Eligible Applicants:
Illinois public school districts, state-authorized charter schools, and Regional Offices of Education (ROEs) are eligible to apply. Priority points will be given to those applicants that are furthest away from 100% or more Final Percent of Adequacy as listed on the fiscal year 2020 Full FY 2020 Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) Calculation spreadsheet at the link:
isbe.net/ebfdist
Program Purpose:
The purpose of the Elementary and Secondary Relief – Digital Professional Learning NOFO/RFP is to assist school districts in enabling digital-age teaching and learning. School districts may use funds to provide educators with professional learning opportunities that drive digital-age learning, integrate technology across subject areas, and develop digital citizenship.
Program Description:
Equitable access to technology-enhanced instruction, curriculum, and assessments is one of the foundational components upon which today’s schools create enhanced and empowered digital learning experiences. Quality professional learning for educators and parents/caregivers on the meaningful use of technology is critical in effectively enabling digital learning.
The Elementary and Secondary Relief – Digital Professional Learning NOFO/RFP is a one-time grant opportunity that utilizes Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to assist districts in reducing barriers to the continuity of education by addressing professional learning needs related to digital remote learning.
Grant funds will be awarded based on the highest needs as identified in the grant application. Grant application questions will assess professional learning needs and the way in which additional funds will complement the district’s existing professional learning plan. In addition, the application will ask districts how they are supporting all students, including, but not limited to, students with disabilities, English Learners, and students from low-income families.
As part of the application process, applicants must complete the Illinois School District Technology Survey prior to the submission of the application.
Application Deadline:
Applications for the Elementary and Secondary Relief – Digital Professional Learning Grant are due no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2020
Pre-Application Requirement:
Applicants must complete the
Illinois School District Technology Survey. All surveys will be evaluated by the Learning Technology Center, and all surveys responses must be approved by the Learning Technology Center prior to submitting the grant application.
- Submit survey by deadline of August 28, 2020
- On the 2nd page of the survey, mark that the survey is being completed as part of an ISBE grant application in order to initiate the review process.
- Review will take up to two weeks. The purpose of the approval process is to identify and resolve inconsistencies or questions related to technical details prior to grant application submission.
- Applicants will be notified upon approval. If not approved, applicants will be contacted to schedule a review call.
- If needed, consult with the Learning Technology Center in the completion of the inventory, grant application, or related district technology planning process.
- Applicants who have completed a survey for the Digital Equity RFP application do not need to submit this survey again.
If the district does not have a policy on damaged or stolen items, the district needs to develop/adopt one as it is a federal requirement.
Technical Assistance Webinar:
A technical assistance session was held on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:30am. This technical assistance session covered eligibility requirements and application procedures.