Purpose: This initiative provides support for activities supplemental to the ongoing work of the Regional Task Force Groups. While the activities proposed in response to this initiative should be consistent with the continued pursuit of the two primary goals of the Task Force: 1.) to plan and to implement quality inclusive teacher preparation programs, or to enhance the quality of those already implemented; and 2.) to engage and to support the professional development efforts of selected high needs schools, Regional Task Force Groups are encouraged to design activities customized to meet their unique needs. The development of a proposal for this initiative will be led by the Task Force liaison for the region. The liaison should endeavor to include all Regional Task Force members, educators from regional high need schools, community agencies and parent groups to work collaboratively in this process. Examples of previous Regional Task Force Summer Action Grant Activities can be found in the final report summary from 2002, 2003, and from 2004.

Expected outcomes: A more robust Regional Task Force Group is, in general, the goal of this initiative. That is, members of the region should be familiar with each other, more knowledgeable of student learning issues in the high needs schools of the region, and more knowledgeable about the prospects for quality inclusive teacher preparation programs in the region. Members of the region will have taken actions toward these ends, and may well have set plans for the coming year in the same regard. A final report on the Regional Task Force Action Grant that summarizes activities and comments on their merits toward achieving these ends will be expected by August 15, 2005.

Awards: Awards will be made up to $5,000. If a proposal is awarded, a subcontract will be given to the liaison’s institution of higher education, and that institution will be responsible for the distribution of funds as designated by the Task Force liaison. The funds may be used to compensate participants for their time and for reasonable expenses and to pay for expenses incurred in carrying out planned Regional Task Force supplemental activities.

Because grants will be made to institutions, up to 8% of the grant may be used to cover indirect costs incurred by the institution. Half of the grant will be forwarded to the designated institution when the grant proposal is approved. The other half of the grant funds will be forwarded upon receipt of an acceptable final report.

Funds must be expended by August 15, 2005.

Time frame: Regional Task Force Summer Action Grant 2005 proposals should be posted on the HESC website by April 15, 2005.