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-.282 - Striving Reader Comprehensive Literacy Project

1. Purpose of Grant. The purpose of the grant is to provide federal funds for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and non-profit early learning providers serving Georgia's neediest students. Funds will be used to implement projects designed to advance literacy skills, reading and writing for students from birth through grade 12.

2. Term and Conditions. Grants are awarded through a competitive process to LEA's and not-for-profit early learning providers that agree to develop a system literacy plan, provide classrooms with print rich materials, provide digital content to extend learning, use valid and reliable assessments, provide a schedule consistent with research in order to maximize literacy instruction, and ensure that all leaders and teachers participate in all literacy training. Recipients must agree to participate in an 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).

3. Eligible Recipients. LEAs that have 35% or more students participating in free or reduced lunch are eligible to apply. Non-profit providers of early learning residing within a district with more than 35% students participating in free or reduced lunch are eligible to apply. Districts will perform a needs assessment to determine that they have selected the neediest schools to include in their sub grant application.

4. Criteria for Award. Applications are reviewed by Georgia Department of Education for adherence to the terms and conditions describe in the application. Applications are then sent randomly to approved national readers to be scored. Funding will be awarded based on the following formula: 15% for children birth through age 5, 40% for elementary schools and 40% for students in middle and high school to be distributed evenly. Funds are awarded for a two year cycle. Participation in the project extends through the life of the grant for data reporting purposes.

5. Directions and Deadlines for Applying. Requests for information and application should be made to the Striving Reader Office, Georgia Department of Education, 1758 Twin Towers East, 205 Jesse Hill Drive, Atlanta, GA 30334, or online at www.doe.k12.ga.us.