In a November 10, 2011 press release, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced the 23 highest-rated applicants in the $150 million second round of the Investing in Innovation (i3) competition.  The i3 grant applicants were required to submit proposals focused on one of ED’s five absolute priorities: promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education; increasing achievement and high school graduation rates in rural schools; supporting effective teachers and principals; implementing high standards and high-quality assessments; or turning around persistently low-performing schools. Nearly 600 proposals were submitted in the competition. “Scale-up” proposals, with the strongest evidence and track records of success, are eligible for up to $25 million, “Validation” proposals, supported by moderate levels of evidence of success, are eligible for up to $15 million, and “Development” proposals that support promising but relatively untested projects are eligible for up to $3 million. The 23 finalists represent 1 Scale-up, 5 Validation, and 17 Development proposals. The finalists are each required to secure their specified private sector matching funds by December 9th in order to receive their respective awards. According to the ED’s press release, President Obama’s 2012 budget proposal includes a request for $300 million to support a third round of i3 competition.

PCG submitted two i3 proposals in partnership with other organizations. One proposal focused on a professional development design that is a hybrid of in-person and virtual learning opportunities in order to significantly increase English Language Learner achievement; the other focused on providing successful strategies to galvanize school-wide processes to improve rural student outcomes. Although not included among the finalists, these proposals demonstrate PCG’s support of education reform through assisting education agencies to enhance professional development and improve student learning and academic achievement.