.C. 6646). children and students within the restrictions in the Applicable
attendance boundaries of one or more Regulations section of this notice.
Applicable Regulations: (a) The
5. Recommended Page Limit: The
Education Department General high-need LEAs;
(3) A consortium of high-need LEAs; application narrative is where you, the
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR
or applicant, address the selection criteria
parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97, 98,
(4) The Bureau of Indian Education; that reviewers use to evaluate your
and 99. (b) The Office of Management
and application. We recommend that you (1)
and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on
(b) Coordinate with school libraries in limit the application narrative to no
Governmentwide Debarment and
developing project proposals. more than 25 pages and (2) use the
Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR
2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This following standards:
part 180, as adopted and amended as
program does not require cost sharing or • A ‘‘page’’ is 8.5″ x 11″, on one side
regulations of the Department in 2 CFR
matching. only, with 1″ margins at the top, bottom,
part 3485. (c) The Uniform
3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this and both sides.
Administrative Requirements, Cost
competition may not award subgrants to • Double space (no more than three
Principles, and Audit Requirements for
entities to directly carry out project lines per vertical inch) all text in the
Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as
activities described in its application. application narrative.
adopted and amended as regulations of • Use a font that is either 12 point or
the Department in 2 CFR part 3474. (d) IV. Application and Submission larger or no smaller than 10 pitch
The regulations in 34 CFR part 299. (e) Information (characters per inch).
The IAL NFP. (f) The FY 2018 • Use one of the following fonts:
Supplemental Priorities. 1. Application Submission
Instructions: For information on how to Times New Roman, Courier, Courier
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 New, or Arial.
apply to all applicants except federally
submit an application please refer to our
Common Instructions for Applicants to The recommended page limit does not
recognized Indian Tribes. apply to the cover sheet; the budget
Department of Education Discretionary
Grant Programs, published in the section, including the narrative budget
II. Award Information justification; the assurances and
Federal Register on February 12, 2018
Type of Award: Discretionary grants. (83 FR 6003) and available at certifications; the one-page abstract,
Estimated Available Funds: www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/ resumes, bibliography, logic model, or
$26,730,000. pdf/2018-02558.pdf. letters of support. However, the
IAL has received $27,000,000 for new 2. Submission of Proprietary recommended page limit does apply to
awards for this program for FY 2018, of Information: Given the types of projects all of the application narrative section.
which we intend to use an estimated that may be proposed in applications for Note: The applicant should include, as an
$26,730,000 for this competition. the IAL program, an application may attachment, the logic model used to address
Contingent upon the availability of include business information that the paragraph (d)(2) of the absolute priority.
funds and the quality of applications, applicant considers proprietary. In 34
we may make additional awards in CFR 5.11, we define ‘‘business V. Application Review Information
subsequent years from the list of information’’ and describe the process 1. Selection Criteria: The selection
unfunded applications from this we use in determining whether any of criteria for this competition are from 34
competition. that information is proprietary and, CFR 75.210. The maximum score for all
Estimated Range of Awards to LEAs thus, protected from disclosure under selection criteria is 100. The maximum
and Consortia of LEAs: $175,000 to Exemption 4 of the Freedom of possible score for each selection
$750,000. Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as criterion is indicated in parentheses.
Estimated Average Size of Awards to amended). The selection criteria for this
LEAs and Consortia of LEAs: $500,000. Because we plan to make successful competition are as follows:
Estimated Number of Awards to LEAs applications available to the public, you (a) Need for project (up to 10 points).
and Consortia of LEAs: 30. may wish to request confidentiality of The Secretary considers the need for
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Estimated Range of Awards to NNP business information. the proposed project. In determining the
Organizations, Consortia of NNP Consistent with Executive Order need for the proposed project, the
Organizations, and Consortia of NNP 12600, please designate in your Secretary considers the extent to which
Organizations and LEAs: $1,500,000 to application any information that you specific gaps or weaknesses in services,
$5,000,000. believe is exempt from disclosure under infrastructure, or opportunities have
Estimated Average Size of Awards to Exemption 4. In the appropriate been identified and will be addressed by
NNP Organizations, Consortia of NNP Appendix section of your application, the proposed project, including the

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Document Created: 2018-04-18 02:58:40
Document Modified: 2018-04-18 02:58:40

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice.
Dates		Applications Available: April 18, 2018.
Contact		Beth Yeh, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 3E230, Washington, DC 20202- 6450. Telephone: (202) 205-5798. Email: [email protected]
FR Citation		83 FR 17161