Funded programs include: (1) Consortium Incentive Grants, which support multistate consortia for improving coordination in seven areas of need (e.g., improving the identification and recruitment of eligible migrant children; using scientifically based research to improve school readiness; improving reading and math proficiency; decreasing the dropout rate; improving high school completion rates; strengthening the involvement of parents; and expanding access to innovative technologies), and separetely by contract (2) the Migrant Education Hotline, a toll-free number (800) 234-8848 that migrant farmworkers and their families can call to obtain migrant education program services and for referrals to supportive services; (3) the Migrant Education Coordination Support Center, a logistical support contract to organize and implement effective meetings in support of national interstate coordination initiatives; and (4) the Migrant Student Information Exchange (MSIX) System, a records transfer system to facilitate the transfer of health and academic records of migrant children across states.
The Department of Education ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through coordination, management and accountability in Federal education programs. The Department works to supplement and complement educational efforts on all levels, encouraging increased involvement by the public, parents and students.
Approximately 23 consortium incentive grants were awarded in FY 2006. Consortium Incentive Grants fund high-quality consortia to improve the intrastate and interstate coordinatin of migrant education programs by addressing any of eight key needs of migratory children who have their education interrupted. FY 2006 recipients implemented activities designed to improve the proper and timely identification and proficiency of migratory children. In addition, development of the Migrant Student Information Exchange (MSIX) was completed in 2007.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds are used to: (A) Support activities to improve interstate and intrastate coordination of migrant education by State and local educational agencies; and (B) provide incentive grants to SEAs that participate in an approved consortium under the program.
This program is subject to non-supplanting requirements and must use a restricted indirect cost rate which is referenced under 34 CFR 75.563.
For assistance call the Office of Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Cost Group on 202-708-7770.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
State educational agencies, local educational agencies, institutions of higher education and other public or nonprofit private entities may apply for funds to improve interstate and intrastate coordination of migrant education (specific eligibility varies by activity).
SEAs participating in MEP consortium may apply for incentive grant awards.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Migratory children of migratory agricultural workers or migratory fishers benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program does not use a preapplication form.
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his/her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures
Applications must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the regulations, instructions, and forms included in the grant application package. The applications are reviewed and evaluated by a panel for funding selection.
Award Procedures
The Department of Education notifies successful applicants of awards. Actual negotiation and awarding of grants is done by the Department of Education's Office of Migrant Education staff. The Department's Contracts Service negotiates contracts.
Deadlines
Deadlines are announced in the Federal Register.
Authorization
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Title I, Part C, Sec. 1308. 20 U.S.C 6398.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Approximately three months.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Interstate and intrastate coordination grants have no statutory formula or matching requirements. Consortium incentive grants are awarded by formula, based on the amount of MEP funds an SEA is able to redirect from administrative activities into direct services to migrant children as a result of participating in a consortium.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants and contracts for interstate and intrastate coordination activities may be awarded for not more than five years, subject to the availability of funds. Consortium incentive grants are annual awards made for a 12-month period.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Annual performance reports are required from SEAs participating in consortium incentive grants and from other grant recipients.
Reports for activities funded through contracts depend on the specific terms of the contract.
Audits
In accordance with the Education Department General Administration Regulations in the Appendix to 34 CFR 80, State and local governments that receive financial assistance of $500,000 or more within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year. State and local governments that receive between $25,000 and $500,000 within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made in accordance with the Appendix to Part 80, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate.
Records
In accordance with the General Education Provisions Act and the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, grantees must maintain certain project records for 3 years.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0900-0-1-501.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $10,000,000; FY 08 est $10,000,000; and FY 09 est $12,500,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
For FY 2008, the range of awards for incentive grants is expected to be $60,000 to $250,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
34 CFR 75, 76, and 80.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Office of Migrant Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., FOB6, Room 3E331, Washington, DC 20202. Contact: Lori Ahmady. Telephone: (202) 260-1391.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The criteria for interstate/intrastate coordination grants are consistent with 34 CFR 75. Incentive grant awards are made under a formula established in a Notice of Final Criteria published April 8, 1996, in the Federal Register at FR 15670.
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