PI-9564 Online Early Learning Plot Award Grant



 Application Package for

Online Early Learning Pilot Grant

2020 Act 170

Due June 30, 2020

Grant for 2020-23

[pic]

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Carolyn Stanford Taylor, State Superintendent

Madison, Wisconsin

This document is available from:

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 

125 South Webster Street Madison, WI 53703



These instructions are provided to help prepare a grant application for Online Early Learning Pilot Grant.

Specific instructions are provided for key features and program requirements.

If you have any questions email onlineearlylearninggrant@dpi.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction does not discriminate on the basis

of sex, race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy,

marital status or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability.

Online Early Learning Pilot Grant Application

Procedures and Instructions

Background

The Online Early Learning Program [Grant], as created by 2019 Act 170 [Section 4] requires the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to award a grant to a service provider to implement the pilot program. The funding is for a three-year online early learning pilot program for low-income children to be administered by a service provider from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023. Grants are an annual appropriation of $500,000 beginning in FY21. A service provider recipient shall provide a total of $500,000 in matching funds during the three years of the contract. “Eligible child” means a child who satisfies the income eligibility criteria for a free or reduced-price lunch under 42 USC 1758 (b)(1) and resides in a school district selected by the DPI. The DPI shall award a grant to a service provider to administer the program in the following school districts: a first class city school district (Milwaukee Public Schools), the two urban school districts with the largest reading achievement gaps, as defined by DPI, and three rural school districts, selected by DPI, that have reading achievement gaps. 

Who is Eligible to Apply?

“Service provider” means a nonstock, nonprofit organization described under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that has successfully conducted an online early learning program. An organization must demonstrate past success to the DPI using independent and reliable evaluations.

The service provider must demonstrate that it has successfully offered an online early learning program in schools in two other states, shall develop an online instructional program that includes all of the following components, and shall ensure that the instructional program will be operated in a first class city school district (Milwaukee Public Schools), two urban school districts with the largest reading achievement gaps as defined by DPI, and three rural school districts selected by DPI, that have reading achievement gaps. Under the act, an “online early learning program” is a program that satisfies the following criteria:

a. The program provides computer-based instruction to children on a home computer connected by the Internet to a centralized file storage facility.

b. The program is designed to improve a child's transition to 5-year-old kindergarten.

c. The program contains content in reading, math, and science.

d. The program is aligned with nationally recognized early learning standards.

e. At no cost to low-income families participating in the program, the program provides access to a computer or Internet service, or both, in the homes of low-income families participating in the program that do not have a computer or Internet service access in their home.

f. The program includes a parental engagement and involvement component that includes interaction with a learning coach provided by the program.

g. The program includes an evaluation component that measures a child's growth over the course of the program.

In awarding the Online Learning Education Pilot Grant, the DPI shall give preference to a service provider that demonstrates that it has successfully administered the programming in at least two other states. 

Funds

This is an annual (fixed) appropriation, for FY21 - FY23 at $500,000. A service provider awarded a contract under par. (b) shall provide a total of $500,000 in matching funds during the three years of the contract.

Application Due Date

Eligible service providers must submit both a completed paper application and an electronic version. Both applications must be received by the DPI by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Complete and return one electronic copy to oelearninggrant@dpi. and one paper copy with original signature must be sent to:

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Division for Academic Excellence

Attn: Janice Mertes

PO Box 7841

Madison, Wi 53707-7841

The DPI will confirm receipt of submitted applications within two business days. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Application Timeline

|Event |Date |

|Application Release |June 15, 2020 |

|Application Deadline (a paper and electronic copy is due) |11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. |

|Review by DPI |July 1, 2020 - July 6, 2020 |

|Acceptance Notification |No later than July 10, 2020 |

|Grant Award will be Disbursed  |Upon approval of documentation submitted to the Department |

Award Administration

1. Award Conditions: The selected service provider must provide documentation to the DPI that provides evidence that the service provider has conducted the activities necessary to meet the criteria for grant eligibility, by June 30 of each respective year during the three-year pilot.

2. Reporting Requirements: Reporting requirements will be included in the grant award letter. The DPI shall require the service provider awarded a contract to submit an annual report to the DPI that contains all of the following information for each school district selected each fiscal year for DPI as evidence that the service provider has met all assurances:

a. The number of eligible children who applied to participate in the online early learning program.

b. The number of eligible children who participated in the online early learning program.

c. The number of low-income families that requested a computer or home Internet service.

d. The number of low-income families that were provided a computer or home Internet service.

e. The frequency with which children participating in the online early learning program used the instructional software provided by the program.

f. How children participating in the online early learning program performed on prekindergarten and kindergarten readiness assessments selected and administered by the service provider.

g. Parental feedback on the online early learning program.

h. The service provider awarded the contract shall report to the DPI the name of each child who participates in the online early learning program, whether the child completed the online early learning program, and any other information that is necessary to identify the child in the student information system under Wis. Stat. sec. 115.383, as requested by the DPI.

i. To the extent possible, for each child who is reported to have participated in the online early learning program, the DPI shall ensure that the following information is included in the student information system under Wis. Stat. sec. 115.383:

• The fact that the child participated in the online early learning program.

• Whether or not the child completed the online early learning program.

All Applications Shall Include for Evaluation of Eligibility and Selection of Grant

1. General Information

2. Signature

3. Statement of Assurances: Provide information that demonstrates how the service provider meets the criteria for the grant, as explained under “Who is Eligible to Apply?”

a. Part I: FY21: Provide a detailed description how the grant funds will be used

b. Part II: FY22: Provide a detailed description how the grant funds will be used

c. Part III: FY23: Provide a detailed description how the grant funds will be used

4. Abstract: Provide a summary of the plan to be reviewed for quality of programming, curricular resources, communication plan, student and family onboarding resources. (7-page-limit). This summary must include a project narrative that provides evidence of programming for online early learning instructional programs in similar schools for the state pilot selected by the DPI. The DPI shall award a grant to a service provider to administer the program in the following school districts for low-income children: a first class city school district (Milwaukee Public Schools), the two urban school districts with the largest reading achievement gaps as defined by DPI, and three rural school districts selected by DPI that have reading achievement gaps.

Under the act, an “online early learning program” is a program that satisfies the following criteria:

a. Provides computer-based instruction to children on a home computer connected by the Internet to a centralized file storage facility.

b. Is designed to improve a child’s transition to five-year old kindergarten.

c. Contains content in reading, math, and science. Is aligned with nationally recognized early learning standards.

d. Provides, at no cost to the families, access to a computer or Internet service, or both, in the homes of low-income families participating in the program that do not already have a computer or Internet service access.

e. Includes a parental engagement and involvement component that includes interaction with a learning coach provided by the program.

f. Includes an evaluation component that measures a child’s growth over the course of the program.

d. Is being administered by a service provider in at least two other states.

5. Narrative of Implementation Plan: Provide, in detail, the program implementation plan to meet the minimum statutory requirements and, if applicable, how a site will set up the online learning program, including your monitoring and staffing plans. Include copies of the implementation plans from at least two states where you have implemented the program.

a. Part I: Set up plan for the district, including the student and parent onboarding plans, for administering and supporting statutory requirements.

b. Part II: Explain the implementation and delivery of service timeline for the FY21 fiscal year.

c. Part III: Explain the implementation and delivery of service timeline for the FY22 fiscal year.

d. Part IV: Explain the implementation and delivery of service timeline for the FY23 fiscal year.

e. Part V: Overview of reporting documentation that will be submitted to meet the DPI grant administration criteria that clearly describes a continuous process of gathering and analyzing data to determine the effectiveness of the program, activity, or requirement.

f. Part V: Provide a detailed description and budget how the funds will be used, including how the  $500,000 in matching funds will be used during the three years of the contract.

g. Include terms of service agreement in regard to data privacy of student data and assurance to comply by the Wisconsin DPI data sharing including the following:

1) terms of service agreement for data privacy and security that meets industry standards and meets WI pupil records law 118.125.

2) Provides details on communication regarding data breach protocols.

3) Evidence of how the company meets the NIST standards or equivalent cyber security protocols.

4) Data sharing agreement 

5) Information on data destruction process when pilot is complete

All applications must be submitted using a 10-point font.

DPI reserves the right to reject any submitted proposal and will do so if the proposal does not adhere to funding applications or application preparation instructions.

|[pic] |Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction |INSTRUCTIONS: Complete and return one electronic copy to |

| |ONLINE EARLY LEARNING PILOT AWARD GRANT |oelearninggrant@dpi. and one paper copy with original signature|

| |PI-9564 (New 06-2020) |by JUNE 30, 2020, to: |

| | |WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION |

| | |DIVISION FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE |

| | |ATTN: Janice Mertes |

| | |PO BOX 7841 |

| | |MADISON, WI 53707-7841 |

| |Years |

| |FY 2021 – FY 2023 |

| |I. GENERAL INFORMATION | |

|Applying Service Provider |Federal Identification No. |

|      |      |

|Project Coordinator First and Last Name |Project Coordinator's Title |Telephone Area/No. |

|      |      |      |

|Project Coordinator's E-Mail |Street Address |City |State |Zip Code |

|      |      |      |   |      |

|Amount of Funds Requested |Estimated Number of Sites to be Served |

|      |   |

|Beginning Date Mo./Day/Yr. |Ending Date Mo./Day/Yr. |

|      |      |

| |II. CERTIFICATION / SIGNATURES | |

|This application is to support: |

|FY 2021, FY 2022, and FY 2023 |

|I, THE UNDERSIGNED, CERTIFY that the information contained in this application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge; that the necessary |

|assurances of compliance with applicable state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations will be met; that I am authorized by the service provider designated|

|in this application to bind the service provider to the certifications and assurances contained in this application; and, that the indicated service provider |

|designated in this application is authorized to administer this grant. |

|I FURTHER CERTIFY that the assurances listed on page two of this application have been satisfied and that all facts, figures, and representation in this |

|application are correct to the best of my knowledge. |

|Name of Service Provider Administrator Print or Type |Service Provider Administrator's Title |

|      |      |

|Signature of Service Provider Administrator |Date Signed Mo./Day/Yr. |

|( | |

| |III. STATE GENERAL ASSURANCES | |

The Applicant understands and agrees that the following assurances are pre-award requirements generally imposed by state law or regulation, and do not include all state regulations that may apply to the Applicant or its project.

Each Applicant is ultimately responsible for compliance with the certifications and assurances selected on its behalf that apply to its project or award.

Instructions

Step 1—Read each assurance that follows.

Step 2—Sign and date the certification statement.

Step 3—Include signed certification and assurances with the application materials.

Step 4—Keep a copy for your records.

Assurance is hereby provided that:

1. Applicant agrees to comply with all terms and conditions set forth in the grant program’s Application Guidelines document provided with this application. Services provided under this grant will be used to address the needs set forth in the guidelines document. Applicant agrees to implement the activities within the prescribed timeline as outlined in their work plan section of their proposal. Applicant will provide fiscal information within the fiscal year timeline established for new and reapplying programs. Wis. Stat. § 35.93; Wis. Admin. Code § PI 38.008 (Grant reporting).

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Administration of the program, activities, and services covered by this application will be in accordance with all applicable state and federal statutes, regulations, and the approved application.

3. Allowable Costs: Costs incurred shall be allowable and meet grant goals and objectives.

4. Confidentiality: The Applicant shall comply with provisions applicable to public schools regarding confidentiality of student information for any pupil record created, obtained, or maintained under this grant, regardless of whether those provisions would not otherwise apply to the Applicant but for the Applicant’s participation in this grant. Wis. Stat. § 118.125 (Pupil records).

5. Conflict of Interest: No board or staff member of an LEA or CESA may use his or her position to obtain financial gain or anything of substantial value for the private benefit of himself or herself or his or her immediate family, or for an organization with which he or she is associated, such as a royalty, commission, contingent fee, brokerage fee, consultant fee, or other benefit. Wis. Stat. § 19.59(1)(a).

6. Contracts and Procurement: The Applicant will use its own procurement procedures that reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations.

7. Cooperation with Evaluation: The Applicant shall cooperate with the performance of any evaluation of the program by the WDPI or by their contractors. Wis. Stat. § 35.93; Wis. Admin. Code § PI 38.008 (Grant reporting).

8. Copyright, Acknowledgement, and Publications: The Applicant/ Recipient will comply with all copyright and materials acknowledgement requirements as addressed in the projects’ grant guidelines. The WDPI reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use, for WDPI purposes: the copyright in any work developed under this grant; and any rights of copyright to which the Applicant or a contractor purchases ownership with grant support.

The content of any grant-funded publication or product may be reprinted in whole or in part, with credit to the WDPI acknowledged. However, reproduction of this product in whole or in part for resale must be explicitly authorized by the WDPI. When issuing statements, press releases, and other documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with grant funds, the grant award recipient shall clearly acknowledge the receipt of grant funds in a statement.

9. Fiscal Control: The Applicant will use fiscal control and fund accounting procedures and will ensure proper disbursement of, and accounting for, funds received and distributed under this program Wis. Stat. § 16.41 (Agency and authority accounting; information; aid).

10. Indirect Costs: If the fiscal agent is allowed to claim indirect costs, the total amount budgeted for indirect costs is limited to and cannot exceed the negotiated indirect rate established with the WDPI. Indirect costs cannot be charged against capital objects.

11. Programmatic Changes: The Applicant will obtain the prior approval of the WDPI whenever any of the following actions is anticipated:

a. Any revision of the scope or objectives of the project;

b. Changes in key persons where specified in the application or grant award;

c. A disengagement from the project for more than three months, or a 25 percent reduction in time devoted to the project, by the approved project director;

d. Contracting out or otherwise obtaining services of a third party to perform activities central to the purpose of the award;

e. Changes in the amount of approved cost-sharing or matching provided by the grant recipient.

Wis. Stat. § 35.93; Wis. Admin. Code § PI 38.008 (Grant reporting).

12. Record Retention: The applicant will ensure records created or obtained under this grant are maintained in accordance with the Wisconsin Records Retention Schedule for School Districts, regardless of whether this retention schedule would not otherwise apply to the Applicant but for the Applicant’s participation in this grant. The retention schedule is available online here:

.

13. Reporting: The Applicant will ensure all required financial and program data and information is reported to the WDPI timely on a schedule established by the WDPI. Wis. Stat. § 35.93; Wis. Admin. Code § PI 38.008 (Grant reporting).

14. Grant Evaluation: The Applicant shall ensure that all grant evaluation reporting will be timely on a schedule established by the WDPI. Grant evaluation information provided to the WDPI staff shall accurately assess the completeness of grant goals, activities, benchmarks and target dates. Wis. Stat. § 35.93; Wis. Admin. Code § PI 38.008 (Grant reporting)

.

| |IV. STATEMENT OF ASSURANCES | |

|Provide information that demonstrates how the service provider meets the criteria for the grant, as explained under “Who is Eligible to Apply?” |

|a. Part I: FY21: Provide a detailed description how the grant funds will be used to meet the statutory requirements. |

|      |

|b. Part II: FY22: Provide a detailed description how the grant funds will be used to meet the statutory requirements. |

|      |

|c. Part III: FY23: Provide a detailed description how the grant funds will be used to meet the statutory requirements. |

|      |

| |V. ABSTRACT | |

|Provide a summary of the plan to be reviewed for quality of programming, curricular resources, communication plan, student and family onboarding resources. |

|(7-page-limit). This summary must include a project narrative that provides evidence of programming for online early learning instructional programs in similar |

|schools for the state pilot selected by the DPI. The DPI shall award a grant to a service provider to administer the program in the following school districts |

|for low-income children: a first class city school district (Milwaukee Public Schools), the two urban school districts with the largest reading achievement gaps|

|as defined by DPI, and three rural school districts selected by DPI that have reading achievement gaps. |

|Note: In awarding the Online Learning Education Pilot Grant, the DPI shall give preference to a service provider that demonstrates that it has successfully |

|administered the programming in at least two other states. |

|Under the Act, an “online early learning program” is a program that satisfies the criteria described below. Clearly identify the criteria below in your summary.|

| |

|Provides computer-based instruction to children on a home computer connected by the Internet to a centralized file storage facility. |

|Is designed to improve a child’s transition to five-year old kindergarten. |

|Contains content in reading, math, and science. Is aligned with nationally recognized early learning standards. |

|Provides, at no cost to the families, access to a computer or Internet service, or both, in the homes of low-income families participating in the program that |

|do not already have a computer or Internet service access. |

|Includes a parental engagement and involvement component that includes interaction with a learning coach provided by the program. |

|Includes an evaluation component that measures a child’s growth over the course of the program. |

|Is being administered by a service provider in at least two other states. |

|      |

| |VI. NARRATIVE OF IMPLEMENTATION PLAN | |

|Provide, in detail, the program implementation plan to meet the minimum statutory requirements and, if applicable, how a site will set up the online learning |

|program, including your monitoring and staffing plans. Please include copies of the implementation plans from at least two states where you have implemented the|

|program. |

|Part I: Set up plan for the district, including the student and parent onboarding plans, for administering and supporting statutory requirements. |

|      |

|Part II: Explain the implementation and delivery of service timeline for the FY21 fiscal year. |

|      |

|Part III: Explain the implementation and delivery of service timeline for the FY22 fiscal year. |

|      |

|Part IV: Explain the implementation and delivery of service timeline for the FY23 fiscal year. |

|      |

|Part V: Overview of reporting documentation that will be submitted to meet the DPI grant administration criteria that clearly describes a continuous process of |

|gathering and analyzing data to determine the effectiveness of the program, activity, or requirement. |

|      |

|Include terms of the service agreement in regard to data privacy of student data and assurance to comply by the Wisconsin DPI data sharing including the |

|following: |

|terms of service agreement for data privacy and security that meets industry standards and meets Wisconsin pupil records law 118.125. |

|Provides details on communication regarding data breach protocols. |

|Evidence of how the company meets the NIST standards or equivalent cyber security protocols. |

|Data sharing agreement. |

|Information on data destruction process when pilot is complete. |

|      |

| |VII. BUDGET NARRATIVE | |

|Provide a detailed description and a budget for how the funds will be used, including how the $500,000 in matching funds will be used during the three years of |

|the contract. |

|      |

[pic]

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download