Request for Letters of Interest for 2019-2020 Math Innovation Zones Planning and Execution Grants
October 5, 2018
TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:
SUBJECT: Request for Letters of Interest for 2019-2020 Math Innovation Zones Planning and Execution Grants
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is actively seeking participation from school districts and open-enrollment charter schools for Math Innovation Zones (MIZ) established by Section 28.020 of the Texas Education Code. Through MIZ, TEA supports school districts and charter schools in the expansion of high-quality blended learning programs in math by defining, supporting, and monitoring a high-fidelity implementation of the program.
Interested school districts and open-enrollment charter schools should submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) by using the template included in Attachment 2A, 2B, and 2C to TEA by Friday, October 26th, 2018 at 5pm CDT. This request for LOIs provides information on the MIZ initiative, requirements for participation, and steps to respond.
Fidelity of implementation (FOI) of MIZ is critical to the success of the program. TEA defines a high-fidelity implementation of MIZ as a high-fidelity planning and a high-fidelity execution of the program. These components are further defined throughout this request for LOIs. Based on submissions to this request, TEA will award up to 14 MIZ Planning Grants to enable school districts and open enrollment charter schools to work towards fulfillment of the MIZ Fidelity of Planning (FOP) requirements throughout the spring of 2019. After FOP deliverables are completed, TEA will award an additional MIZ Execution Grant to all school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in this cohort that meet the FOP requirements as defined by the MIZ FOI Rubric. The MIZ Execution Grant will fund qualifying districts and open-enrollment charter schools as they satisfy the MIZ Fidelity of Execution (FOE) requirements necessary to earn status as a Designated MIZ. Further context on each grant is below:
- MIZ Planning Grants - Up to 14 school districts and open-enrollment charter schools will be eligible for MIZ Planning Grants between $100,000 and $175,000 each. As a recipient of these funds, grantees will be expected to design and launch a math blended learning program in the 2019-2020 academic year for one or more pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) or kindergarten (K) through 8th grade feeder patterns. The school districts and open-enrollment charter schools should grow MIZ to become a Pre-K or K through 8th grade program within three years. Grantees will be expected to use part of the awarded funds to work with the MIZ Technical Assistance Network (TAN). Personnel costs associated with implementing MIZ will also be permitted as a use of funds from this grant as will other costs necessary to achieve the FOP requirements. Additionally, school districts and open-enrollment charter schools will be required to attend the Math Innovation Zones Kickoff Summit from December 10-11, 2018 in Dallas, Texas.
- MIZ Execution Grants – After completion of the MIZ FOP deliverables with the support of the MIZ TAN, school districts and open-enrollment charter schools receiving MIZ Planning Grants will be evaluated on the extent to which the planning deliverables fulfill the FOP requirements as communicated in the FOI Rubric. All school districts and open-enrollment charter schools that meet FOP requirements will receive a MIZ Execution Grant of up to $150,000 to launch MIZ in the 2019-2020 academic year. Only recipients of the MIZ Planning Grants will be eligible to receive the MIZ Execution Grant.
Next Steps:
|
Date |
Event |
|
5pm CDT |
Notice of Intent to Submit a Letter of Interest; Interested school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are requested (although not required) to submit a notice of intent to apply. Submit to MIZ@tea.texas.gov with the subject line: MIZ – LOI Intent to Submit - |
|
5pm CDT |
Deadline to Submit Questions; Questions regarding this Request for Letters of Interest should be emailed to MIZ@tea.texas.gov with the subject line: MIZ – LOI Questions. Responses from TEA will be posted on the MIZ webpage: https://tea.texas.gov/Academics/Learning_Support_and_Programs/Math_Innovation_Zones |
|
10:00am CDT Friday, |
2019-2020 MIZ Planning and Execution Grants Webinar; Program overview and responses to submitted questions for MIZ Planning and Execution Grants; Webinar link can be found on the MIZ webpage or below: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7538050903105377794 |
|
5pm CDT |
Deadline to Submit LOI for 2019-2020 MIZ Planning and Execution Grants; Send the completed LOI response forms (Attachments 2A, 2B, and 2C ONLY) to MIZ@tea.texas.gov with the subject line: MIZ LOI - |
|
Friday, |
Target Award Notification Date; TEA may conduct phone interviews before this date to request clarification and context on the submitted LOI. |
|
December 10-11, 2018 |
Math Innovation Zones Kickoff Summit, Dallas, TX; |
Thank you, and we look forward to working with you to support math achievement for students in Texas.
Andrew Hodge
Director of Math Innovation Zones
Texas Education Agency
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
Attachments for the Request for Letters of Interest for 2019-2020 Math Innovation Zones Planning and Execution Grants:
Attachment 1: Request for Letters of Interest for 2019-2020 MIZ Planning and Execution Grants
Attachment 2: Required Response Forms:
Attachment 2A: Response Form: District or Charter School Network Information
Required: District Overview, Feeder Pattern 1 Form
Optional: Additional Feeder Pattern FormsAttachment 2B: Response Form: District or Charter School Network Response Form
Attachment 2C: Response Form: School Specific Response FormAttachment 3: Appendix
- Math Innovation Zones Fidelity of Implementation Overview
- Math Innovation Zones Technical Assistance Network Support Descriptions