In a June 3, 2011 press release, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced the launch of a second round of the Investing in Innovation (i3) grant competition program. For the first round of the i3 competition, in 2010, $650 million was awarded to 49 applicants out of 1,700. The second round of competition will make $150 million available to school districts and non-profit organizations that support innovative approaches toward significantly improving teacher effectiveness and student achievement. The competition will include three levels or categories of grants ranging from up to $3 million to up to $25 million. Under the program’s design, promising ideas with little supporting evidence of success would receive less funding than proposals supported by strong evidence of success.
According to ED, the second round of i3 includes two new absolute priorities for education reform: improving achievement and high school graduation rates in rural schools; and promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The three absolute priorities of the 2010 competition remain in effect: supporting effective teachers and principals; implementing high standards and quality assessments; and turning around persistently low-performing schools. All applicants must address one of the five absolute priorities. ED Secretary Arne Duncan stated that the second i3 competition “will add to the growing portfolio of new and emerging successful practices in education and invest in ideas that help supply teachers and students with tools they need to be successful.”
ED stated that competitive preference will be given to i3 applicants that demonstrate support for improving early learning outcomes, increasing college access and success, addressing the needs of students with disabilities and limited English proficient students, or improving productivity or technology. Applications are due on August 2, 2011 and awards will be made by December 31, 2011.
PCG Education provides Web-based tools and professional consulting services to help education agencies reach education reform goals including improving teacher development and performance, increasing student achievement, and turning around persistently low-performing schools.
