The Early Reading First Program CFDA # A and B Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Agenda Overview of program purpose Outline application info Address selection criteria Write pre and full proposals

Program Purpose  Create preschool centers of excellence  Improve quality of teacher instruction  Make classroom environment more conducive to learning  Better prepare children to overcome or avoid future reading difficulties

Program Activities  Train teachers using scientifically based reading research methods to better instruct and screen preschool children  Develop children’s abilities in:  oral language  phonological awareness  print awareness  alphabet knowledge

Program Results  Meet the needs of target population  Professional development for teachers  Disseminate best practices/model curricula  Replicate success nationally  Produce life long learners

Target Population Profile  Urban or rural high-poverty communities  Low-income preschool age children including children with:  disabilities (learning or physical)  limited English proficiency Not for starting preschools—rather enhancing existing ones

Applicant Eligibility  1 or more “Eligible LEAs” identified on list   See notice on eligibility details for LEAs  1 or more public or private organizations located in LEA area serving young children  Combination of the first two  Writing tip: Partnerships encouraged

Selecting Targeted Preschools  Start small—5 centers more or less to ensure quality results  Stable, established preschools/centers  Provide specific detail as how centers currently address needs of children:  social  emotional  physical Activities Lesson plans Evaluations

Application Information  Applications available: March 17, 2003  Two-tier review process:  Pre-Application —April 11, 2003  Full Application —June 27, 2003  Grants awarded late summer ‘03  Estimates:  Number of awards: 17—250  Budget: $300,000 to $1.5 million annually for 3 years Contingent upon Congressional authorization

Understanding the Process  Grants process at ED: What Should I Know About ED Grants  Apply for Early Reading First:  Grant application notice available at:  Contact program office with questions: Mary Ann Lesiak or Jill Stewart Phone: (TDD)

Pre-Application Format  Possible 115 points with competitive priorities can be earned  Reviewed by a panel of experts  Up to 2 pages describing project  10 pages address selection criteria  Appendix Address criteria in order laid out in application

Grant Writing Suggestions  Clear, concise, and detailed  Recipe: 2/3 planning & 1/3 writing  Don’t repeat the selection criteria; Address the selection criteria  Persuade through facts over rhetoric  Utilize research and data  Ambitious but attainable objectives

Resources  Early Reading First homepage  National Reading Panel  National Institute for Literacy  Academic tool kits  Experts in your community

Invitational Priorities  Partnerships: SEAs and or LEAs with preschool not controlled by LEA  Preschools’ goals aligned with state guidelines for grades K-12  Higher, more uniform standards  Projects serve children with special needs—disabilities, language barriers No points awarded for addressing these priorities

Competitive Priorities Pre-Application A  Children from low-income families  Worth 10 points (Submit Form B)  Preschools located in eligible LEA service area  75% of children enrolled qualify for reduced lunch  75% of elementary school children in service area qualify for reduced lunch  Novice Applicant  Worth 5 points (Check block 6 on 424)  Has not administered a federal grant for 5 years  Applies to all parties in a partnership

Context Description  No direct point value for this section  Sets tone for the application  Detail current status of existing centers  ID preschools (list full address in Appendix)  Outline instructional program  Funding source(s)  Number of staff; qualifications, part time or full  Number of children served and any special needs  Include demographic/socioeconomic factors

Selection Criteria Pre-Application A  Vision25 pts  Key Research and Program Design40 pts  Continuity and Coordination with 10 pts Formal School Instruction  Measuring Success25 pts

Vision  Detail end result of how current centers would be transformed  Where you are now and where you want to be  Be creative and comprehensive  Explain vision in persuasive manner  Link end result to the research model or models you propose  Lay out goals for centers of excellence  Ensure that goals are aligned with vision  Demonstrate vision is feasible and attainable

Key Research & Program Design  Link design to the research  Explain why and how strategies selected  Activities support project goals  Compare/contrast current curricula with changes under new model   Address how to involve parents  Provide citations

Continuity & Coordination With Formal School  Describe state preschool standards for cognitive domain if applicable  Explain how applicant’s project prepares children to meet standards  Preschool level and or lowest grade with standards for reading and language arts  Use specific examples if possible

Measuring Success  Plan for determining project success  Note key outcomes of project and how to measure their success in  Classroom environment, instructional practices, and children’s learning  Measures will be evaluated on quality and appropriateness for target population  Plans for continuing improvement and dissemination of findings

Full Application Format  Successful pre-applicants invited to submit full proposals  Full is comparable to pre-application but differs significantly in key ways  With novice status 105 points possible  Page limit: 2 context; 35 narrative; and 5 pages for budget narrative

Full Application Selection Criteria B  Capacity and Significance 15 pts  Quality of Project Activities35 pts and Services  Quality of Project Personnel10 pts  Quality of Management Plan20 pts  Quality of Project Evaluation20 pts

Winning Reminders  Follow directions carefully  Implement reader comments  Use most recent data available  Be specific, unique, and creative  Pool resources and partner  A cookie-cutter approach won’t work Best of luck in applying for an Early Reading First Grant!