Applications for New Awards; Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program, 17161-17166 [2018-08093]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 18, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17161-17166]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08093]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Innovative Approaches to Literacy 
Program

AGENCY: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of 
Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education is issuing a notice inviting 
applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2018 for the 
Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program, Catalog of

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Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 84.215G.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: April 18, 2018.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 18, 2018.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: July 17, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an 
application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to 
Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the 
Federal Register on February 12, 2018 (83 FR 6003) and available at 
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/pdf/2018-02558.pdf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beth Yeh, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 3E230, Washington, DC 20202-
6450. Telephone: (202) 205-5798. Email: [email protected].
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text 
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The IAL program supports high-quality programs 
designed to develop and improve literacy skills for children and 
students from birth through 12th grade in high-need local educational 
agencies (high-need LEAs) and schools. The U.S. Department of Education 
(Department) intends to promote innovative literacy programs that 
support the development of literacy skills in low-income communities, 
including programs that (1) develop and enhance effective school 
library programs, which may include providing professional development 
for school librarians, books, and up-to-date materials to high-need 
schools; (2) provide early literacy services, including pediatric 
literacy programs through which, during well-child visits, medical 
providers trained in research-based methods of early language and 
literacy promotion provide developmentally appropriate books and 
recommendations to parents to encourage them to read aloud to their 
children starting in infancy; and (3) provide high-quality books on a 
regular basis to children and adolescents from low-income communities 
to increase reading motivation, performance, and frequency. The IAL 
program supports the implementation of high-quality plans for childhood 
literacy activities and book distribution efforts that demonstrate a 
rationale.
    In accordance with the Senate report accompanying the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2018, S. Rep. No. 115-150, at 163 (2017), the 
Department will reserve no less than 50 percent of funds under the IAL 
program for grants to develop and enhance effective school library 
programs, which may include providing professional development to 
librarians in high-need schools or books and other up-to-date library 
materials to such schools. Further, the Department will ensure that 
grants are distributed among eligible entities that will serve 
geographically diverse areas, including rural areas.
    Priorities: This notice contains one absolute priority and two 
competitive preference priorities. We are establishing the absolute 
priority for the FY 2018 grant competition and any subsequent year in 
which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this 
competition in accordance with section 437(d)(1) of the General 
Education Provisions Act (GEPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232(d)(1). Competitive 
preference priority 1 is from the Secretary's Final Supplemental 
Priorities and Definitions for Discretionary Grant Programs published 
in the Federal Register on March 2, 2018 (83 FR 9096) (FY 2018 
Supplemental Priorities). Competitive preference priority 2 is from the 
notice of final priorities, requirement, and definitions for this 
program published in the Federal Register on June 17, 2014 (79 FR 
34428) (IAL NFP).
    Absolute Priority: This priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 
CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet this 
priority.
    This priority is:
    High-Quality Plan for Innovative Approaches to Literacy That 
Includes Book Distribution, Childhood Literacy Activities, or Both, and 
That, at a Minimum, Demonstrates a Rationale.
    To meet this priority, applicants must submit a plan that 
demonstrates a rationale, including a rationale for the project 
component and a corresponding logic model.
    The applicant must submit a plan with the following information:
    (a) A description of the proposed book distribution, childhood 
literacy activities, or both, that are designed to improve the literacy 
skills of children and students by one or more of the following--
    (1) Promoting early literacy and preparing young children to read;
    (2) Developing and improving students' reading ability;
    (3) Motivating older children to read; and
    (4) Teaching children and students to read.
    (b) The age or grade spans of children and students from birth 
through 12th grade to be served.
    (c) A detailed description of the key goals, the activities to be 
undertaken, the rationale for those activities, the timeline, the 
parties responsible for implementing the activities, and the 
credibility of the plan (as judged, in part, by the information 
submitted that demonstrates a rationale); and
    (d)(1) A description of how the proposed project demonstrates a 
rationale; and
    (2) The corresponding logic model.
    Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2018 and any subsequent 
year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications 
from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference 
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), for competitive preference 
priority 1, we award an additional five points to an application that 
meets the priority. For competitive preference priority 2, we award an 
additional three points to an application that meets the priority, for 
a possible maximum total of eight competitive preference priority 
points.
    These priorities are:
    Competitive Preference Priority 1--Promoting Science, Technology, 
Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education, with a Particular Focus on 
Computer Science.
    To meet this priority, an applicant must propose a project designed 
to improve student achievement or other educational outcomes in one or 
more of the following areas: Science, technology, engineering, math, or 
computer science. The project must address one or more of the following 
priority areas:
    (a) Utilizing technology for educational purposes in communities 
served by rural local educational agencies (rural LEAs) or other areas 
identified as lacking sufficient access to such tools and resources.
    (b) Utilizing technology to provide access to educational choice.
    (c) Working with schools, municipal libraries, or other partners to 
provide new and accessible methods of accessing digital learning 
resources, such as by digitizing books or expanding access to such 
resources to a greater number of children or students.
    (d) Making coursework, books, or other materials available as open 
educational resources or taking other steps so that such materials may 
be inexpensively and widely used.

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    Competitive Preference Priority 2--Serving Rural LEAs.
    To meet this priority, an applicant must propose a project designed 
to provide high-quality literacy programming, or distribute books, or 
both, to students served by a rural LEA.
    Definitions: The definitions listed below are from 34 CFR 77.1; the 
FY 2018 Supplemental Priorities; and the IAL NFP. These definitions 
apply to the FY 2018 grant competition and any subsequent year in which 
we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this 
competition.
    Computer science means the study of computers and algorithmic 
processes and includes the study of computing principles and theories, 
computational thinking, computer hardware, software design, coding, 
analytics, and computer applications. Computer science often includes 
computer programming or coding as a tool to create software including 
applications, games, websites, and tools to manage or manipulate data; 
or development and management of computer hardware and the other 
electronics related to sharing, securing, and using digital 
information.
    In addition to coding, the expanding field of computer science 
emphasizes computational thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving 
to equip students with the skills and abilities necessary to apply 
computation in our digital world.
    Computer science does not include using a computer for everyday 
activities, such as browsing the internet; use of tools like word 
processing, spreadsheets or presentation software; or using computers 
in the study and exploration of unrelated subjects. (FY2018 
Supplemental Priorities.)
    Demonstrates a rationale means a key project component included in 
the project's logic model is informed by research or evaluation 
findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve 
relevant outcomes. (34 CFR 77.1.)
    Educational choice means the opportunity for a child or student (or 
a family member on their behalf) to create a high-quality personalized 
path for learning that is consistent with applicable Federal, State, 
and local laws; is in an educational setting that best meets the 
child's or student's needs; and, where possible, incorporates evidence-
based activities, strategies, and interventions.
    Opportunities made available to a student through a grant program 
are those that supplement what is provided by a child's or student's 
geographically assigned school or the institution in which he or she is 
currently enrolled and may include one or more of the options listed 
below:
    (1) Public educational programs or courses including those offered 
by traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet 
schools, public online education providers, or other public education 
providers.
    (2) Private or home-based educational programs or courses including 
those offered by private schools, private online providers, private 
tutoring providers, community or faith-based organizations, or other 
private education providers.
    (3) Internships, apprenticeships, or other programs offering access 
to learning in the workplace.
    (4) Part-time coursework or career preparation offered by a public 
or private provider in person or through the internet or another form 
of distance learning, that serves as a supplement to full-time 
enrollment at an educational institution, as a stand-alone program 
leading to a credential, or as a supplement to education received in a 
homeschool setting.
    (5) Dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high 
schools (as defined in section 8101(15) and (17) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act, as amended \1\), or other programs that enable 
secondary school students to begin earning credit toward a 
postsecondary degree or credential prior to high school graduation. 
(2018 Supplemental Priorities.)
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    \1\ In December 2015, Congress enacted the Every Student 
Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reauthorized the ESEA. Therefore, for 
purposes of this notice, unless otherwise indicated, all references 
to the ``ESEA'' are to the ``ESEA, as amended by the ESSA.''
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    High-need local educational agency (High-need LEA) means--
    (1) Except for LEAs referenced in paragraph (2), an LEA in which at 
least 20 percent \2\ of the students aged 5-17 in the school attendance 
area of the LEA are from families with incomes below the poverty line, 
based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Small Area Income and 
Poverty Estimates for school districts for the most recent income year 
(Census list).
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    \2\ Section 2226(b)(1) of the ESEA changed this from 25 percent 
to 20 percent.
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    (2) For an LEA that is not included on the Census list, such as a 
charter school LEA, an LEA for which the State educational agency (SEA) 
determines, consistent with the manner described under section 1124(c) 
of the ESEA, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, in 
which the SEA determines an LEA's eligibility for Title I allocations, 
that 20 percent of the students aged 5-17 in the LEA are from families 
with incomes below the poverty line. (IAL NFP.)
    Logic model (also referred to as a theory of action) means a 
framework that identifies key project components of the proposed 
project (i.e., the active ``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be 
critical to achieving the relevant outcomes) and describes the 
theoretical and operational relationships among the key project 
components and relevant outcomes. (34 CFR 77.1.)
    National not-for-profit (NNP) organization means an agency, 
organization, or institution owned and operated by one or more 
corporations or associations whose net earnings do not benefit, and 
cannot lawfully benefit, any private shareholder or entity. In 
addition, it means, for the purposes of this program, an organization 
of national scope that is supported by staff or affiliates at the State 
and local levels, who may include volunteers, and that has a 
demonstrated history of effectively developing and implementing 
literacy activities. (IAL NFP.)

    Note:  A local affiliate of an NNP organization does not meet 
the definition of NNP organization. Only a national agency, 
organization, or institution is eligible to apply as an NNP 
organization.

    Project component means an activity, strategy, intervention, 
process, product, practice, or policy included in a project. Evidence 
may pertain to an individual project component or to a combination of 
project components (e.g., training teachers on instructional practices 
for English learners and follow-on coaching for these teachers). (34 
CFR 77.1.)
    Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) or other outcome(s) 
the key project component is designed to improve, consistent with the 
specific goals of the program. (34 CFR 77.1.)
    Rural local educational agency (Rural LEA) means an LEA that is 
eligible under the Small Rural School Achievement program (SRSA) or the 
Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program authorized under Title V, 
Part B of the ESEA. Eligible applicants may determine whether a 
particular district is eligible for these programs by referring to 
information on the Department's website at www2.ed.gov/nclb/freedom/local/reap.html. (FY 2018 Supplemental Priorities.)
    Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking: Under the Administrative Procedure 
Act (5 U.S.C. 553) the Department generally offers interested parties 
the opportunity to comment on proposed priorities. Section 437(d)(1) of 
GEPA, however, allows the Secretary to exempt from rulemaking 
requirements, regulations governing the first grant competition

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under a new or substantially revised program authority. This is the 
first grant competition for this program under section 2226(b)(1) of 
the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 6646) and therefore qualifies for this exemption. 
In order to ensure timely grant awards, the Secretary has decided to 
forgo public comment on the absolute priority under section 437(d)(1) 
of GEPA. This priority will apply to the FY 2018 grant competition and 
any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded 
applications from this competition.

    Program Authority: Section 2226 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 6646).

    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 
97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to 
Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 
2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department 
in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 
200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR 
part 3474. (d) The regulations in 34 CFR part 299. (e) The IAL NFP. (f) 
The FY 2018 Supplemental Priorities.

    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all applicants 
except federally recognized Indian Tribes.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: $26,730,000.
    IAL has received $27,000,000 for new awards for this program for FY 
2018, of which we intend to use an estimated $26,730,000 for this 
competition.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in subsequent years from 
the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
    Estimated Range of Awards to LEAs and Consortia of LEAs: $175,000 
to $750,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards to LEAs and Consortia of LEAs: 
$500,000.
    Estimated Number of Awards to LEAs and Consortia of LEAs: 30.
    Estimated Range of Awards to NNP Organizations, Consortia of NNP 
Organizations, and Consortia of NNP Organizations and LEAs: $1,500,000 
to $5,000,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards to NNP Organizations, Consortia of 
NNP Organizations, and Consortia of NNP Organizations and LEAs: 
$3,000,000.
    Estimated Number of Awards to NNP Organizations: 2-6.

    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
notice.

    Project Period: 36 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: To be considered for an award under this 
competition, an applicant must:
    (a) Be one of the following:
    (1) A high-need LEA;
    (2) An NNP organization that serves children and students within 
the attendance boundaries of one or more high-need LEAs;
    (3) A consortium of high-need LEAs; or
    (4) The Bureau of Indian Education; and
    (b) Coordinate with school libraries in developing project 
proposals.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost 
sharing or matching.
    3. Subgrantees: A grantee under this competition may not award 
subgrants to entities to directly carry out project activities 
described in its application.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Application Submission Instructions: For information on how to 
submit an application please refer to our Common Instructions for 
Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, 
published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2018 (83 FR 6003) and 
available at www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-02-12/pdf/2018-02558.pdf.
    2. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of 
projects that may be proposed in applications for the IAL program, an 
application may include business information that the applicant 
considers proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11, we define ``business 
information'' and describe the process we use in determining whether 
any of that information is proprietary and, thus, protected from 
disclosure under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 
U.S.C. 552, as amended).
    Because we plan to make successful applications available to the 
public, you may wish to request confidentiality of business 
information.
    Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your 
application any information that you believe is exempt from disclosure 
under Exemption 4. In the appropriate Appendix section of your 
application, under ``Other Attachments Form,'' please list the page 
number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional 
information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).
    3. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive 
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 
12372 is in the application package for this competition.
    4. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    5. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, 
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to 
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the 
application narrative to no more than 25 pages and (2) use 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.
     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.
    The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the 
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; the 
assurances and certifications; the one-page abstract, resumes, 
bibliography, logic model, or letters of support. However, the 
recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative 
section.

    Note: The applicant should include, as an attachment, the logic 
model used to address paragraph (d)(2) of the absolute priority.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 75.210. The maximum score for all selection criteria is 
100. The maximum possible score for each selection criterion is 
indicated in parentheses. The selection criteria for this competition 
are as follows:
    (a) Need for project (up to 10 points).
    The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project. In 
determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary considers 
the extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, 
infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be 
addressed by the proposed project, including the

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nature and magnitude of those gaps or weaknesses.
    (b) Significance (up to 10 points).
    The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed project. 
In determining the significance of the proposed project, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the proposed project is likely to build 
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the 
needs of the target population.
    (c) Quality of the project design (up to 20 points).
    The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed 
project. In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be 
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. 
(5 points)
    (2) The extent to which the proposed project will establish 
linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations providing 
services to the target population. (5 points)
    (3) The extent to which the proposed project is part of a 
comprehensive effort to improve teaching and learning and support 
rigorous academic standards for students. (5 points)
    (4) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates a 
rationale. (5 points)
    (d) Quality of project services (up to 25 points).
    The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be provided 
by the proposed project. In determining the quality of the services to 
be provided by the proposed project, the Secretary considers:
    (1) The quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal 
access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members 
of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, 
color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (10 points)
    (2) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed 
project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or 
beneficiaries of those services. (10 points)
    (3) The extent to which the training or professional development 
services to be provided by the proposed project are of sufficient 
quality, intensity, and duration to lead to improvements in practice 
among the recipients of those services. (5 points)
    (e) Adequacy of resources (up to 10 points).
    The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the proposed 
project. In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the extent to which the costs are 
reasonable in relation to the number of persons to be served and to the 
anticipated results and benefits.
    (f) Quality of the management plan (up to 20 points).
    The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the 
proposed project. In determining the quality of the management plan for 
the proposed project, the Secretary considers:
    (1) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly 
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 
project tasks. (10 points)
    (2) The extent to which the time commitments of the project 
director and principal investigator and other key project personnel are 
appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed 
project. (10 points)
    (g) Quality of the project evaluation (up to 5 points).
    The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the 
evaluation, the Secretary considers the extent to which the methods of 
evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, 
objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project.
    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and 
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider 
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or 
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    3. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 
200.205, before awarding grants under this program the Department 
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 
3474.10, the Secretary may impose specific conditions and, in 
appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the 
applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of 
unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system 
that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not 
fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not 
responsible.
    4. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this 
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project 
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently 
$150,000), under 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your 
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal 
awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make 
an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that 
is in the integrity and performance system (currently referred to as 
the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System 
(FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may 
review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal 
agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.
    Please note that, if the total value of your currently active 
grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the 
Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2 
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity 
information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2 
CFR part 200, Appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal 
funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your 
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award 
Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to 
access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally, 
also.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we notify you.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify 
administrative and national policy requirements in the application 
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable 
Regulations section of this notice.
    We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of 
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also 
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding 
commitments under the grant.

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    3. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you 
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to 
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in 
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of 
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those 
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent 
that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or 
other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works. 
Additionally, a grantee or subgrantee that is awarded competitive grant 
funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables. 
This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your 
application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional 
information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR 
3474.20(c).
    4. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, 
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and 
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply 
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
    (b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final 
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the 
Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual 
performance report (APR) that provides the most current performance and 
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance 
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, 
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
    5. Performance Measures: The Department has established the 
following Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 performance 
measures for the IAL program: (1) The percentage of four-year-old 
children participating in the project who achieve significant gains in 
oral language skills; (2) the percentage of fourth graders 
participating in the project who demonstrated individual student growth 
(i.e., an improvement in their achievement) over the past year on State 
reading or language arts assessments under section 1111(b)(3) of the 
ESEA; (3) the percentage of eighth graders participating in the project 
who demonstrated individual student growth (i.e., an improvement in 
their achievement) over the past year on State reading or language arts 
assessments under section 1111(b)(3) of the ESEA; (4) the percentage of 
schools participating in the project whose book-to-student ratios 
increase from the previous year; and (5) the percentage of 
participating children who receive at least one free, grade- and 
language-appropriate book of their own.
    All grantees will be expected to submit an APR that includes data 
addressing these performance measures to the extent that they apply to 
the grantee's project.
    6. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: Whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the 
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
    In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers 
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in 
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

VII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format 
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    Dated: April 13, 2018.
Jason Botel,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Delegated the Authority to 
Perform the Functions and Duties of the Position of Assistant Secretary 
of Elementary and Secondary Education.
[FR Doc. 2018-08093 Filed 4-17-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4000-01-P