Update on the Next (FY2004)
SLC Grant Competition

There will be two separate Smaller Learning Communities Program Grant competitions during 2005:

1. The first will involve a special competition for schools that will include (in addition to Smaller Learning Communities expansion and/or development) Freshmen Academy/Academies AND a focus on ninth grade struggling readers through participation in a national research evaluation of a research-based ninth grade supplemental reading program.

The proposed language for this special competition is posted in the Federal Register.  Comments on the proposed priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria are due on or before February 28, 2005.  NOTE:  as of now, schools/districts which already have at least one ninth grade Academy in place (even if they have already received an SLC grant) are eligible to apply for this special competition

2. There will be a second Smaller Learning Communities Program grant competition for the additional SLC FY2004 funding scheduled later in the year.  This second competition will NOT require schools/districts to engage in the national research evaluation of a research-based literacy initiative. This second competition is tentatively scheduled for June/July 2005. 

See http://tinyurl.com/4ntsh for proposed wording of the SLC Special Competition Request for Proposals.