|
SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 41
March 10, 2000 |
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | JoLynne DeMary Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | Announcement of Smaller Learning Communities Program Competitive Grants |
The United States Department of Education has announced the Smaller Learning Communities Program, which will provide competitive grants to local educational agencies to plan, develop, implement or expand smaller, more personal learning communities in large high schools. Under the statute, strategies may include, but are not limited to "establishing small learning clusters, 'houses,' career academies, magnet schools, or other approaches to creating schools-within-schools; block scheduling; personal adult advocates, teacher-advisory systems and other mentoring strategies; and reduced teaching loads." In addition, there may be other local innovations that create more personal learning experiences for students. Funds may be used for planning and/or implementation. Activities may include: restructuring schools, professional development, building partnerships, soliciting technical assistance, building data collection and evaluation systems, and providing extended learning time and support services for students. To build interest and capacity for the Smaller Learning Communities Program, the U. S. Department of Education will offer a series of regional outreach sessions. These sessions will provide superintendents and other district educators the unique opportunity to learn from researchers, experts, practitioners, and senior federal staff experienced in developing smaller learning communities. The regional outreach sessions are scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. during March and April in various locations across the country. A meeting is scheduled for March 17 in Washington, D. C. Data-based information on the grant program and information on the regional outreach sessions can be obtained by accessing the following website: http://www.dtiassociates.com/smallschools. Enclosed you will find a two-page description of the Smaller Learning Communities Program. If you would like to receive a preliminary packet with more information on the program or be placed on the application mailing list, contact Tammy Hollaway at (202) 205-3779. Please note the following deadlines: o Outreach sessions March 17 - April 26 o Final program notice May 2000 published in the Federal Register o Closing date for applications July 2000 o Public announcement and August 2000 awarding of grants o Start date for grants September 2000 JLD/eh Enclosure