Memo: Title IIa and Drug Free Monies Application and Procedures

Note: This is an abbreviated  version of this memo. Download a PDF the complete memo: here.

Date: February 15, 2007
To: Charter School Administrators and Curriculum Coordinators
From: Maunalei Love, CSAO Interim Executive Director
Subject: Title IIa and Drug Free Monies Application Forms and Procedures

At our Administrator's Conference in December, we discussed several concerns during our Title IIa and Drug Free Monies session.  We set some parameters and highlighted priorities with those of you attending and reached these basic understandings for the use of Title IIa and Safe and Drug-free funds. See detailed directions and application procedures for these items, which follow the Budget breakdown.  As much as possible, please submit all applications electronically.

Title IIa grants are available for:

• National Charter School Conference For each school choosing to attend this conference in Albuquerque, NM April 24-27, 2007, $3000 is available to defray the costs of two or more administrators and/or teachers attending.  Each school is responsible for making their own arrangements to attend.
• Individual Professional Development Grants Each individual teacher or Educational Assistant can receive up to $1500 to defray the costs of courses needed for teacher certification or a masters degree. This grant can also be used to attend special trainings and professional conferences aimed at improving instructional skills.
• Highly Qualified CS Teachers A single grant of $1000 is available to support a study group that recommends a process for charter teachers to become highly qualified.
• Discretionary Grants This grant is available for school projects and training. Priority consideration is given to (a) schools that are in greatest need (as defined by AYP), (b) schools that extend offerings to other schools, and (c) schools that have received the least amount of funds to date.
• Quantum Learning Grants are available to support Quantum Learning training and implementation at selected school sites.
• Action Research Up to 10 applicants can receive $2,500 for an action research project. Each grant recipient must be willing to present his/her results at the next CSAO Professional Development Conference following completion of the project.
• New Teacher Mentoring

Safe and Drug Free School grants are available for:

• After School Programs Up to $5000 per school is available for after school programs run by the charter school. Up to twenty schools will be able to receive this grant based on the applications received by the CSAO.  This completed form is due no later than March 12, 2007. 

Note:  If you hire individuals for after school programs the school must follow federal regulations for personnel.  This includes wages and benefits and therefore greatly reduces the usable dollar amount for your program. 

Application Procedures for Title IIa

Use Attachment A for:

• National Charter School Conference - Use the shortened Action Plan format to secure the $3,000 for your school.
• Individual Professional Development Grant - The shortened Action Plan format replaces the previous form teachers used to apply for special trainings, workshops and course work towards certification and masters degree.

Use Attachment B for: 

• Discretionary Grants  These grants are available for school projects and training.  Priority consideration is given to schools that are in greatest need with regards to AYP, schools that extend offerings to other schools, and schools that have received the least amount of funds to date.
• Highly Qualified CS Teachers  A single grant of $1000 is available to support a study group to recommend a process for charter school teachers to become highly qualified.  The formation of this group was requested by charter school administrators at the December Administrative Conference in Hilo.  It was felt that the role of charter school teachers encompasses capacities that would not necessarily be covered in the State's highly qualified teacher status for DOE teachers. We are seeking leadership and membership for this group from within the charter schools.
• Support of Quantum Learning at school sites  In order to have your entire site trained in Quantum Learning, there must be complete commitment of the entire staff to train and agree on a plan for implementation with regular follow through to ensure Quantum Learning is practiced through out the campus. 

Application Procedures for Safe and Drug Free

Use Attachment F to apply for Safe and Drug Free monies.