absolute priorities for in awarding subgrants under title i

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL REFORMPROGRAM

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSand

GRANT APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Date of Release: January 10, 2005

Deadline for Applications:June 1, 2005

Maryland State Department of Education200 West Baltimore Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21201

CRITERIA FOR DEVELOPING SCHOOL-LEVEL AND LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMAPPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING UNDER THE

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL REFORM PROGRAM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1:

Program Description

1

SECTION 2: Intent to Submit

6

SECTION 3:

Comprehensive School Reform Program

Selection Criteria with Program Narrative

7

SECTION 4: School-Level Application

11

SECTION 5: Local School System Application

20

APPENDIX A United States Department of Education Guidance on28

The Comprehensive School Reform Program

APPENDIX B Comprehensive School Reform Program Application Scoring Rubric

29

CSR Request for Proposals 2

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL REFORM PROGRAM

SECTION 1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Name of Grant Program: Comprehensive School Reform Program (CSR)

Authorization: Public Law 107-110

Section 1601 of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary

Education Act (ESEA)

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

RFP Dissemination Date: January 10, 2005

General Purpose: To provide financial incentives for schools to develop comprehensive school reform programs, based on scientifically based research and effective practices that include an emphasis on basic academics and parental involvement so that all children can meet challenging State content and academic achievement standards. (See United States Department of Education Guidance on the Comprehensive School Reform Program, July 26, 2002, Appendix A.)

Specific Purpose: To assist schools to bring together in an integrated, comprehensive design the eleven required components of a comprehensive school reform program that address specific elements that are important in the daily life of schools: strong academic content and research-based strategies, measurable goals, support by and for staff, professional development, parental involvement, technical assistance, evaluation, and the allocation of resources.

Schools may choose to adopt a nationally available reform model or a locally developed model that supports one or more components of its comprehensive design. However, the model remains only part of the overall design and must be integrated with the required components. Implementing a model of any kind is not required.


Focused Purpose: A comprehensive school reform program employs a variety of strategies and initiatives to ensure the access of all children to effective, scientifically based instructional strategies and challenging academiccontent and emphasizes accountability for student achievement.

Fund Use: The CSR funds must be used to support costs associated with implementing comprehensive reform programs that must be integrated in a comprehensive design for effective school functioning and must be supported by scientifically based research OR have strong evidence that it will improve the academic achievement of participating children. The CSR funds may not be used to support randomly adopted or developed strategies.


The CSR funds are not intended to support fully all aspects of a school’s reform efforts. Rather, in implementing comprehensive reforms, a school must determine how all available federal, State, local and private resources can be used to coordinate services that will support and sustain comprehensive reform efforts. The CSR funds must supplement, not supplant, federal, State, and local funds that the local school system (LSS) and schools would otherwise receive.

Total Funds Available: Approximately $2,429,900 will be sub-granted to local school systems through a competitive process. Schools that are eligible to participate in Section 1604 State Use of Funds for comprehensive school reform programs in schools eligible to participate in Title I and that need to improve student achievement.

Range of Grant Awards: $50,000 - $150,000

In awarding competitive grants to local school systems under this program, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will make awards that are of sufficient size and scope to support the start-up costs for the particular comprehensive reform plan selected or developed by a participating school. Each school’s allocation must be at least $50,000 and no more than $150,000.

In addition to the $50,000 minimum per-school allocation, the local school system’s grant award may include funds to support the reasonable and necessary costs that a Central Office may propose for administrative expenses, evaluation activities, and technical assistance.

Estimated Number ofGrant Awards: 16

Absolute Priorities for In awarding subgrants under Title I, Part F, MSDE gives priority toSection 1604 Funds: any LSS or consortia that:

(1) Plans to use CSR funds in Title 1 schools identified as on alert or schools that are in Year 1 or Year 2 improvement; and,

(2) Demonstrates a commitment to assist these schools with budget

allocation, professional development, and other strategies necessary to ensure that the comprehensive school reforms are properly implemented and sustained, such as providing assistance with school needs assessments and planning processes, decentralized decision making, or the reallocation of financial or other resources.

Competitive Priorities: In awarding CSR funds under Title I, Part F, MSDE awards one (1) point for each of the following four competitive priorities in addition to any points the application earns under the selection criteria:

Plans that propose to use Title I, Part F to support effective research-based programs in Title I schools that have been identified in need of improvement (not making adequate yearly progress) for at least two consecutive years. (Use current data.)


Bonus Points: One point will be awarded for the school attending a full-day planning workshop. The workshop will feature additional information about the process and discussions with Maryland teams currently implementing comprehensive school reform designs. The workshop on February 4, 2005 is optional. An additional required workshop will be offered on April 6, 2005. And will offer applicants one bonus point for attendance. The workshops are as follows:

Optional Workshop: February 4, 2005, The Meeting House, Columbia, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. SNOW DATE: March 3, 2005.

Required Workshop: April 6, 2005, The Meeting House, Columbia, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Duration of CSR Plan: A local school system’s CSR plan will be approved for a three-year period, depending on the availability of Congressional appropriations. That is, an initial award to a local school system for a particular school would be renewable for two additional years contingent upon demonstrating evidence of successful implementation of their plan.

Intent to Submit a April 7, 2005, by 4:00 p.m.CSR Application:

This date allows schools time to attend workshops, review research-based programs, and contact developers regarding costs, program effectiveness, and design requirements. This data allows schools to begin implementing CSR programs at the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year.

Submission Requirements: Local school systems must submit for receipt at MSDE by June 1, 2005, at 4:00 p.m. on the application due date an original and four copies of the CSR grant proposal package containing:

1) The Local School System Application that includes:

A description of the local school system’s process for reviewing and selecting the school/s for recommendation to MSDE.

The list of schools ranked by priority. A description of the research-based comprehensive program that

each school would implement, specifically identifying any externally developed program.

A description of how the local school system will provide technical assistance and support for the effective implementation of the comprehensive school reform design selected by participating schools.

A description of how the local school system will evaluate and follow the progress of the comprehensive school reform program/s.

The amount of funds, if any, requested for administration, technical assistance, and evaluation activities, and an explanation of how these funds would be used.

A budget that consolidates the funding amount and categories of all recommended schools and any proposed Central Office administrative costs using the MSDE budget form.

Program assurances signed by the superintendent.

2) A copy of the CSR proposal and, if appropriate, a letter of commitment from the program developer for each school recommended for funding. (Instructions for preparing school-level applications are included in


Section 3, beginning on page 7.)

Send to: Dr. N. Jane Fleming, Program CoordinatorComprehensive School Reform Program and Supplemental Educational ServicesProgram Improvement and Family Support BranchDivision of Student and School ServicesMaryland State Department of Education200 West Baltimore StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21201-2595

Proposal Review: Proposals will be forwarded to the CSR Review Panel convened by the Division of Student and School Services for review and funding considerations. The first phase of the review process is based on the review of applications by an expert panel who will use the scoring rubric presented in Appendix B. Applications receiving a score of 70 or greater will be considered for funding and bonus points will be added. The highest rated applications will be recommended for funding. Throughout the review process, priority will be given to awarding CSR funds to schools in different regions of the state, including rural and urban areas, and to a mix of elementary, middle and high schools. However, only high-quality applications that meet the review criteria will be considered for funding.

Site Visit: The second phase of the review process includes a site visit at each school recommended for funding. Site visits will be conducted during a two-week period immediately following the panel review. The purposes of the site visit will be:

To verify the information provided in the application. To review with school staff the processes they used to select and

determine the effectiveness of the school reform program. To discuss the comprehensiveness of the school reform program. To discuss how the school plans to sustain the program after

three years of CSR funding.

Final funding determinations will be based on the site visit.

Reporting Requirements: Each school receiving CSR funds must complete and submit to MSDE through the local school system a “start-up” report, a mid-year progress report, and an annual program report that addresses the progress towards meeting the established milestones. Local school systems must complete and submit annual and final financial reports according to MSDE guidelines and timelines. The letter of approval will include system and school level reporting requirements.

RFP Orientation and MSDE will conduct two technical assistance meetings as follows:Planning:

Optional Workshop: February 4, 2005, The Meeting House, Columbia, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. SNOW DATE: March 3,


2005. Required Workshop: April 6, 2005, The Meeting House, Columbia,

from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Technical Support and The Mid-Atlantic Regional Educational Laboratory, Assistance: the Laboratory for Student Success (LSS), at Temple

University1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19122-6091 (Contact: David W. Zuckerman, Ed.D., Phone: 215-204-7194) and the Region III Comprehensive Assistance Center, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22209 (Contact: Wendy Russell,

888-762-4200) are available to provide technical assistance to local school systems and schools in the design and development of the CSR program.

Program Contact: Dr. N. Jane Fleming, Coordinator Comprehensive School Reform Program andSupplemental Educational ServicesProgram Improvement and Family Support BranchDivision of Student and School ServicesMaryland State Department of Education200 West Baltimore StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21201-2595

Telephone: (410) 767-0642FAX: (410) 333-8010E-Mail: [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]

SECTION 2. INTENT TO SUBMIT(Must be submitted by the local school system)

To allow schools ample time to determine their needs, to select an appropriate school reform program, and to seek the necessary external support to succeed, MSDE has established an intent to submit date of April 7, 2005. Local school systems are required to forward, by 4:00 p.m., April 7, 2005, an “Intent to Submit Letter” to MSDE that includes the following information:

1. The date the local school system will submit a CSR application; 2. The estimated number of schools for which the local school system will submit individual

school proposals for funding consideration; and3. The estimated amount the local school system will request (based on individual school

plans and reasonable Central Office administrative costs.)

The letter should be forwarded to:Dr. N. Jane Fleming, Coordinator Comprehensive School Reform Program andSupplemental Educational ServicesProgram Improvement and Family Support BranchDivision of Student and School ServicesMaryland State Department of Education200 West Baltimore StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21201-2595

Telephone: (410) 767-0642FAX: (410) 333-8010

E-Mail: [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]

SECTION 3: EVALUATION CRITERIA WITH PROGRAM NARRATIVE

Individual School Applications: The Maryland State Department of Education will select individual school applications for CSR funding based on four criteria. The criteria are designed to ensure that funded proposals are likely to be successfully implemented and improve the academic achievement of all students in core academic subjects in the selected schools. Evaluation criteria are based on the eleven components of comprehensive school reform: (1) Proven Methods and Strategies Based on Scientifically Based Research, (2) Comprehensive Design, (3) Professional Development, (4) Measurable Goals and Benchmarks, (5) Support Within the School, (6) Support for Teachers and Principals, (7) Parental and Community Involvement, (8) External Technical Support and Assistance, (9) Annual Evaluation, (10) Coordination of Resources, and (11) Strategies That Improve Academic Achievement. Preference will be given to schools that use all eleven components to initiate the implementation of a comprehensive, integrated reform program that affects all subjects, all teachers, and all children in the school.

Four criteria provide an organizational framework for the eleven components:

Evaluation Criterion I: Student Learning and Achievement Enables all students to meet challenging State content and

student academic achievement standards and addresses needs identified through a school needs assessment (Component 2).

Includes measurable goals for student academic achievement and benchmarks for meeting such goals (Component 4).

Includes a plan for the annual evaluation of the student results achieved (Component 9).

Evaluation Criterion II : Students’ Opportunities to Learn Employs proven strategies and proven methods for student

learning and teaching that are based on scientifically based research and effective practices and have been replicated successfully in schools (Component 1).

Includes a plan for the annual evaluation of the implementation of school reform (Component 9).

Evaluation Criterion III: Activities that Support the Changes in Practice and Can Be Sustained Employs proven strategies and proven methods for student

learning and teaching that are based on scientifically based research and effective practices and have been replicated successfully in schools (Component 1).

Provides high quality and continuous teacher and staff professional development (Component 3).

Are supported by teachers, principals, administrators, and other school staff (Component 5).

Provides support for teachers, principals, administrators, and other school staff (Component 6).

Provides for the meaningful involvement of parents and the local community in planning, implementing, and evaluating school improvement activities consistent with Section 1118 (Component 7).

Uses high quality technical support and assistance from an entity with experience and expertise in schoolwide reform and improvement (Component 8).

Includes a plan for the annual evaluation of the implementation of school reform (Component 9).

Identifies other resources, including federal, State, local, and private resources, that will be used to support and to sustain the comprehensive reform effort (Component 10).


Evaluation Criterion IV: Comprehensiveness of Design Enables all students to meet challenging State content and

student academic achievement standards and addresses needs identified through a school needs assessment (Component 2).

Found, through scientifically based research, to significantly improve the academic achievement of students participating in such program, OR found to have strong evidence that such program will significantly improve the academic achievement of participating students (Component 11).

The Maryland State Department of Education has established the following evaluation criteria and competitive priorities for individual school applications. Each application considered for funding must score in the “Adequate” range in each sub-category. (Refer to Appendix B: The CSR Application Scoring Rubric.)

EVALUATION CRITERION I: STUDENT LEARNING AND ACHIEVEMENT 25 PointsEach application considered for funding must score in the “Adequate” range in each sub-category.

What knowledge and skills are students actually able to demonstrate on assessments designed to measure student progress toward achieving State content and student academic achievement standards especially in reading, math, and science?

Response should: Describe current performance.

Provide relevant data from State standards. Identify areas of satisfactory student performance. Use a variety of sources to provide evidence of need (e.g. surveys, focus

groups, school records, research, previous studies.) Disaggregate scores by subgroups. Analyzed and identify patterns. Identify needs with specific populations identified.

Describe desired performance. Measurable goals for student learning and performance for 3-5 years. Goals meet identified need. Objectives with a year-long time frame included with milestones. Relationship between goals and objectives clear. Evaluation criteria included.

EVALUATION CRITERION II: STUDENTS’ OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN 25 PointsEach application considered for funding must score in the “Adequate” range in each sub-category.

What are the learning activities in which students are actually engaged and the instructional support that they actually receive?

Response should:


Describe current practice. Current learning activities that appear to contribute to student achievement

included.

Describe the envisioned practice. Alignment with identified student needs to meet State content and

performance standards. Program has theoretical and research foundation. Evidence that the comprehensive reform effort is effective in demographically

similar schools with similar needs. Clear explanation of the process for integrating and including different

population. Scientifically-based research strategies and activities to be implemented in the

reform effort that will improve student learning and performance for all students.

Calendar of implementation activities included.

Describe the evaluation of the envisioned practices for effectiveness. Describe the ongoing process that monitors the progress of the implementation

at particular points during the year. Evaluation instruments to be used for assessing student learning and

performance. Processes to identify, address, and correct any barriers to the full

implementation of the reform effort.

EVALUATION CRITERION III: ACTIVITIES TO BRING ABOUT CHANGES IN PRACTICE AND TO SUSTAIN THEM 25 PointsEach application considered for funding must score in the “Adequate” range in each sub-category.

What improvement strategies are actually implemented by the local school system and its partners (i.e., program developers/design teams/vendors of instructional programs, materials, and software)?


Responses should include descriptions of activities that: Build capacity of school staff.

Trends, gaps, and problem areas in providing highly qualified staff. Needs of the principal and other staff to support the school’s goals

for at-risk students. Support for all staff that will influence academic growth toward State

content and student academic achievement standards.

Involve parents and community more effectively. Needs for engaging business and community partners. Training/Information strategies.

EVALUATION CRITERION IV: COMPREHENSIVENESS OF THE PROGRAM 25 PointsEach application considered for funding must score in the “Adequate” range in each sub-category.

Discuss the comprehensiveness of the design.


Strengthen school management. Multiple options over time for learning, refining, and mastering

scientifically research-based management and instructional strategies that assist students in meeting rigorous academic standards.

Address resources.

Existing resources analyzed. Human, material, and financial resources coordinated to implement

to and to sustain the comprehensive school reform program.

Provide ongoing evaluation processes that inform the reform effort. Principal and school improvement team roles and responsibilities for

collecting and analyzing school level data that provide information, along with state and system-level assessments, about the effect of the reform program on student academic performance.

Information dissemination plan.

Responses should:Describe the integration of instruction, assessment, classroom management, professional development, parental involvement, and school management for effective school functioning to ensure the access of all children to effective, scientifically based instructional strategies and challenging academic content. (Include evidence that the program has been found, through *scientifically based research strategies and activities to significantly improve the academic achievement of participating student learning and performance for all students or that the program has been found to have strong evidence that such programs will significantly improve the academic achievement of participating students.

Describe the alignment of the school’s curriculum, technology, and professional development into a comprehensive reform plan for school wide change.

*Please attach a list of on-going strategies that are used in the comprehensive school reform program and provide a bibliography of peer-reviewed journals and articles that provide a research base. Schools are encouraged to complete this appendix in consultation with the developer.

SECTION 4

SCHOOL LEVEL APPLICATION



INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING THE SCHOOL LEVEL CSR APPLICATION

The school level CSR application has eight sections, as described below, as well as the required assurances and letters of commitment from the program developer.

1. Title Page : This form is in the next part of the application.

2. Table of Contents : Include a one-page table of contents.

3. Abstract : Attach a one-page single-spaced abstract following the Table of Contents. This abstract should briefly describe the nature and scope of the comprehensive school improvement program, the proposed activities, and the intended outcomes.

4. Evidence of Effectiveness : Following the Abstract, attach a one-page, single-spaced description of the comprehensive school reform program. This description should briefly describe why the school selected this program and evidence.

5. Selection Criteria with Program Narrative : Before preparing the application narrative, an applicant should read carefully the United States Department of Education Guidance on the Comprehensive School Reform Program issued July 26, 2002 (See Appendix A) and the Selection Criteria (See Section 3) that the Maryland State Department of Education will use to evaluate applications.

The school must limit the application narrative to no more than 15 single-spaced, standard typed pages. If using a proportional computer font, use no smaller than a 12-point font. Applications exceeding the narrative limit of 15 pages or using a smaller print size or spacing that makes the application exceed the equivalent of this limit will not be considered for funding. (Note: The Table of Contents, the one-page Abstract, and the one-page Evidence of Effectiveness are not counted in the 15 page Narrative requirement.)

6. Budget : Use the enclosed budget forms to present a complete budget summary for each year of the CSR program (three years.)

7. Assurances : The Principal and the chairperson of the school improvement team must sign the CSR school-level assurances.

8. Appendix: Only the following material may be included in an appendix:

• Letter of commitment from the program developer indicating that the school is ready to move forward in program implementation.

• Letter of commitment from the school improvement team indicating that at least 80 percent of the school’s staff endorse the comprehensive school reform program and are committed to a long-term relationship with a program and/or program developer.

• A list of on going strategies that are used in the CSR program and a bibliography of peer-reviewed journals and articles that provide a research base.

• Up to five letters of endorsement from parent and community groups, technical assistance


providers, or other partners that clearly document an understanding of the comprehensive school reform program.

• A list of contact persons responsible for the management and implementation of the comprehensive school reform program, addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses.

All other information included in the appendix will not be reviewed.

Local School System Review. Submit the school’s CSR application to the local school system for review. The local school systems must review and rank in priority order CSR programs they recommend to MSDE for funding.


COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL REFORM PROGRAMAUTHORIZED UNDER PUBLIC LAW 107-110

SCHOOL APPLICATION

Name of School: ______________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Principal: ______________________________________________________

CSR Contact Person: ______________________________________________________

Telephone Number: ______________________FAX Number: ___________________

E-Mail Address: ______________________________________________________

Please provide the following information about your school:

Grades Served Student EnrollmentPercent of Students Eligible

for Free and Reduced Priced

MealsAs of October 30, 2004

Number of Staff

Number ofCertified Teachers

Number of Non-Certified Teachers

1. Has the school been identified as (check all that apply):

Title I(Specify School)

Alert Year OneImprovement

Year TwoImprovement

Explain: ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Research-based Program and Contact Person:

____________________________________________________________


CSR SCHOOL-LEVELBUDGET SUMMARY

An example format is provided below.

Successful Middle SchoolComprehensive School Reform Program Proposed Three Year Budget

Program or Service Area 2005-2006School Year

2006-2007School Year

2007-2008

School Year

1 Half-Time ABCFGH Master Teacher

ABC Instructional Materials: ABC Software package ABC Tutoring Guides

The ABC Program provides in-class and extended day one-on-one tutoring in reading and mathematics to students who are performing below age and grade expectations. The program incorporates computer assisted instruction and workbooks. There is an initial cost during the first year for the ABC software.

FGH Homework Assistance: Parents in the Loop (training and conferences) Homework Assistance Packets

The FGH homework assistance component provides training for parents on using FGH homework kits with their children. Parents are provided guides to use and help their children to do homework activities. Quarterly “Parents in the Loop” Workshops will be held. In Years Two and Three, 50% of the costs related to these activities will be paid by the Targeted Poverty Program.

Costs related to training all school staff in the ABCFGH design. The developer will provide the training during all three years. The local school system will be responsible for paying 50% of the training costs in Year Two and 70% in Year Three.ABCFGH Assessment Materials: Assessment materials are used to monitor ongoing progress of students and to measure progress towards achieving benchmarks.

Total Proposed CSR Budget

Salary: $20,000

Fringe: 5,000

10,0009,500

10,0008,000

12,000

1,000

$75,500

Salary: $21,500Fringe:

5,375

- 0 - 9,500

5,000 4,000

6,000

1,000

$52,375

Salary: $22,500Fringe: 5,625

- 0 - 9,500

5,000 4,000

3,600

1,000

$51,225

CSR

Req

uest for Prop

osals 15

CSR

Req

uest for proposals 16

CSR SCHOOL-LEVELBUDGET SUMMARY

Provide a budget summary of how the CSR funds will be used to support a comprehensive reform program for each of the three years.

Comprehensive School Reform ProgramProposed Three Year Budget

Program or Service Area 2005-2006School Year



Total Proposed CSR Budget $0 $0 $0

SCHOOL BUDGET SUMMARY FOR FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND PRIVATE RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THE CSR PROGRAM: SCHOOL YEAR 2005-2006

Name of School: Name of Principal:

The CSR funds alone are not intended to support the full implementation of a comprehensive reform program on an ongoing basis, including possible curriculum changes, sustained professional development, enhanced parental involvement, and the like. Therefore, CSR resources must be coordinated with other federal funds as well as State, local and private resources to leverage school improvement. The CSR funds must supplement, not supplant, federal, State, and local funds that the local school system and schools would otherwise receive.

Working with your school system’s finance office and program supervisors, and managers, complete the budget summary on the next page to show how other funding resources available to the school will be used to support the implementation of the CSR program during the school year. Please add any areas not listed for which funds will be expended to support the CSR program. Change or add funding sources to reflect the kinds of funds the school will use to fully implement the CSR program. The programs and service areas listed are examples only.


SCHOOL BUDGET SUMMARY FOR FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND PRIVATE RESOURCESTO SUPPORT THE CSR PROGRAM: SCHOOL YEAR 2005-2006

Name of School: Name of Principal:

Program and ServiceAreas

(Examples)

CSR Funds

Title I

Part A

21st

Century Community Learning

Centers

Other Federal (Title II, Title IV, Title

VI, etc.)

Please specify amount and program title.

Other StatePlease specify amount and

program title.

LocalPlease specify amount and

program title.

Private

Please specify amount and program title.

Total

Staffing (Explain)

$0

Professional Development

$0

Curriculum Materials

$0

Assessment &Evaluation

$0

Technology $0

Parent Involvement

$0

Totals $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

CSR

Req

uest for Prop

osals 18

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL REFORM PROGRAMSCHOOL-LEVEL STATEMENT OF PROGRAM ASSURANCES TO THE

MARYLAND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

By receiving federal funds under the Comprehensive School Reform Program, hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions:

(Name of School)

1. The comprehensive school reform program described in this three-year plan will operate in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to the 1964 Civil Rights Act and amendments, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

2. The CSR funds will be used only to supplement, and not supplant, federal, state, and local funds the school would otherwise receive.

3. The school, through the local school system, must receive prior written approval from MSDE before implementing any programmatic changes to this plan.

4. The school, through the local school system, must receive prior written approval from MSDE for any budgetary realignment of $1,000 or 15 percent of the total object and/or category of expenditures, whichever is greater. Budget alignment for the school’s CSR program must be submitted by the local school system at least 45 days prior to the end of the grant period.

5. The school shall adhere to MSDE reporting requirements, including the submission of a “start-up” report, a mid-year progress report, an annual program report that addresses the progress towards meeting the established milestones, and any other reports requested by MSDE to measure program effectiveness or to develop descriptive profiles about CSR programs being implemented in Maryland.

6. The school shall retain all records related to the activities described in this plan for three years after the termination of the CSR funding, and shall make such records available for inspection and audit by authorized representatives of MSDE.

We further certify that all of the facts, figures, and representations made with respect to this CSR plan are true and correct to the best of our knowledge and information.

School Principal: SITChairperson: Date:


SECTION 5

LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM APPLICATION



INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING THE LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM CSR APPLICATION

The local school system CSR application has nine sections, as described below, as well as the requested assurances and letters of commitment from the program developer, if appropriate.

1. Title Page: This form is in the next part of the application.

2. Table of Contents: Include a one-page table of contents.

3. Identification of the School(s) to Be Served : Following the Table of Contents, list the schools that would implement a comprehensive school reform program and the projected costs of such a program for each school. Verify the eligibility of schools for Title I services and the identification of schools as on “alert” or schools that are in Year 1 or Year 2 improvement. Rank schools by priority, on the basis of their needs and the quality of the CSR programs that they would implement. Describe the process the school system used to review and select schools for recommendation to MSDE.

4. Description of CSR Program(s): Describe the comprehensive school reform program that each eligible school would implement. Demonstrate that each school has woven scientifically based research, effective practice, and proven methods into an integrated, comprehensive program that addresses the eleven components described in CSR Guidance, B-1, Appendix A. Among other requirements, the program must employ proven strategies and methods for student learning, teaching, and school management that are based on scientifically based research and effective practices and have been replicated successfully in schools. In addition, the overall program must have been found, through scientifically based research, to significantly improve the academic achievement of students participating in such a program, or there must be strong evidence that the program will accomplish these results.

5. Description of Local School System Support : Describe how the local school system will provide the technical assistance and support that is essential for the effective implementation of comprehensive school reform programs in its schools. (See CSR Guidance, Appendix A H-4 and H-5)

6. Evaluation Strategies : The local school system must describe how it will evaluate the implementation of comprehensive school reform programs in its schools and measure the results achieved in improving student academic achievement for all students in participating schools.

7. Budget : Use the enclosed MSDE budget form to present a complete budget summary that consolidates the funding amount and categories of all recommended schools and any proposed Central Office administrative costs using the MSDE budget form. If the local school system is requesting additional CSR funds for administration, technical assistance, and evaluation activities, provide an explanation of how these funds will be used.

8. Ed-Flex Waiver Requests : Describe any waivers of federal or State program requirements that the local school system needs, and for which it intends to apply, in order to improve the success of the CSR program(s). Describe how the waiver will assist the schools to implement the CSR programs and to improve student achievement.


9. Appendix : Only required assurances may be included in an appendix:

The general assurances in Section 9306 of the ESEA.

A description of the steps the local school system proposes to take to overcome barriers to equitable program participation, as required under Section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act.

The lower-tier certification covering lobbying and debarment/suspension under 34 CFR Parts 82 and 85.

MSDE Review: Submit the local school system’s application with school-level CSR application(s) to MSDE by the submission date, 4:00 p.m., June 1, 2005.


Comprehensive School Reform ProgramAuthorized Under Public Law 107-110

Local School System ApplicationSchool Year 2005-2006

Name of School System: _______________________________________

Address: ________________________________

_______________________________________

CSR Contact Person: ______________________________________

Telephone Number: ______________________FAX Number: ________________________

E-Mail Address: _______________________________________

Total Amount of Funds Requested:$ _______________________________________________ (Minimum Amount is $50,000)

Certification: I HEREBY CERTIFY that, to the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this application is correct. I also certify, that the local school system will provide guidance, support, and technical assistance to the school(s) receiving funding under the Comprehensive School Reform Program.

________________________

(Signature of Local Superintendent of Schools) (Date)

STATEMENT OF PROGRAM ASSURANCES TO THEMARYLAND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

By receiving CSR funds, hereby agrees (Name of Local School System)

to the following terms and conditions:

1. Programs and projects described in this three-year consolidated plan will operate in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to the general assurances in Section 9306 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the 1964 Civil Rights Act and amendments, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

2. The CSR funds will be used to supplement, and not supplant, federal, state, and local funds a school would otherwise receive.

3. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) may, as it deems necessary, supervise, evaluate, and provide guidance and direction to the local school system in the conduct of activities performed under this consolidated plan. However, failure of MSDE to supervise, evaluate, or provide guidance and direction shall not relieve the local school system of any liability for failure to comply with the activities contained in this plan.

4. Grantee shall establish and maintain fiscal control and fund accounting procedures, as set forth in 34 CFR Parts 76 and 80 and in applicable state law and regulations.

5. Grantee shall adhere to MSDE reporting requirements, including the submission of progress reports for each school participating in the CSR program.

6. Entities receiving $25,000 or more of federal funds need to have an annual financial and compliance audit in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 or A-128, whichever is applicable.

7. Grantee shall retain all records of its financial transactions and accounts relating to the CSR program for a period of three years after termination of the grant agreement and shall make such records available for inspection and audit by authorized representatives of MSDE.

8. Grantee must receive prior written approval from MSDE, Division of Student and School Services, before implementing any programmatic changes with respect to the purposes for which the CSR funds are awarded.

9. Grantee must receive prior written approval from MSDE, Division of Student and School Services, for any budgetary realignment of $1,000 or 15 percent of the total object and/or category of expenditures, whichever is greater. Grantee must support the request with reasons for the change. Budget alignments must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the end of the grant period.

10. Requests for grant extensions must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the end of the grant period.

11. Grantee shall repay any funds that have been finally determined through the federal or state audit resolution process to have been misspent, misapplied, or otherwise not properly accounted for, and further agrees to pay any collection fees that may subsequently be imposed by the federal and/or state government.

12. If the grantee fails to fulfill its obligation under the CSR grant agreements properly and on time, or otherwise violates any provision of the CSR grant, MSDE may suspend or terminate the grant by written notice to the grantee. The notice shall specify those acts or omissions relied upon as cause for suspension or termination. Grantee shall repay MSDE for any funds that have been determined through audit to have been misspent, unspent, misapplied, or otherwise not properly accounted for. The repayment may be made by an offset to funds that are otherwise due the grantee.

I further certify that all the facts, figures, and representations made with respect to the CSR grant award, including exhibits and attachments, are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

____________________________________________ __________________________ Local Superintendent of Schools Date

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL REFORM PROGRAMLOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM REQUEST FOR ADMINISTRATION FUNDS

List below the amount of CSR funds that the local school system is requesting for administration, technical assistance, and evaluation. Provide an explanation of how these funds will be used. Note: These funds are in addition to the funds requested by each school.

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion—Lower Tier Covered Transactions

This certification is required by the Department of Education regulations implementing Executive Order12549, Debarment and Suspension, 34CFR Part 85, for all lower tier transactions meeting the threshold and tier requirements stated at Section 85.110.

1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective

lower tier participant is providing the certification set out below.

2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was places when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

4. The terms “covered transaction,” “debarred,” “suspended,” “ineligible,” “lower tier covered transaction,” “participant,” “person,” “primary covered transaction,” “principal,” “proposal,” and “voluntarily excluded,” as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of rules implementing Executive Order 12549. You may contact the person to which this proposal is submitted for assistance in obtaining

a copy of those regulations.

5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency with which this transaction originated.

6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include the clause titled “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility, and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions,” without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.

7. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may but is not required to, check the Nonprocurement List.

8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 5 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

Certification

(1) The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency.

(2) Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.

NAME OF APPLICANT PR/AWARD NUMBER AND, OR PROJECT NAME

PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

SIGNATURE DATE

ED 80-0014, 9/90 (Replaces GCS-009 (REV.12/88), which is obsolete)

CSR

Req

uest for Prop

osals 27

APPENDIX A

United States Department of Education Guidance on the Comprehensive School Reform Program:

July 26, 2002


APPENDIX B

Comprehensive School Reform ApplicationScoring Rubric


absolute priorities for in awarding subgrants under title i

Education

school allocation

participating school

comprehensive reform

comprehensive reform

local school systems

local school system

developing schoollevel

grant program