LASO Cycle 2
In October 2023, TEA is continuing to offer streamlined, consolidated grant applications, focused on a few grant programs that are bundled and that help accelerate academic gains.
The Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities (LASO) is the next iteration of a universal consolidated application cycle that strategically batches grant funding opportunities that are supporting with continued learning acceleration and innovation opportunities.
LASO Cycle 2 program grants are focused on three of the five learning acceleration strategies: Instructional Materials, More Time and Innovative School Models. Use the links on this page to browse all the grants and read up on each grant's latest news, access to newsletters, program guidelines, contact information, and resources.
For general follow up questions, email LASO@tea.texas.gov. For program specific questions, please email the contact for each grant found in their corresponding section below.
LASO Cycle 2 Highlights by the Numbers
Overall Awards
- 393 total LEAs awarded in LASO Cycle 2 up from 212 awarded in LASO Cycle 1
- ~$187 million awarded in LASO Cycle 2 through direct grants or in-kind awards
Rural Awards
- 173 rural LEAs awarded in LASO Cycle 2 up from 77 awarded in LASO Cycle 1
- Rural LEAs more than doubled in their award totals - over $51 Million, up from $21M in last year's cycle
By Region
- All but 2 ESC regions saw an increase in the number of awarded LEAs and no ESC region saw a decrease in the number of districts receiving an award.
Grant Portfolio
Strong Foundations Planning (SFP)
Strong Foundations Planning grant program provides support to LEAs to develop a strong instructional framework in math or literacy, provides optional adoption supports in selecting a new HQIM if LEAs choose to make a material switch; and trainings and support to support creating systems to effectively manage instruction at the district level. Refer to the Program Guidelines for additional information on required use of funds.
Resources
- Program Guidelines (PDF, Updated March 22, 2024)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- Program Overview Webinar (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List (PDF)
Newsletters
- For March 2025 and later, see LASO Cycle 3
- February 2025 — AP/ESC | LEA
- January 2025 — AP/ESC | LEA
- December 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- November 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- October 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- September 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- August 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- July 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- June 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- May 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- April 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- March 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
Contact Information
Hannah Cox, Director of HQIM Adoption Supports
Alleigh Nicholls, Program Manager
strongfoundations@tea.texas.gov
Strong Foundations Implementation (SFI)
Strong Foundations Implementation provides grant funds to LEAs for technical assistance to support high-fidelity implementation of the instructional materials, as well as high-quality professional learning for teachers, coaches, and administrators.
Resources
- Program Guidelines (PDF, Updated March 22, 2024)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- Program Overview Webinar (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List (PDF)
- Optional Pathway Guide (PDF)
Newsletters
- For March 2025 and later, see LASO Cycle 3
- February 2025 — AP/ESC | LEA
- January 2025 — AP/ESC | LEA
- December 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- November 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- October 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- September 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- August 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- July 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- June 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- May 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
- April 2024 — (AP/ESC | LEA
- March 2024 — AP/ESC | LEA
Contact Information
Gloria Matthews, Program Lead for Strong Foundation Implementation
strongfoundations@tea.texas.gov
(512) 463-7942
Kristi Michaels, Director HQIM Implementation Supports
strongfoundations@tea.texas.gov
(512) 470-9235
Technology Lending Grant (TLG)
The Technology Lending Grant program awards grant funds to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide students the equipment necessary to access and use digital instructional materials at school and at home.
The equipment purchased through this grant for a local technology lending program becomes the property of the LEA. Applicants selected for funding are required to account for the technology equipment purchased with grant funds in accordance with the district policy, including ensuring the equipment where insurance is typically provided for such technology equipment. Insurance of the technology lending equipment is an allowable cost of the grant. LEAs may not charge parents/students for insurance of devices. The grant may not be used to replace lost, stolen, or damaged equipment.
Resources
- Program Guidelines (PDF)
(Updated February 27, 2024) - Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- Program Overview Webinar (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List (PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Lisa Walker, Digital Content Manager
techlending@tea.texas.gov
512-463-9601
Blended Learning Grant (BLG)
The Blended Learning Grant opportunity has two distinct cohorts and associated purposes that applicants will select from, as described below.
The Blended Learning Planning cohort will support school districts and open-enrollment charter schools through a planning stage to design and subsequently implement a high-quality blended learning model in math (through Math Innovation Zones - MIZ) and reading language arts (RLA) aligned with a High-Quality Instructional Material curriculum (HQIM).
The Blended Learning Strategic Operations cohort will support school districts and openenrollment charter schools in leveraging a blended learning model to make a strategic operational shift to scheduling, staffing and/or budgets. This shift will seek to make robust operational changes in order to optimize campus staffing models for teachers while maximizing academic impact for students.
Resources
- Program Guidelines (PDF)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- Program Overview Webinar (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List (PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Michael Strange, Blended Learning Program Manager
BlendedLearning@tea.texas.gov
(512) 463-9616
Math Supplemental Curriculum Licenses (MSC)
The math supplemental curriculum (MSC) grant provides licenses to qualified LEAs to provide high quality supplemental materials for accelerated instruction activities like high impact tutoring for students PK-12. LEAs will agree to a set of requirements for access for two years of licenses to online curricula, with prioritization of licenses for year two of the grant contingent upon high-fidelity usage.
Resources
- Program Guidelines (PDF)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- Program Overview Webinar (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List (PDF)
- LEA Kickoff Webinar (Feb 2024) (Youtube)
- LEA Kickoff Webinar (Sept 2024) (Youtube)
- LEA Kickoff Deck (PDF)
- MSC Provider Fair Webinar (Youtube)
- MSC Provider Fair Deck (PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Colby Self, Director of Texas Tutoring Supports
accelerated.instruction@tea.texas.gov
512-463-7271
Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (APCSP)
The AP CSP grant is offered to increase Advanced Placement course offerings on high school campuses within districts across the state, increase the number of students meeting College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) outcomes, increase participation and performance of students taking and passing the AP CSP exam, increase the number of CTE completers taking an AP course, increase the number of special population and non-traditional students enrolled in an AP CSP course, and prepare students to succeed in computer science related professions. This grant opportunity allows an LEA to achieve this by providing funds for staffing, training, supplies, materials, contracts, travel, technology and equipment to plan, implement and sustain an AP CSP course.
Resources
- Program Guidelines (PDF)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- Program Overview Webinar (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List (PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Kay Humes, Statewide Advanced Academics Coordinator
Kay.Humes@tea.texas.gov
advancedacademics@tea.texas.gov
512-463-8823
ADSY Summer Learning Accelerator (ADSY)
High-quality, evidence-based summer learning programs help to prevent summer slide, i.e., learning loss created by the lack of student engagement in rigorous content between academic school years. Prekindergarten through 5th grade campuses that meet Additional Days School Year (ADSY) eligibility requirements in the 2023-2024 school year are eligible for this grant. This grant program guides LEAs through a 3- month accelerated support planning process to design a summer learning program aligned with research-based best practices in academics, operations, and enrichment activities. Following the 3-month planning period, implementation of the summer learning program will occur in the summer of 2024. Participation in this grant program is not required to access ADSY funding itself, but rather is intended to strengthen ADSY summer program implementation through evidence-based planning and implementation practices.
Resources
- Program Guidelines (PDF)
(Updated January 29, 2024) - Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- Program Webinar Overview (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List (PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Ruchamah Belizor, Summer Learning Models Manager
adsy@tea.texas.gov
512-936-6066
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH)
The P-TECH grant offers campuses an opportunity to plan to build a Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) within their district. P-TECH Academies offer opportunities for students to earn a high school diploma while simultaneously earning industry certifications, and/or an associate degree on or before the sixth anniversary of a student's first day of high school and at no cost to the student.
The P-TECH grant requires a campus to maintain a partnership with an institution of higher education (IHE) that will serve to provide dual credit opportunities to the PTECH academy and with a business/industry partner to provide work-based support.
Resources
- Program Guidelines (PDF)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- Program Overview Webinar (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List (PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Darin Ford, CCRSM Coordinator
ccrsm@tea.texas.gov
512-463-9371
Early College High School (ECHS)
The ECHS grant offers campuses an opportunity to plan to build an Early College High School within their district. Early College High Schools (ECHS) offer opportunities for campuses to provide targeted supports for historically underserved students through rigorous instruction and accelerated postsecondary courses to provide academic and wrap around strategies that help students succeed in college level coursework at no cost to the students.
The ECHS grant requires a campus to maintain a partnership with an institution of higher education (IHE) that will serve to provide dual credit opportunities to the ECHS.
Resources
- Program Guidelines (PDF)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- Program Overview Webinar (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List (PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Darin Ford, CCRSM Coordinator
ccrsm@tea.texas.gov
512-463-9371
School Action Fund (SAF)
The SAF grant provides technical assistance, resources, and grant funds to support school actions for, and at, individual campuses. School districts receive support in adopting a broader continuous improvement strategy to improve schools and provide communities with the schools and programs they want, need, and deserve.
Resources
- Program Guidelines (PDF)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- Program Overview Webinar (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List (PDF)
- SAF Cycle 3 and Beyond Grantees (Excel)
- SAF Cycle 8 Eligible Campuses (Excel)
(Revised December 5, 2023) - Rule §97.1066, Campus Repurposing and Closure (Website)
- Lone Star Governance School Board Training Requirements (Website)
- Texas Partnerships (Website)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Laura Hyatt, School Action Fund Manager
Laura.Hyatt@tea.Texas.gov
Estimated Funding
Grant Name | Estimated Funding | Grant Type | Estimated Range of Award | Estimated Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
Strong Foundations Planning (SFP) | $20.8 Million | Direct Grant | $140K to $400K | 70-110 LEAs |
Strong Foundations Implementation (SFI) | $111.2 Million | Direct Grant | $100K to $5M+ | 75-150 LEAs |
Technology Lending Grant (TLG) | $5 Million | Direct Grant | Up to $225K | 50-100 LEAs |
Blended Learning Grant (BLG) | $5.49 Million | Direct Grant |
Planning — Strategic Operations — |
10 to 12 LEAs for each |
Math Supplemental Curriculum (MSC) | $25 Million | In-Kind Supports | No Direct Funding (In-Kind only) |
250+ LEAs |
Early College High School (ECHS) | $1 Million | Direct Grant | Up to $100K | 10 LEAs |
Pathways in Technology ECHS (P-Tech) | $1 Million | Direct Grant | Up to $100K | 10 LEAs |
School Action Fund (SAF) *Including SAF ADSY Full Year |
$10.6 Million | Direct Grant In-Kind Supports |
$185K-$500K (per Campus) |
36 Campuses |
Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles (CSP) | $1.2 Million | Direct Grant | Up to $100K | Up to 30 LEAs |
ADSY Summer Learning Accelerator | $9 Million | Direct Grant | Up to $25K-$400K | 25-35 LEAs |
Additional Resources & Information
Title | Description |
---|---|
Overview General Webinar |
The general webinar deck and recording provides information on the following:
|
Grant-Specific One Pagers |
The LASO Cycle II One Pager Overview document provides key preliminary grant information like: Program Description, Program Commitments, Eligibility, Program Timeline, Funding. |
State Approved Provider List | The Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities (LASO) state approved provider list is a pre-vetted list of organizations that TEA has determined have the experience and expertise to support local education agencies (LEAs) with these grant opportunities. The provider list is organized by LASO grant to help LEAs explore available support and provider partnerships. |
Date | Event |
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October 18, 2023 |
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October 19, 2023 |
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October 26, 2023 |
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October 30, 2023 |
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October 31, 2023 |
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November 1, 2023 |
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November 2, 2023 |
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November 3, 2023 |
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Name | Date | Time |
---|---|---|
Strong Foundations Implementation & Planning | November 6, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. |
Strong Foundations Implementation & Planning | November 9, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. |
Technology Lending Grant | November 7, 2023 | 2:00 p.m. |
Technology Lending Grant | November 10, 2023 | 2:30 p.m. |
Blended Learning Grant (BLG) | November 6, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. |
Blended Learning Grant (BLG) | November 9, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. |
Math Supplemental Curriculum (MSC) | November 9, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. |
Math Supplemental Curriculum (MSC) | November 16, 2023 | 3:00 p.m. |
Early College High School (ECHS) | November 6, 2023 | 3:00 p.m. |
Early College High School (ECHS) | November 7, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. |
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) | November 7, 2023 | 3:00 p.m. |
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) | November 8, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. |
School Action Fund w/ ADSY FY | November 6, 2023 | 4:00 p.m. |
School Action Fund w/ ADSY FY | November 7, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. |
Advanced Principles (AP) Computer Science Principles (CSP) | November 9, 2023 | 4:00 p.m. |
Advanced Principles (AP) Computer Science Principles (CSP) | November 10, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. |
Additional Days School Year (ADSY) Summer Learning Accelerator | November 7, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. |
Additional Days School Year (ADSY) Summer Learning Accelerator | November 8, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. |