Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 160 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Chapter 160-1
Subject 160-1-4 - GRANT PROGRAMS
Rule 160-1-4-.265 - Reading First Program System Subgrant

(1) Purpose of Program. The purpose of the grant is to provide federal funds for scientifically based reading reform for eligible K-3 schools. This competition will fund schools for a second three-year cycle. Funds will be granted each year for three years.

(2) Terms and Conditions. Grants are awarded through a competitive process to schools that agree to fund a school-based literacy coach, implement the five dimensions of reading using scientifically based methods and materials, and participate in professional development designed to assist in this implementation. Recipients must assure that schools will agree to comply with outside evaluation, attend state-sponsored training and submit reports upon request. These reports are collected by the Department and sent to the United States Department of Education (USED). Schools that are in compliance are eligible to receive funding for three years.

(3) Eligible Recipients. Local education agencies (LEAs) that had 9 percent or more third graders not meet reading Standard on the 2005 CRCT as well as have 75 percent of their schools currently in "Needs Improvement" or 15 percent or more students eligible for Title 1 or reside in an empowerment zone or enterprise community are eligible to apply.

(4) Criteria for Award. Applications are reviewed by the Georgia Department of Education for adherence to the terms and conditions described in the application. Subgrant applications are sent randomly to approved national readers to be scored. Competing LEAs may then participate in a site review. Funds are then awarded for a three-year cycle based on system compliance and implementation review.

(5) Directions and Deadlines for Applying. Requests for information and application should be made to: Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Georgia Department of Education, 1758 Twin Towers East, 205 Jesse Hill Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30334, or online at www.doe.k12.ga.us. The deadline to submit application was October 20, 2005. Funds will be awarded from December 2005 through March 2006.