On October 7^th, Sara Mead with the New America Foundation reports that the priorities for the $650 million stimulus-funded innovation grants were announced by Secretary Duncan.  The ARRA i3 program will provide a unique opportunity for the US Department of Education to invest in the development and scaling up of innovative practices.  The i3 grants will be made in tiers.  The tiers are:  scaling-up grants, validation grants, and development grants.   There are four absolute priorities that applicants must ensure in their applications to be awarded.  Go to http://www.newamerica.net/blog/early-ed-watch/2009/ed-dept-outlines-priorities-stimulus-funded-innovation-grants-15179 to read the entire list.

What is very interesting to me is the list of competitive priorities of these grants. Competitive priorities are not mandatory but extra points are given if included in the application. The first competitive priority states: “Innovations for improving early learning outcomes, including innovations that improve school readiness and those that improve alignment, collaboration, and transitions between 0-3 programs, preschools, kindergartens, and grades kindergarten through third grade.”

It is very encouraging and exciting that the Education Department has a desire to strengthen alignment along the PreK-3rd continuum.