AUTHORIZATION:

Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Executive Order Title V, Part D, Subpart 8, 20 U.S.C. 7257-7257d.

OBJECTIVES:

To carry out a national telecommunications-based program to improve teaching, and prepare students to achieve challenging academic standards, in core curriculum areas. The Ready to Teach program also supports digital educational programming grants that enable eligible entities to develop, produce, and distribute educational and instructional video programming.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Not more than five percent of the amount received under the grant may be used for administrative costs.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   A local public telecommunications entity or partnership of such entities, as defined in section 397(12) of the Communications Act of 1934, that is able to demonstrate a capacity for the development and distribution of educational instructional television programming of high quality.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Elementary and secondary students, and school teachers who provide instruction in core curriculum areas (in the United States).

Credentials/Documentation:   No Credentials or documentation are required. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Pre-application Coordination:   Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Application forms and instructions are available from the program office. Application deadlines and other information for applicants are published in the Federal Register.

Award Procedure:   Applicants are reviewed and evaluated by outside experts and program staff, in accordance with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) (34 CFR 75, Subpart D).

Deadlines:   Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   

The range of approval/disapproval time is approximately 60 days following the application deadline.

Appeals:   

Not Applicable.

Renewals:   

As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for direct grant programs (see 34 CFR 75.253). Generally, for multiple-year awards, continuation awards after the first budget period are made if: sufficient funds have been appropriated; the recipient has either made substantial progress in meeting the goals of the project or obtained approval for changes in the project; the recipient has submitted all required reports; and continuation is in the best interest of the government.

	back to top

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   

This program has no statutory formula. Matching Requirements: Digital educational programming grants awarded under ESEA Sec. 5484, require a match of not less than 100 percent from federal applicants. Grants awarded under ESEA Sec. 5481, to carry out a national telecommunications-based program, have no formula or matching reqirements. Such matching funds may include funds provided for the transition to digital broadcasting, as well as in-kind contributions. MOE requirements are not applicable to this program.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   

Following a competitively selected 12-month award, up to two additional years may be awarded. Renewals are subject to the availability of appropriations. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Electronic transfer.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   As required by the Educational Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for direct grant programs (34 CFR 75). Generally, annual performance and financial reports are required. Cash reports are not applicable. Grantees must submit an annual performance report (APR) as required under EDGAR 34 CFR 74.50. Expenditure reports are monitored through the APR. Program performance monitored through the APR.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   As required by EDGAR for direct grantprograms (34 CFR 75) the grantee shall maintain records and other evidence pertaining to all costs incurred,revenues, or other applicable credits acquired under its award as stated in grant or contract terms and conditions. Generally, records related to grant funds, compliance, and performance must be maintained for a period of five years after completion.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:  

91-0204-0-1-501.

Obligations:   (Project Grants) FY 08 $10,700,000; FY 09 est $10,700,000; FY 10 est $0

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  

No Data Available.

	back to top