Department to launch elementary math initiative   

The South Dakota Department of Education will award grants to eligible applicants who wish to improve math achievement in grades K-5. These grants meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind, Title II, Part B, Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) Competitive Grants Program. The grants will provide dollars for school districts to participate in a three-year comprehensive elementary mathematics initiative.

Districts eligible to apply must have a student population of 10,000 or greater and be identified as a high need Local Education Agency as determined by 2002 census data, whereas districts with the highest number or percentage of children from families with incomes below the poverty line are eligible to participate. Districts with student populations less than 10,000 who meet the high need eligibility may partner with an educational cooperative or education service agency.  Non-eligible districts may form partnerships with other eligible school districts. 

Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. (CST), March 31, 2006. Districts may only apply with one eligible entity. For a list of eligible school districts in your region, or if you wish to view the RFP for more details, please visit www.doe.sd.gov/octa/title/IIpartb/.

DDN sessions will be held Tuesday, March 7, 1-2 p.m. (CST) and Friday, March 10, 10-11 a.m. (CST), to provide technical assistance and answer any questions.

To register for one of the DDN sessions or if you have any questions, please contact Shannon Schweitzer at shannon.schweitzer@state.sd.us or call (605) 773-8193.