Section 700.60  Criteria for the Review of Applications

Applications for grants will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria:

a)         Need (20 points)

1)         The proposal describes the local need for development or enhancement of computer science programs by describing specific local student population (including demographics) and how the program will meet the needs/interests of all students, including special populations (e.g., English learners, special education students, and minority students) and gifted students.

2)         The proposal outlines the applicant's staffing needs to implement the program, including a detailed explanation as to the need for additional staff to be hired or contracted.

3)         The proposal clearly outlines the professional learning needs of the educators who will deliver computer science instruction and how those needs will be addressed.

4)         The proposal clearly identifies resources needed to implement the program (e.g., facilities, equipment, supplies, software, technology, curriculum, resource guides, text, or manuals).

b)         Capacity (25 points)

1)         The proposal identifies the applicant's capacity to meet all programmatic needs identified in subsection (a). If the applicant does not currently have the internal capacity to meet a specific need, the proposal must include a plan of how the applicant will address the identified needs. If the applicant intends on using third-party contracts, the proposal must include details on the contractors' expertise, qualifications, and capacity to deliver quality computer science educational experiences that align with the grant objectives.

2)         The proposal lists any intended partnerships and the roles of each partner, including the expected impact of each partner on the success and sustainability of the program and its aligned activities.

3)         The proposal explains each school's anticipated capacity needs in preparation to implement program, such as teacher recruitment, salary, benefits, professional learning, student and teacher supports, supplies, mentoring, or partnerships necessary to implement the program.

4)         The proposal identifies the applicant's plan and process to recruit and select instructional staff, including the number of staff and experience or training that will be provided.

5)         The proposal includes details of the applicant's capacity to offer computer science (e.g., materials and equipment that are related to the teacher and the learning of computer science).

c)         Quality of the Plan (20 points)

1)         The proposal describes specific objectives or goals of the instructional plan, including the name of any instructional programs, the number of courses expanded or newly offered at each site, information on providers or instructors, the role of each partner at each site, and the number of students expected to be enrolled.

2)         The proposal contains evidence that demonstrates the knowledge, skill, and experience of the educators or contracted entities that will deliver computer science instruction, or the proposal cites a plan to prepare educators through quality professional development.

3)         The proposal provides evidence of the program's alignment to the State's Computer Science learning standards under 23 Ill. Adm. Code 1.Appendix D.

4)         The proposal clearly provides details of the timeline for delivery of services, including progress reporting required under Section 700.70, professional learning activities, equipment or supply purchases, and new or enhanced course or program planning and implementation.

d)         Sustainability (15 points)

1)                  The proposed includes provisions for funding and other resources to sustain a long-term computer science program that continues after the grant period ends, including information on additional funding or other resource streams.

2)                  The proposal includes evidence of community or stakeholder involvement or engagement to support and assist in sustaining the program.

3)                  The program includes a three- to five-year sustainability plan with forecasted budget considerations that provides details on how the program will continue after the grant period concludes, including funding for educator salaries, supplies, software, technology, or maintenance.

e)         Cost Effectiveness (20 points)

1)                  The proposal provides details on how each budgeted item supports proposed goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes.

2)                  The proposal describes a process to measure and evaluate cost-effectiveness and impact and a process to drive budgetary decisions toward program improvement over time.

3)                  The program plan includes a detailed budget with projected costs assigned to appropriate function or object codes.

4)                  The proposal includes a process to measure and evaluate the impact the program has on student achievement and the impact of each partnership on the success and sustainability of the program and the alignment activities.

f)             Priority points will be given for proposals that intend to serve a:

1)         majority of learners or teachers with gender or racial/ethnic identities that are underrepresented in the computer science labor market (see Section 2-3.196(d) of the School Code);

2)            school or district that does not currently offer any computer science coursework and is able to accommodate 12.5% or less of the high school student body in the program for a given school year;

3)            school or district that does not currently offer computer science coursework that is accessible and appropriate for students at each grade level for grades 9-12; and

4)            school or district that does not currently offer advanced coursework opportunities (e.g., dual credit, honors, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate) for computer science.