ADMINISTRATIVE

  Title VI, Innovative Education Program Strategies funds that
  were set-aside to meet state educational priorities will be
  used to provide $3,000 Professional Development Grants to
  local school divisions.  A Standards of Learning
  Implementation Survey was conducted by the Department during
  the 1996-97 school year.  Professional development was
  identified as a major area of need by a majority of school
  divisions.  All divisions are eligible for the grants which
  are intended to support local efforts to (1) implement
  standards-based curriculum and assessments, and (2) expand
  teacher knowledge and use of effective instructional
  strategies. 

  The Professional Development Grants are to supplement and
  expand state, local, or federally funded professional
  development activities that the division will conduct during
  the 1997-98 school year.  Equipment or materials purchased
  with the funds must be essential to professional development
  activities supported by the grants.

  For purposes of this grant, attendance at conferences will
  not be considered professional development.  Grant funds may
  be used to support stipends for personnel involved in
  professional development activities beyond normal hours, or
  to pay tuition for college courses if the activity is
  undertaken to advance the implementation of curriculum and
  assessments related to the Standards of Learning, or to
  improve classroom instruction.

  Private school personnel participating in a division's Title
  VI program must be offered the opportunity to take part in
  any professional development activity supported by these
  grant funds (workshops, seminars, etc.).  Divisions that
  wish to apply  for the grant must certify compliance with
  state and federal rules applicable to the use of Title VI
  funds.  An  application form is attached.  Applications for the
  grant must provide the requested information and be
  submitted no later than August 15, 1997.  Divisions that
  meet the application deadline and are notified that the
  applications have been received in approvable form may begin
  to encumber funds as of September 1, 1997.  

  All funds provided for this grant must be encumbered by a
  school division no later than September 30, 1998.  Requests
  for reimbursements under these grants should be submitted by
  December 15, 1998, and will not be accepted after December
  31, 1998.  All grants will be in the amount of $3,000 unless
  the applicant indicates need of a lesser sum.   Indirect
  costs may not be charged against these grants. Participating
  divisions will be asked to submit a one-page evaluative
  summary of the professional development activities
  undertaken with grant funds.  This summary must cover the
  sections outlined in the application narrative and will be
  due no later than November 1, 1998.

  Questions about the grants or application requirements
  should be directed to Mr. George  Irby, Director of
  Compensatory Programs, or to the specialist in the Office of
  Compensatory Programs that is assigned to your region.

  RTL:cd

  Attachment:  A hard copy of this memo and its attachment
               will be sent to the superintendent's office.