oppED-GRANTS-032118-002-cfda84.423-cid84-423A2018-2-instructions.pdf

U . S . D E P A R T M E N T O F E D U C A T I O N

OFFICE OF INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202-5960

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRANTS UNDER THE

FY 2018 SUPPORTING

EFFECTIVE EDUCATOR

DEVELOPMENT GRANT

PROGRAM

CFDA Number: 84.423(A)

FORM APPROVED

OMB no. 1894-0006, Expiration Date: 11/30/2018

DATED MATERIAL – OPEN IMMEDIATELY

CLOSING DATE: May 17, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Program Overview

Authorizing Legislation

Notice Inviting Applications

Grants.gov Submission Procedures & Tips

Application Tips

Instructions for D-U-N-S Number

Instructions for Completing an Application

Application Instructions

Instructions for ED Abstract Narrative

Instructions for Project Narrative

Instructions for Budget Narrative

Instructions Evidence of Effectiveness Form

Instructions for Other Attachments (Appendices)

Required Forms & Instructions

SF 424 Application Form for Federal Assistance

ED Supplemental Form SF 424

ED 524 Budget Form

Evidence of Effectiveness Form

Grant Application Form for Project Objectives and Performance Measures

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) Requirements- Section 427

Grants.gov Lobby Form (Formerly ED 80-0013 Form)

SF 424B Assurances, Non-Construction Programs

Executive Order 12372

Applicant Checklist

Paperwork Burden Statement

Electronic Notification for Grant Awards

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Office: Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII)

Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Program

CFDA Number: 84.423A

Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants

Program Description: The SEED grant program provides funding to increase the number of highly effective educators by supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices that prepare, develop, or enhance the skills of educators. These grants will allow eligible entities to develop, expand, and evaluate practices that can serve as models that can be sustained and disseminated.

Eligible Applicants:

(a) An Institution of Higher Education that provides course materials or resources that are Evidence-Based in increasing academic achievement, graduation rates, or rates of postsecondary education matriculation;

(b) A national nonprofit organization with a demonstrated record of raising student academic achievement, graduation rates, and rates of higher education attendance, matriculation, or completion, or of effectiveness in providing preparation and Professional Development activities and programs for teachers, principals, or other School Leaders;

(c) The Bureau of Indian Education; or

(d) A partnership consisting of--

(i) One or more entities described in paragraph (a) or (b); and

(ii) A for-profit entity.

Program Website: https://innovation.ed.gov/what-we-do/teacher-quality/supporting-effective-educator-development-grant-program/

Program Contact: SEED@ed.gov https://innovation.ed.gov/what-we-do/teacher-quality/supporting-effective-educator-development-grant-program/ https://innovation.ed.gov/what-we-do/teacher-quality/supporting-effective-educator-development-grant-program/ mailto:SEED@ed.gov

AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION

Section 2242 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (20 U.S.C. 6672)

TITLE II—PREPARING, TRAINING, AND RECRUITING HIGH QUALITY TEACHERS, PRINCIPALS, OR

OTHER SCHOOL LEADERS

PART B—NATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Subpart 4—Programs of National Significance

SEC. 2242. SUPPORTING EFFECTIVE EDUCATOR DEVELOPMENT.

(a) IN GENERAL.—From the funds reserved by the Secretary under section 2241(1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities for the purposes of—

(1) providing teachers, principals, or other school leaders from nontraditional preparation and certification routes or pathways to serve in traditionally underserved local educational agencies;

(2) providing evidence-based professional development activities that address literacy, numeracy, remedial, or other needs of local educational agencies and the students the agencies serve;

(3) providing teachers, principals, or other school leaders with professional development activities that enhance or enable the provision of postsecondary coursework through dual or concurrent enrollment programs and early college high school settings across a local educational agency;

(4) making freely available services and learning opportunities to local educational agencies, through partnerships and cooperative agreements or by making the services or opportunities publicly accessible through electronic means; or

(5) providing teachers, principals, or other school leaders with evidence-based professional enhancement activities, which may include activities that lead to an advanced credential.

(b) PROGRAM PERIODS AND DIVERSITY OF PROJECTS.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—A grant awarded by the Secretary to an eligible entity under this section shall be for a period of not more than 3 years.

(2) RENEWAL.—The Secretary may renew a grant awarded under this section for 1 additional 2-year period.

(3) DIVERSITY OF PROJECTS.—In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, grants are distributed among eligible entities that will serve geographically diverse areas, including urban, suburban, and rural areas.

(4) LIMITATION.—The Secretary shall not award more than 1 grant under this section to an eligible entity during a grant competition.

(c) COST-SHARING.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall provide, from non-Federal sources, not less than 25 percent of the funds for the total cost for each year of activities carried out under this section.

(2) ACCEPTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS.—An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section may meet the requirement of paragraph (1) by providing contributions in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, and services.

(3) WAIVERS.—The Secretary may waive or modify the requirement of paragraph (1) in cases of demonstrated financial hardship.

(d) APPLICATIONS.—In order to receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may reasonably require. Such application shall include, at a minimum, a certification that the services provided by an eligible entity under the grant to a local educational agency or to a school served by the local educational agency will not result in direct fees for participating students or parents.

(e) PRIORITY.—In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity that will implement evidence-based activities, defined for the purpose of this subsection as activities meeting the requirements of section 8101(21)(A)(i).

(f) DEFINITION OF ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—In this section, the term ‘eligible entity’ means—

(1) an institution of higher education that provides course materials or resources that are evidence-based in increasing academic achievement, graduation rates, or rates of postsecondary education matriculation;

(2) a national nonprofit entity with a demonstrated record of raising student academic achievement, graduation rates, and rates of higher education attendance, matriculation, or completion, or of effectiveness in providing preparation and professional development activities and programs for teachers, principals, or other school leaders;

(3) the Bureau of Indian Education; or

(4) a partnership consisting of—

(A) 1 or more entities described in paragraph (1) or (2); and

(B) a for-profit entity.

NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS

2018 SEED Notice Inviting Applications The full text of the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the FY 2018 SEED competition including all relevant deadlines can be found on the SEED website at the following URL:

https://innovation.ed.gov/what-we-do/teacher-quality/supporting-effective-educator-development-grant-program/

All SEED applications must be fully uploaded and submitted and must be date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system by 4:30:00 pm Washington, DC time on May 17, 2018. Late applications will not be accepted. The Department is required to enforce the established deadline to ensure fairness to all applicants. No changes or additions to an application will be accepted after the deadline date and time.

After successfully submitting a Workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

2018 SEED Application Package Please note that the SEED Application Package is for applicants to download and use as a guide only.

Unless the applicant qualifies for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, all SEED grant applications must be submitted online using Workspace in Grants.gov.

Intent to Apply The Department encourages each potential applicant to notify us of the applicant’s intent to submit an application by completing a web-based form. When completing this form, applicants will provide (1) the applicant organization’s name and address and (2) the absolute priority the applicant intends to address.

Applicants may access this form online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/HZV7XQ6. Applicants that do not complete this form may still submit an application. Please submit the form no later than April 5, 2018.

Apply!

A Grants.gov applicant must apply online using Workspace. Instructions on getting started on your Workspace Application can be found on the Grants.gov website here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html. For access to complete instructions on how to apply, refer to: www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

Funding Opportunity Number: ED-GRANTS-032118-002

Each application will be reviewed under the competition it was submitted under in the Grants.gov system, and only applications that are successfully submitted by the established deadline will be peer reviewed.

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/08/18/2014-19426/applications-for-new-awards-preschool-development-grants-development-grants https://innovation.ed.gov/what-we-do/teacher-quality/supporting-effective-educator-development-grant-program/ https://innovation.ed.gov/what-we-do/teacher-quality/supporting-effective-educator-development-grant-program/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/download-application-package.html?p_p_id=grantsdownloadpackage_WAR_grantsdownloadpackageportlet&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_pos=1&p_p_col_count=2&_grantsdownloadpackage_WAR_grantsdownloadpackageportlet_mvcPath=%2Fdownload.jsp&id=203626 http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HZV7XQ6 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

GRANTS.GOV SUBMISSION PROCEDURES & TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ FIRST

To facilitate your use of Grants.gov, this document includes important submission procedures you need to be aware of to ensure your application is received in a timely manner and accepted by the Department of Education.

Browser Support

The latest versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari are supported for use with Grants.gov. However, these web browsers undergo frequent changes and updates, so we recommend you have the latest version when using Grants.gov. Legacy versions of these web browsers may be functional, but you may experience issues.

For additional information or updates, please see the Grants.gov Browser information in the Applicant FAQs: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#browser

ATTENTION – Workspace, Adobe Forms and PDF Files Required

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement (FOA), you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

1) Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

2) Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

a. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out web forms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#browser https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

b. Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

c. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS Number. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

3) Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

4) Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html

Helpful Reminders

1) REGISTER EARLY – Grants.gov registration involves many steps including registration on SAM (www.sam.gov) which may take approximately one week to complete, but could take upwards of several weeks to complete, depending upon the completeness and accuracy of the data entered into the SAM database by an applicant. You may begin working on your application while completing the registration process, but you cannot submit an application until all of the Registration steps are complete. Please note that once your SAM registration is active, it will take 24-48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov, and before you can submit an application through Grants.gov. For detailed information on the Registration Steps, please go to: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html [Note: Your organization will need to update its SAM registration annually.]

Primary information about SAM is available at www.sam.gov. However, to further assist you with obtaining and registering your DUNS number and TIN in SAM or updating your existing SAM account the Department of Education has prepared a SAM.gov Tip Sheet which you can find at:

http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/sam-faqs.html

2) SUBMIT EARLY – We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the last day to submit your application. Grants.gov will put a date/time stamp on your application and then process it after it is fully uploaded. The time it takes to upload an application will vary depending on a number of factors including the size of the application and the speed of your Internet https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html http://www.sam.gov/ http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/sam-faqs.html connection, and the time it takes Grants.gov to process the application will vary as well. If Grants.gov rejects your application (see step three below), you will need to resubmit successfully to Grants.gov before 4:30:00 p.m. Washington, DC time on the deadline date.

Note: To submit successfully, you must provide the DUNS number on your application that was used when you registered as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) on Grants.gov. This DUNS number is typically the same number used when your organization registered with the SAM. If you do not enter the same DUNS number on your application as the DUNS you registered with, Grants.gov will reject your application.

3) VERIFY SUBMISSION IS OK – You will want to verify that Grants.gov received your application submission on time and that it was validated successfully. To see the date/time your application was received, login to Grants.gov and click on the Track My Application link. For a successful submission, the date/time received should be earlier than 4:30:00 p.m. Washington, DC time, on the deadline date, AND the application status should be: Validated, Received by Agency, or Agency Tracking Number Assigned. Once the Department of Education receives your application from Grants.gov, an Agency Tracking Number (PR/award number) will be assigned to your application and will be available for viewing on Grants.gov’s Track My Application link.

If the date/time received is later than 4:30:00 p.m. Washington, D.C. time, on the deadline date, your application is late. If your application has a status of “Received” it is still awaiting validation by Grants.gov. Once validation is complete, the status will either change to “Validated” or “Rejected with Errors.” If the status is “Rejected with Errors,” your application has not been received successfully. Some of the reasons Grants.gov may reject an application can be found on the Grants.gov site:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/encountering-error-messages.html. For more detailed information on troubleshooting Adobe errors, you can review the Adobe Reader Software Tip Sheet at: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html. If you discover your application is late or has been rejected, please see the instructions below. Note: You will receive a series of confirmations both online and via e-mail about the status of your application. Please do not rely solely on e-mail to confirm whether your application has been received timely and validated successfully.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/encountering-error-messages.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

Submission Problems – What should you do?

If you have problems submitting to Grants.gov before the closing date, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or email at: mailto:support@grants.gov or access the Grants.gov Self-Service Knowledge Base web portal at: https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants

If electronic submission is required, you must submit an electronic application before 4:30:00 p.m.

Washington, DC time, unless you follow the procedures in the Federal Register notice and qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these exceptions. If electronic submission is optional and you have problems that you are unable to resolve before the deadline date and time for electronic applications, please follow the transmittal instructions for hard copy applications in the Federal Register notice and get a hard copy application postmarked by midnight on the deadline date. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.)

Helpful Hints When Working with Grants.gov

Please go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html for help with Grants.gov. For additional tips related to submitting grant applications, please refer to the Grants.gov Applicant FAQs found at this Grants.gov link: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html as well as additional information on Workspace at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#workspace.

Dial-Up Internet Connections

When using a dial up connection to upload and submit your application, it can take significantly longer than when you are connected to the Internet with a high-speed connection, e.g. cable modem/DSL/T1.

While times will vary depending upon the size of your application, it can take a few minutes to a few hours to complete your grant submission using a dial up connection. If you do not have access to a high-speed connection and electronic submission is required, you may want to consider following the instructions in the Federal Register notice to obtain an exception to the electronic submission requirement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions.)

Attaching Files – Additional Tips

Please note the following tips related to attaching files to your application, especially the requirement that applicants only include read-only, flattened .PDF files in their application:

• Ensure that you attach .PDF files only for any attachments to your application, and they must be in a read-only, flattened format. PDF files are the only Education approved file type accepted as detailed in the Federal Register application notice. Applicants must submit individual .PDF files only when attaching files to their application. Specifically, the Department will not accept any attachments that contain files within a file, such as PDF mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#workspace https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#workspace

Portfolio files, or an interactive or fillable .PDF file. Any attachments uploaded that are not .PDF files or are password protected files will not be read.

• Grants.gov cannot process an application that includes two or more files that have the same name within a grant submission. Therefore, each file uploaded to your application package should have a unique file name.

• When attaching files, applicants should follow the guidelines established by Grants.gov on the size and content of file names. Uploaded file names must be fewer than 50 characters, and, in general, applicants should not use any special characters. However, Grants.gov does allow for the following UTF-8 characters when naming your attachments: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, underscore, hyphen, space, period, parenthesis, curly braces, square brackets, ampersand, tilde, exclamation point, comma, semi colon, apostrophe, at sign, number sign, dollar sign, percent sign, plus sign, and equal sign. Applications submitted that do not comply with the Grants.gov guidelines will be rejected at Grants.gov and not forwarded to the Department.

• Applicants should limit the size of their file attachments. Documents submitted that contain graphics and/or scanned material often greatly increase the size of the file attachments and can result in difficulties opening the files. For reference, the average discretionary grant application package with all attachments is less than 5 MB. Therefore, you may want to check the total size of your package before submission.

APPLICATION TIPS

I. Register or maintain registration on SAM.gov. The SAM registration process can take approximately seven business days, but may take upwards of several weeks, depending on the completeness and accuracy of the data entered into the SAM database by an entity. Thus, if you think you might want to apply for Federal financial assistance under a program administered by the Department, please allow sufficient time to obtain and register your DUNS number and TIN. Once your SAM registration is active, you will need to allow 24 to 48 hours for the information

II. Register early on Grants.gov. The registration process may take up to two weeks to complete. For additional information on the registration and submission process please review the resources available on the Grants.gov Website.

III. Verify that the person assigned to submit the application has been designated as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). You must be “active” in order to submit an application on behalf of the organization.

IV. Carefully review the FY2018 NIA for eligibility requirements. Clearly state which absolute priority under which you are submitting an application.

V. Review the submission for clarity. Applications will be read by multiple peer reviewers; therefore it is important to ensure that the application can be understood by someone who is unfamiliar with your project.

VI. Submit all files in .PDF format. While Grants.gov may accept other format types, the Department’s system, which receives the files from Grants.gov, will only accept .PDF files. Files submitted in formats other than .PDF may not convert in a legible manner and, in these instances, cannot be reviewed. Ensure that you attach .PDF files only for any attachments to your application, and they must be in a read-only, flattened format. PDF files are the only Education approved file type accepted as detailed in the Federal Register application notice. Applicants must submit individual .PDF files only when attaching files to their application. Specifically, the Department will not accept any attachments that contain files within a file, such as PDF Portfolio files, or an interactive or fillable .PDF file. Any attachments uploaded that are not .PDF files or are password protected files will not be read.

VII. Submit early on Grants.gov. Applications must be finished uploading, and be validated by the Grants.gov system, by 4:30:00pm, Washington, DC, time on May 17, 2018. Validation indicates if the submission was successful and may take up to two days. If the submitted application is deemed invalid due to an error, applicants may correct the error and resubmit only if the 4:30:00pm Washington, DC time deadline has not passed. Applicants are encouraged to review the submission to be sure that the files transmitted correctly. Grants.gov may not catch all errors. Late submissions or modifications to the submitted application will not be accepted after the deadline.

VIII. Each application will be reviewed under the competition it was submitted under in the Grants.gov system, and only applications that are successfully submitted by the established closing date will be peer reviewed.

IX. NOTE: Applicants will receive multiple emails to confirm submission in Grants.gov, validation, and transmission to the Department of Education. Once the application is transmitted to the Department, applicants will receive a final email with a unique identifier called a PR Award Number.

Use this number when making inquiries about the submitted application. Please review the email carefully to ensure that you submitted the application under the intended competition.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR D-U-N-S NUMBER

All applicants must have a D-U-N-S number in order to apply for federal funds.

NOTE: Check with your fiscal office to see if your institution has an assigned DUNS number before contacting Dun & Bradstreet.

Please provide the applicant’s DUNS number. You can obtain your DUNS number at no charge by calling 1-800-333-0505 or by completing a D-U-N-S Number Request Form. The form can be obtained via the internet at the following URL:

http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/index.html

The DUNS number is a unique nine-digit number that does not convey any information about the recipient. A built in check digit helps assure the accuracy of the DUNS number. The ninth digit of each number is the check digit, which is mathematically related to the other digits. It lets computer systems determine if a DUNS number has been entered correctly.

Dun & Bradstreet, a global information services provider, has assigned DUNS numbers to over 43 million companies worldwide.

For live help Monday-Friday 9am-6pm (EST) dial 1-888-814-1435.

NOTE: Electronic submission via Grants.gov must use the DUNS number your organization used when it registered in the Central Contractor Registry.

http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/index.html

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING AN APPLICATION

Carefully read the entire application package, the Federal Register notice, and the authorizing legislation.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants applying for the SEED program will use the following Grants.gov and ED narrative forms:

ED Abstract Narrative Attachment Form

Project Narrative Attachment Form

Budget Narrative Attachment Form

Evidence of Effectiveness Form

Other Attachments Form

The ED Abstract Narrative Attachment Form is where you will attach your one-page program abstract.

The Project Narrative Attachment Form is where the applicant will attach the narrative sections addressing the Selection Criteria, one of the Absolute Priorities, and, if relevant, the Competitive Preference Priority or Invitational Priority.

The Budget Narrative Attachment Form is where the applicant will attach a detailed line-item budget and any supplemental budget information. Remember to include a matching budget of 25% of the total project cost which is 33% of the federal funds request.

The Evidence of Effectiveness Form is where the applicant submits up to two citations in support of its project to demonstrate that it meets the evidence requirements of the program. Please see the NIA for the relevant evidence standards.

The Other Attachments Form is where the applicant will attach proposal appendices. This is where you will include information such as resumes/curriculum vitae of key personnel, documentation of status as a national non-profit organization, letters or support, etc. The Grants.gov system will allow applicants to attach as many as ten separate appendices in this section.

Please complete the SF 424 first. Grants.gov will automatically insert the correct CFDA (84.423A) and program name wherever needed thereafter.

NOTE: Please do not attach any narratives, supporting files, or application components to the Standard Form (SF 424).

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ED ABSTRACT NARRATIVE

The abstract narrative must not exceed one page and should use language that will be understood by a range of audiences. The abstract should include the following items: project title, priorities addressed, project goals and expected outcomes, brief project description, and key partner organizations.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROJECT NARRATIVE

The Project Narrative should describe the project that an applicant would carry out if funded and include the eligible applicant’s response to the selection criteria since the application will be evaluated and scored against these criteria.

The NIA provides applicants with instructions for preparing and submitting the application, information describing the absolute priorities and competitive preference priorities that have been established for this competition, the selection criteria that will be used to evaluate the application, and other pertinent information concerning the competition for awards.

Should an applicant choose to apply and meet the requirements for the competitive priority, the application can earn up to 103 points. In order to be considered for competitive preference priority points, the applicant must be sure to identify that the priority is addressed in the application and include the section as part of the project narrative.

It is expected that applicants will use the selection criteria to frame their project narratives.

Formatting We suggest you limit the project narrative to the equivalent of no more than 40 pages, using 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, except titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, tables, figures and graphs.

• 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. An application submitted in any other font (including Times Roman or Arial Narrow) will not be accepted.

Priorities Applicants are required to designate the priority or priorities under which they are submitting their proposal. All applicants must apply for either Absolute Priority 1 or Absolute Priority 2, but not both.

Clear headings should be provided to indicate an applicant's response to the absolute priority under which they are submitting their proposal and to the competitive preference priority or invitational priority under which they are submitting their proposal, as applicable.

Absolute Priorities For the purpose of this application, the Department has established two absolute priorities under the Supporting Effective Educator Development Grant Program for the FY 2018 grant competition. Under

34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet one of either Absolute Priority 1 or Absolute Priority 2.

Absolute Priority 1: Supporting Effective Teachers.

This priority is for projects that will implement activities that are supported by Moderate Evidence.

Applicants under this priority may propose one or more of the following activities:

(1) Providing teachers from nontraditional preparation and certification routes or pathways to serve in traditionally underserved Local Educational Agencies (LEAs);

(2) Providing teachers with Evidence-Based Professional Development activities that address literacy, numeracy, remedial, or other needs of LEAs and the students the agencies serve; or

(3) Providing teachers with Evidence-Based professional enhancement activities, which may include activities that lead to an advanced credential.

Absolute Priority 2: Supporting Effective Principals or Other School Leaders.

This priority is for projects that will implement activities that are supported by Promising Evidence.

Applicants under this priority may propose one or more of the following activities:

(1) Providing principals or other School Leaders from nontraditional preparation and certification routes or pathways to serve in traditionally underserved LEAs;

(2) Providing principals or other School Leaders with Evidence-Based Professional Development activities that address literacy, numeracy, remedial, or other needs of LEAs and the students the agencies serve; or

(3) Providing principals or other School Leaders with Evidence-Based professional enhancement activities, which may include activities that lead to an advanced credential.

Competitive Preference Priority For the purpose of this application, the Department has established one competitive preference priority (CPP) under the Supporting Effective Educator Development Grant Program for the FY 2018 grant competition. Applicants that address the priority can earn additional points by doing so.

Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) Education, With a Particular Focus on Computer Science (0 to 3 points)

Projects designed to improve student achievement or other educational outcomes in one or more of the following areas: science, technology, engineering, math, or computer science (as defined in this notice).

These projects must address the following priority area:

Increasing the number of educators adequately prepared to deliver rigorous instruction in STEM fields, including computer science (as defined in this notice), through recruitment, evidence-based (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1 or the ESEA) professional development strategies for current STEM educators, or evidence-based retraining strategies for current educators seeking to transition from other subjects to STEM fields.

Invitational Priority For the purpose of this application, the Department has established one invitational priority under the Supporting Effective Educator Development Grant Program for the FY 2018 grant competition.

Applicants that address this priority do not earn additional points or competitive advantage by doing so.

Support for the Use of Micro-Credentials

Under this priority, we are interested in projects that support teachers, principals, or other School Leaders earning micro-credentials based on demonstrated mastery of specific skills or competencies through the use of performance-based outcomes. The micro-credentials should be portable across schools, LEAs, or States.

Selection Criteria The selection criteria outlined below will be used to evaluate the quality of applications submitted for funding. The full description of the selection criteria is contained in the Notice Inviting Applications.

Within each criterion, there are specific factors that will be used in evaluating that criterion. In addition, the applicant should note the earlier discussion regarding addressing the required program components and authorized activities when responding to the selection criteria.

The maximum score that an applicant can earn for the selection criteria is 100 points. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses following that criterion.

Quality of the Project Design (35)

Significance (20)

Quality of the Management Plan (25)

Quality of the Project Evaluation (20)

We refer you to the NIA for a full description of each selection criterion and its subfactors. Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully read each criterion and its subfactors when preparing their applications. These are the criteria that will be used to review and score applications.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BUDGET NARRATIVE

Before preparing the budget narrative, applicants should review the Federal Register notice and the authorizing legislation for specific guidance and requirements. Note that applications will be evaluated according to the specific selection criteria specified in the Federal Register notice.

The budget should include only costs that are allowable, reasonable, and necessary for carrying out the objectives of the SEED project. Rules about allowable costs are set out in 2 CFR Part 2001, as adopted by the Department at 2 CFR Part 3474.2

1 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a00c8ef91d397f640d8c236871fe5eef&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a00c8ef91d397f640d8c236871fe5eef&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a00c8ef91d397f640d8c236871fe5eef&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl

Provide an itemized budget breakdown narrative, by project year, for each budget category listed in Section A of the ED 524 form. The project period is 3 years with the possibility of a 2-year extension.

Applicants must include at least 3 years in their budget request and may provide 5 years, including the possible extension period.

Provide the rate and base on which fringe benefits are calculated. Please check all figures and combined totals in the budget narrative, and compare the amounts with those reflected on the ED 524. Provide other budget explanations or comments deemed necessary. Include travel for key grant staff to attend an annual project directors convening in Washington DC.

The program requires a restricted indirect cost rate. If an applicant does not have a negotiated restricted rate, they may use a place holder rate unless their approved restricted rate is likely to be lower than 8%. See 34 CFR §§ 75.563 and 76.564 – 76.569 for additional guidance on how to calculate a restricted indirect cost rate. (https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=34:1.1.1.1.22&rgn=div5)

The SEED program requires grantees to provide non-federal matching funds of not less than 25% of the overall project cost. This comes out to 33% of the federal funds requested, so grantees must provide a matching budget and budget narrative that demonstrates how they will meet this matching requirement.

If an applicant will not be able to meet the matching requirement, the Secretary may waive this matching requirement on a case-by-case basis in cases of demonstrated financial hardship. Applicants that wish to apply for a waiver must include a request in their application that demonstrates a financial hardship.

EVIDENCE OF EFFECTIVENESS FORM

Applicants are required to complete the Evidence of Effectiveness Form for the proposed project. You must include this form to your application when submitting in Grants.gov.

To complete the form, select the level of evidence (Promising Evidence or Moderate Evidence) for which you are applying. Note that your project must meet the evidence requirements outlined in the NIA. To be eligible for AP1, your project must be supported by Moderate Evidence and to be eligible for AP2, your project must be supported by Promising Evidence. Refer to the NIA for definitions of Moderate Evidence and Promising Evidence. You may submit up to two citations to meet the evidence requirements.

Next, complete the Citation and Relevance chart for each of the studies you are submitting to meet the evidence standards. For each example of supporting evidence, you must provide the citation, the relevant findings, and the overlap of population and settings.

For additional guidance and examples, see Page 2 of the form.

2 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a00c8ef91d397f640d8c236871fe5eef&node=pt2.1.3474&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=34:1.1.1.1.22&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=34:1.1.1.1.22&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a00c8ef91d397f640d8c236871fe5eef&node=pt2.1.3474&rgn=div5

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OTHER ATTACHMENTS (APPENDICES)

Applicants will attach any appendices they may have to the Grants.gov Other Attachments Form. Please provide a special Table of Contents for the appendices. The Grants.gov system will allow applicants to attach as many as ten separate appendices in this section; however, applicants are encouraged to limit the number and length of appendix entries to a reasonable number for a reviewer to read.

Resumes/Curriculum Vitae

Provide resumes/curriculum vitae for the project director as well as any key personnel identified in the application.

Documentation of Status as an Eligible Applicant

Provide a statement that demonstrates that the applicant organization meets one of the following eligible entity types:

(1) an institution of higher education that provides course materials or resources that are evidence-based in increasing academic achievement, graduation rates , or rates of postsecondary education matriculation;

(2) a national nonprofit organization with a demonstrated record of raising student academic achievement, graduation rates, and rates of higher education attendance, matriculation, or completion, or of effectiveness in providing preparation and professional development activities and programs for teachers, principals, or other school leaders ;

(3) the Bureau of Indian Education ; or

(4) a partnership consisting of —

(A) 1 or more entities described in paragraph (1) or (2); and

(B) a for-profit entity.

Certification of No Service Fees

Applicants must include a certification that the services provided by an eligible entity under the grant to a LEA or to a school served by the LEA will not result in direct fees for participating students or parents.

Letters of Support

Provide letters of support for the project.

REQUIRED FORMS & INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must submit along with their project narrative the required standard forms, assurances, and certifications. Below is a list of the standard forms, assurances, and certifications that are required.

• SF 424 Application Form for Federal Assistance

• ED Supplemental Form for SF 424

• ED 524 Form (Budget Summary Form)

• Evidence of Effectiveness Form

• Grant Application Form for Project Objectives and Performance Measures

• SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

• General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) Requirements - Section 427

• Grants.gov Certification Regarding Lobbying (formerly ED 80-0013)

• SF 424B Form - Assurances, Non-Construction Programs

The following pages provide a copy of the instructions for completing these forms. Electronic copies of the required forms can be found at the following addresses:

http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html , or on the Grants.gov website:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=0 and the Grants.gov submission package.

http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=0

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE (SF-424)

This is a standard form required for use as a cover sheet for submission of pre-applications and applications and related information under discretionary programs. Some of the items are required and some are optional at the discretion of the applicant or the federal agency (agency).

Required fields on the form are identified with an asterisk (*) and are also specified as “Required” in the instructions below. In addition to these instructions, applicants must consult agency instructions to determine other specific requirements.

Item Entry: Item: Entry:

1. Type of Submission: (Required) Select one type of submission in accordance with agency instructions.

• Pre-application

• Application

• Changed/Corrected Application – Check if this submission is to change or correct a previously submitted application. Unless requested by the agency, applicants may not use this form to submit changes after the closing date.

10. Name Of Federal Agency: (Required) Enter the name of the federal agency from which assistance is being requested with this application.

11. Catalog Of Federal Domestic Assistance Number/Title:

Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and title of the program under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement, if applicable.

2. Type of Application: (Required) Select one type of application in accordance with agency instructions.

• New – An application that is being submitted to an agency for the first time.

• Continuation - An extension for an additional funding/budget period for a project with a projected completion date. This can include renewals.

• Revision - Any change in the federal government’s financial obligation or contingent liability from an existing obligation. If a revision, enter the appropriate letter(s). More than one may be selected. If "Other" is selected, please specify in text box provided.

A. Increase Award D. Decrease Duration B. Decrease Award E. Other (specify) C. Increase Duration

12. Funding Opportunity Number/Title: (Required) Enter the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) and title of the opportunity under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement.

13. Competition Identification Number/Title: Enter the competition identification number and title of the competition under which assistance is requested, if applicable.

14. Areas Affected By Project: This data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than the place(s) of performance reported on the SF- 424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Add attachment to enter additional areas, if needed.

3. Date Received: Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the Federal agency.

15. Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project: (Required) Enter a brief descriptive title of the project. If appropriate, attach a map showing project location (e.g., construction or real property projects). For pre-applications, attach a summary description of the project.

4. Applicant Identifier: Enter the entity identifier assigned buy the Federal agency, if any, or the applicant’s control number if applicable.

5a. Federal Entity Identifier: Enter the number assigned to your organization by the federal agency, if any.

16. Congressional Districts Of: 16a. (Required) Enter the applicant’s congressional district. 16b. Enter all district(s) affected by the program or project. Enter in the format: 2 characters state abbreviation – 3 characters district number, e.g., CA-005 for California 5th district, CA-012 for California 12 district, NC-103 for North Carolina’s 103 district. If all congressional districts in a state are affected, enter “all” for the district number, e.g., MD-all for all congressional districts in Maryland. If nationwide, i.e.

all districts within all states are affected, enter US-all. If the program/project is outside the US, enter 00-000. This optional data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than place(s) of performance reported on the SF-424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Attach an additional list of program/project congressional districts, if needed.

5b. Federal Award Identifier: For new applications,…