Dear Colleagues –
On October 12, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) released the Secretary's proposed priorities for competitive grant programs and launched a 30-day public comment period. Once the Department considers the comments received and issues the Secretary’s final priorities, the Secretary may choose to use one or more of them in competitions for new discretionary grant awards this year and in future years. These priorities align with the vision set forth by the Secretary in support of high-quality educational opportunities for students of all ages.
The proposed priorities are:
- Empowering Families to Choose a High-Quality Education that Meets Their Child’s Unique Needs
- Promoting Innovation and Efficiency, Streamlining Education with an Increased Focus on Improving Student Outcomes, and Providing Increased Value to Students and Taxpayers
- Fostering Flexible and Affordable Paths to Obtaining Knowledge and Skills
- Fostering Knowledge and Promoting the Development of Skills that Prepare Students to be Informed, Thoughtful, and Productive Individuals and Citizens
- Meeting the Unique Needs of Students And Children, including those with Disabilities and/or with Unique Gifts and Talents
- Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education, With a Particular Focus on Computer Science
- Promoting Literacy
- Promoting Effective Instruction in Classrooms and Schools
- Promoting Economic Opportunity
- Encouraging Improved School Climate and Safer and More Respectful Interactions in a Positive and Safe Educational Environment
- Ensuring that Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families Have Access to High-Quality Educational Choices
For more information about the Secretary’s priorities, including the rationale for each, and to submit comments, please see the posting in the Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/10/12/2017-22127/proposed-supplemental-priorities-and-definitions-for-discretionary-grant-programs.
The closing date for comments is November 13, 2017.
Best –
Sharon Lee Miller, Director
Division of Academic and Technical Education