Overview
Retains, without major
changes, the current program to support the development,
adoption, and implementation of comprehensive school
reforms that are based on reliable research and effective
practice and that will improve the academic achievement
of children in participating schools.
Changes
from Current Law
- Authorization – Creates
a separate authorization for the program in the
ESEA (under Title I, new Part F). Previously,
the program had no separate statutory authorization;
it was created in the Department’s fiscal
year 1998 appropriations act and was implemented
based on instructions included in the reports
accompanying the Department’s fiscal year
1998 and 1999 appropriations. Congress has appropriated
funds for the program under Part E (Federal Evaluations,
Demonstrations, and Transition Projects) of Title
I and Part A (Fund for the Improvement of Education)
of Title X.
- Targeting – Limits
awards to LEAs that receive funding under Part
A of Title I. By comparison, the FY 2001 appropriations
made 83 percent of the funding available for
LEAs eligible to receive funds under Part A.
- Additional Reform Component – In
addition to the nine components required currently,
adds two new components stipulating that grantees
use program funds for comprehensive reforms that:
(1) have been found (a) through scientifically
based research to improve significantly the academic
performance of participating students compared
to non-participating students; or (b) show strong
evidence that the model would significantly improve
the performance of participating students; and
(2) provide support for teachers, principals,
administrators, and other school staff.
- Quality Initiatives – Requires
the Secretary to carry out “quality initiatives” consisting
of: (1) a public-private effort to assist States,
LEAs, and schools in making informed decisions
in approving or selecting providers of comprehensive
school reform; and (2) activities to (a) foster
the development of comprehensive school reform
models; and (b) provide effective capacity building
for comprehensive school reform providers to
expand their work to more schools, ensure quality,
and promote financial stability.
- Emphasis on Proven Strategies – Requires
that grantees implement comprehensive reforms
based on scientifically based research.
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Related Links
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| Contacts: |
| Ron
Lukenbill, Director, Comprehensive
School Reform,(406) 444-2080 |
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