Section 227.30  Criteria for the Review of Initial Applications

Recipients of grants under this Part shall be required to devote State funds to needs and expenditures that are not captured in the per capita amount generally devoted to the education of students at the grade levels to be served by the program.  Applications for initial funding shall be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria:

a)         Quality of the Plan  (60 points)

1)         There is a coherent set of strategies for continuity of instruction in the specified subject areas as students progress through the grade levels, and articulation between those portions of the district's program supported with State funds and the other aspects of the program is evident.

2)         The curriculum in the subject areas covered by the program will provide appropriate challenges and learning opportunities for the students who participate.

3)         The plan provides evidence that services to gifted students will be integrated effectively into those students' schedules.

b)         Impact and Need (30 points)

1)         Decisions about the numbers of students to be served are justified in light of the resources available for meeting the goals of the program.

2)         Other sources of funding are limited to such an extent that the applicant will be unable to provide a high-quality program without grant funds under this Part.

c)         Staff Capacity (10 points)

1)         The plan identifies school staff who are available for assignment and who are qualified to provide instruction in the program or who will attain the required qualifications in the time permitted under Section 227.20(a)(6) of this Part.

2)         The proposal includes plans for ongoing professional development for the staff members assigned to the program, as well as others who may be assigned to it in future years.