Section 245.40  Proposal Review, Approval and Grant Award

a)         Proposals submitted for funding to establish a State-funded homeless education program shall be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria.

1)         There is sufficient need for the program, as evidenced by the number or proportion of students identified as eligible for program services.  Convincing evidence is presented of the applicant's inability to adequately meet the needs of its homeless children and youth without the additional assistance provided pursuant to this Part.  (25 points)

2)         The proposed activities and other services to be provided have a strong potential for helping the applicant design and continue programs that enable homeless children and youth to achieve stability and integration within the regular education programs in order to reach the same challenging State content and student performance standards to which all children and youth are held, including preparation for self-sufficiency.  The proposed activities and services address effective mechanisms for involving parents or guardians of homeless children and youth in the education of their children.  (35 points)

3)         The proposal demonstrates that effective coordination with private, non-profit entities, social services agencies and others serving homeless children and youth and their families will occur, as necessary, so that the applicant is able to provide services that are appropriate and comprehensive.  (15 points)

4)         The proposed evaluation process is designed to assess the effectiveness of the program's activities and services in relation to the program's goals and objectives and likely to produce data that can be used to improve the program.  (15 points)

5)         The proposed budget is consistent with the proposal's activities and appears to be cost-effective.  (10 points)

b)         Priority consideration may be given to proposals with specific areas of emphasis, as identified by the State Superintendent of Education in a particular RFP.

c)         The State Superintendent of Education shall determine the amount of individual grant awards.  The final award amounts shall be based upon:

1)         the total amount of funds available for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program; and

2)         the resources requested in the top-ranked proposals, as identified pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this Section.