Happy New Year from all of us at the Improve Group! After my long absence due to serious health issues for my oldest son I am overjoyed to report that he is on the mend and I am working again. This Grant Gazing comes to you from my home where I am telecommuting as my son recovers. I am amazed at the technology we have today that allows us viable work options in times of crisis.

Alex is well enough to start getting homework again and actually looks forward to the day he can return to school. So education is on my mind today and I see that it is on the mind of the Federal Government as well.

This week’s pick: The Charter School Program (CSP) [CFDA# 84.282A] has a goal of increasing the “national understanding of the charter school model and to expanding the number of high-quality charter schools available to students across the Nation by providing financial assistance for the planning, program design, and initial implementation of charter schools, and to evaluate the effects of charter schools, including their effects on students, student academic achievement, staff, and parents.”

Grants are awarded to SEA’s (State Educational Agencies) and they use the CSP funds to award sub-grants to non-SEA’s for planning, program design, initial implementation and for help with disseminate information on best practices.

Grant applications are due February 1, 2008 and additional information can be found here. If you are an SEA considering this opportunity please contact the Improve Group as an evaluator for your Charter School initiative.