[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 78 (Friday, April 22, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23683-23692]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09437]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Magnet Schools Assistance Program

AGENCY: Office of Innovation and Improvement, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Overview Information:

Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP)

    Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 
2016.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.165A.


DATES: 
    Applications Available: April 22, 2016.
    Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: May 9, 2016.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 1, 2016.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 8, 2016.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The MSAP provides grants to eligible local 
educational agencies (LEAs) and consortia of LEAs to support magnet 
schools under an approved, required or voluntary, desegregation plan. 
By supporting the development and implementation of magnet schools that 
reduce, eliminate, or prevent minority group isolation, these program 
resources can be used in pursuit of the objectives of the Elementary 
and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA), which supports 
State and local efforts to enable all elementary and

[[Page 23684]]

secondary school students to achieve high standards. In particular, the 
MSAP provides an opportunity for eligible entities to provide students 
from varied backgrounds with the educational benefits of diversity and 
equitable access to a high-quality education that will enable all 
students to succeed academically.
    Background: This background section highlights some design changes 
in the FY 2016 MSAP competition. Despite the potential benefits 
associated with integration, institutional and contextual barriers 
often prevent LEAs from integrating their schools in meaningful and 
impactful ways. Past experience has shown that these barriers often 
negatively impact schools that receive MSAP funding, shrinking the 
impact of the implemented services. As such, we have revised the 
program's selection criteria to place an increased emphasis on 
desegregation-related activities (including a selection criterion 
specifically related to desegregation), and a renewed focus on academic 
rigor. The competition also includes a new focus on the use of 
evidence. These shifts bring MSAP into greater alignment with the Every 
Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which was signed into law on December 10, 
2015; beginning in FY 2017, the ESSA will serve as the statutory 
framework for future MSAP competitions.
    Research consistently demonstrates that concentrated poverty in 
schools negatively affects academic performance. Children who attend 
high-poverty schools have poorer academic outcomes than those who do 
not.\1\ Conversely, studies have shown that socioeconomic diversity in 
school contributes to improved academic and life outcomes for students, 
and that the socioeconomic make-up of a school is one of the strongest 
predictors of whether or not a student will succeed academically.\2\ 
Almost half of public elementary school students attend schools where 
most of the students are from lower income households, and Black and 
Latino students are disproportionately concentrated in these schools in 
almost every State.\3\ Strategies that promote socioeconomic 
integration could have a profound impact on reducing the number of 
high-poverty schools in many districts across the country, which could 
in turn greatly improve academic achievement and close achievement 
gaps.\4\
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    \1\ James S. Coleman, Equality and Educational Opportunity 
(Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 
1966); Christopher Jencks, ``The Coleman Report and Conventional 
Wisdom,'' in On Equality of Educational Opportunity: Non-Racial 
Approaches to Integration, eds. Frederick Mosteller and Daniel P. 
Moynihan (New York: Vintage Books, 1972), 69-115; Russell Rumberger 
and Gregory Palardy, ``Does Segregation Still Matter? The Impact of 
Student Composition on Academic Achievement in High School,'' 
Teacher College Record 107, no. 9 (2005): 1999-2045; Laura B. Perry 
and Andrew McConney, ``Does the SES of the School Matter? An 
Examination of Socioeconomic Status and Student Achievement using 
PISA 2003,'' Teachers College Record 112, no. 4 (2010).
    \2\ James S. Coleman, Equality and Educational Opportunity; 
Russell Rumberger and Gregory Palardy, ``Does Segregation Still 
Matter?'' 1999-2045.
    \3\ Susan Aud et al., The Condition of Education 2011 
(Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2011), Table A-28-
1.
    \4\ Ann Mantil, Anne G. Perkins, and Stephanie Aberger, ``The 
Challenge of High-Poverty Schools: How Feasible Is Socioeconomic 
School Integration?'' in The Future of School Integration: 
Socioeconomic Diversity as an Education Reform Strategy, ed. Richard 
D. Kahlenberg (New York: The Century Foundation, 2012), 155-222.
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    In this competition, we are particularly interested in projects 
that seek to improve MSAP outcomes related to minority group isolation 
and academic achievement by implementing complementary strategies to 
increase the socioeconomic integration of schools in an effort to 
eliminate, reduce, or prevent minority group isolation. Therefore, we 
include an invitational priority for these types of projects. These 
proposals will help inform future MSAP competitions conducted under 
ESSA, which will include the statutory priority for projects proposing 
to increase racial integration by taking into account socioeconomic 
diversity in designing and implementing magnet school programs. We also 
encourage applicants to define socioeconomic status (such as family 
income, education level or other factors), and to describe how the 
applicant's approach to defining and using socioeconomic status 
connects to their efforts to eliminate, reduce, or prevent minority 
group isolation.
    When proposing projects that seek to eliminate, reduce, or prevent 
minority group isolation and, if applicable, increase the socioeconomic 
integration of schools, we encourage all applicants to consult the 
``Guidance on the Voluntary Use of Race to Achieve Diversity and Avoid 
Racial Isolation in Elementary and Secondary Schools,'' released by the 
U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the 
U.S. Department of Justice on December 2, 2011.\5\ This guidance 
provides some examples of approaches that may be considered, including 
school and program siting; grade realignment and feeder patterns; 
school zoning; open choice and enrollment; and inter- and intra-
district transfers. We encourage applicants to consult legal counsel 
when considering which approaches might be best suited to a particular 
situation and in alignment with this program's objectives.
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    \5\ Available at: www.ed.gov/ocr/letters/colleague-201111.pdf 
and www.ed.gov/ocr/docs/guidance-ese-201111.pdf. Additional guidance 
from 2013 and 2014 available at www.ed.gov/ocr/letters/colleague-201309.pdf and www.ed.gov/ocr/letters/colleague-201405-schuette-guidance.pdf.
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    This competition is also designed to improve MSAP outcomes by 
supporting evidence-based strategies for eliminating, reducing, or 
preventing minority group isolation; increasing diversity; and 
improving academic achievement. For this reason, we include a selection 
factor that asks applicants to address the extent to which projects are 
grounded in a logic model (as defined in this notice) that connects the 
program's inputs to its intended outcomes.
    In addition, we include a competitive preference priority for 
applicants that can support their proposed projects with evidence of 
promise (as defined in this notice). Such evidence will enable us to 
better understand the empirical connection between school districts 
that have systematically moved toward integration in the past and 
student outcomes that are relevant to MSAP. We are particularly 
interested in evidence-based strategies that promote racial integration 
by taking into account socioeconomic diversity.
    Priorities: This competition includes five competitive preference 
priorities, one invitational priority within a competitive preference 
priority, and one stand alone invitational priority.
    In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(ii), Competitive Preference 
Priorities 1, 2, and 3 are from the MSAP regulations (34 CFR 280.32). 
Competitive Preference Priority 4 is from the notice of final 
supplemental priorities and definitions for discretionary grant 
programs, published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2014 (79 FR 
73425) (Supplemental Priorities). Competitive Preference Priority 5 is 
from 34 CFR 75.226.
    Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2016 these priorities are 
competitive preference priorities. Under 34 CFR 280.30(f) we will award 
up to 15 additional points to an application, depending on how well the 
applicant addresses Competitive Preference Priorities 1, 2, and 3. 
Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i) we will award up to an additional five 
points to an application, depending on how well the application 
addresses Competitive Preference Priority 4, and we will award an 
additional five points to an application that meets Competitive 
Preference Priority 5. Together, depending on how well the application 
meets these

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priorities, an application may be awarded up to a total of 25 
additional points. Applicants may apply under any or all of the 
competitive preference priorities. The maximum possible points for each 
competitive preference priority are indicated in parentheses following 
the name of the priority. These points are in addition to any points 
the application earns under the selection criteria in this notice.
    These priorities are:
    Competitive Preference Priority 1--Need for Assistance (0 to 5 
additional points).
    The Secretary evaluates the applicant's need for assistance by 
considering--
    (a) The costs of fully implementing the magnet schools project as 
proposed;
    (b) The resources available to the applicant to carry out the 
project if funds under the program were not provided;
    (c) The extent to which the costs of the project exceed the 
applicant's resources; and
    (d) The difficulty of effectively carrying out the approved plan 
and the project for which assistance is sought, including consideration 
of how the design of the magnet schools project--e.g., the type of 
program proposed, the location of the magnet school within the LEA--
impacts the applicant's ability to successfully carry out the approved 
plan.
    Competitive Preference Priority 2--New or Revised Magnet Schools 
Projects (0 to 5 additional points).
    The Secretary determines the extent to which the applicant proposes 
to carry out new magnet schools projects or significantly revise 
existing magnet schools projects.
    Competitive Preference Priority 3--Selection of Students (0 to 5 
additional points).
    The Secretary determines the extent to which the applicant proposes 
to select students to attend magnet schools by methods such as lottery, 
rather than through academic examination.
    Competitive Preference Priority 4--Promoting Science, Technology, 
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education (0 to 5 additional 
points).
    Projects that are designed to improve student achievement (as 
defined in this notice) or other related outcomes by supporting local 
or regional partnerships to give students access to real-world STEM 
experiences and to give educators access to high-quality STEM-related 
professional learning.
    Competitive Preference Priority 5--Supporting Strategies for which 
there is Evidence of Promise (0 or 5 additional points).
    Projects that propose a process, product, strategy, or practice 
supported by evidence of promise.
    Within this competitive preference priority, we are particularly 
interested in applications that address the following invitational 
priority.
    Invitational Priority: Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1) we do not give an 
application that meets this invitational priority a competitive or 
absolute preference over other applications.
    This priority is:
    Racial and Socioeconomic Integration Evidence of Promise.
    We are especially interested in evidence of promise surrounding 
racial and socioeconomic integration.

    Note:  An applicant addressing Competitive Preference Priority 5 
should clearly identify up to two research study citation(s) to be 
reviewed for the purposes of meeting this priority. In addition, the 
applicant should specify the intervention(s) in the identified study 
or studies that it plans to implement and the findings within the 
citation(s) that the applicant is requesting be considered as 
evidence of promise. At a minimum, applicants should provide the 
referenced citation(s), and a discussion of the relevant 
intervention(s) and findings, in the application narrative. The 
Department will not consider a study citation that an applicant 
fails to clearly identify for review.

    An applicant must either ensure that all evidence is available to 
the Department from publicly available sources and provide links or 
other guidance indicating where it is available; or, in the 
application, include a copy of the full study in the Appendix. If the 
Department determines that an applicant provided insufficient 
information, the applicant will not have an opportunity to provide 
additional information at a later time.
    Under this competition we are particularly interested in 
applications that address the following invitational priority.
    Invitational Priority: For FY 2016 this priority is an invitational 
priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1) we do not give an application that 
meets this invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference 
over other applications.
    This priority is:
    Socioeconomic Integration.
    The Secretary encourages projects that propose to increase racial 
integration by taking into account socioeconomic diversity in designing 
and implementing magnet school programs. Projects may implement inter-
district or intra-district integration strategies such as neighborhood 
preferences or weighted lotteries.
    Definitions: All definitions are from 34 CFR 77.1(c) and the 
Supplemental Priorities.
    Evidence of promise means there is empirical evidence to support 
the theoretical linkage(s) between at least one critical component and 
at least one relevant outcome presented in the logic model for the 
proposed process, product, strategy, or practice. Specifically, 
evidence of promise means the conditions in paragraphs (i) and (ii) of 
this section are met:
    (i) There is at least one study that is a--
    (A) Correlational study with statistical controls for selection 
bias;
    (B) Quasi-experimental study that meets the What Works 
Clearinghouse Evidence Standards with reservations; or
    (C) Randomized controlled trial that meets the What Works 
Clearinghouse Evidence Standards with or without reservations.
    (ii) The study referenced in paragraph (i) found a statistically 
significant or substantively important (defined as a difference of 0.25 
standard deviations or larger), favorable association between at least 
one critical component and one relevant outcome presented in the logic 
model for the proposed process, product, strategy, or practice.
    Logic model (also referred to as theory of action) means a well-
specified conceptual framework that identifies key components of the 
proposed process, product, strategy, or practice (i.e., the active 
``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be critical to achieving the 
relevant outcomes) and describes the relationships among the key 
components and outcomes, theoretically and operationally.
    Quasi-experimental design study means a study using a design that 
attempts to approximate an experimental design by identifying a 
comparison group that is similar to the treatment group in important 
respects. These studies, depending on design and implementation, can 
meet What Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards with reservations (but 
not What Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards without reservations).
    Randomized controlled trial means a study that employs random 
assignment of, for example, students, teachers, classrooms, schools, or 
districts to receive the intervention being evaluated (the treatment 
group) or not to receive the intervention (the control group). The 
estimated effectiveness of the intervention is the difference between 
the average outcomes for the treatment group and for the control group. 
These studies, depending on design and

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implementation, can meet What Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards 
without reservations.
    Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) (or the ultimate 
outcome if not related to students) the proposed process, product, 
strategy, or practice is designed to improve; consistent with the 
specific goals of a program.
    Strong theory means a rationale for the proposed process, product, 
strategy, or practice that includes a logic model.
    Student achievement means--
    For grades and subjects in which assessments are required under 
section 1111(b)(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965, as 
amended (ESEA): (1) A student's score on such assessments; and, as 
appropriate (2) other measures of student learning, such as those 
described in the subsequent paragraph, provided that they are rigorous 
and comparable across schools within a local educational agency (LEA).
    For grades and subjects in which assessments are not required under 
section 1111(b)(3) of the ESEA: (1) Alternative measures of student 
learning and performance, such as student results on pre-tests, end-of-
course tests, and objective performance-based assessments; (2) student 
learning objectives; (3) student performance on English language 
proficiency assessments; and (4) other measures of student achievement 
that are rigorous and comparable across schools within an LEA.
    What Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards means the standards set 
forth in the What Works Clearinghouse Procedures and Standards Handbook 
(Version 3.0, March 2014), which can be found at the following link: 
http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/DocumentSum.aspx?sid=19.

    Program Authority:  20 U.S.C. 7231-7231j.

    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 
82, 84, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The OMB Guidelines to Agencies on 
Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 
180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR 
part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 
200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR 
part 3474. (d) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 280. (e) 
The Supplemental Priorities.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: $91,322,994.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $700,000-$4,000,000 per budget year.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $3,200,000 per budget year.
    Maximum Award: $12,000,000. We will not fund an annual budget 
period exceeding $4,000,000 per budget year or $12,000,000 total. We 
may choose not to further review an application that proposes a one 
year budget period that exceeds $4,000,000.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 8-10. We may make awards under this 
competition for the complete three-year (36-month) project period by 
front-loading all three budget periods using FY 2016 funds. Additional 
information regarding how we will fund this competition can be found on 
the MSAP Web site at http://innovation.ed.gov/what-we-do/parental-options/magnet-school-assistance-program-msap/applicant-info-and-eligibility/.

    Note:  The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
notice.

    Project Period: Up to 36 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: LEAs or consortia of LEAs implementing a 
desegregation plan as specified in section III. 3 of this notice.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost 
sharing or matching.
    3. Other: Applicants must submit with their applications one of the 
following types of desegregation plans to establish eligibility to 
receive MSAP assistance: (a) A desegregation plan required by a court 
order; (b) a desegregation plan required by a State agency or an 
official of competent jurisdiction; (c) a desegregation plan required 
by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), United States Department of 
Education (Department), under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 
(Title VI); or (d) a voluntary desegregation plan adopted by the 
applicant and submitted to the Department for approval as part of the 
application. Under the MSAP regulations, applicants are required to 
provide all of the information required in 34 CFR 280.20(a) through (g) 
in order to satisfy the civil rights eligibility requirements found in 
34 CFR 280.2(a)(2) and (b).
    In addition to the particular data and other items for required and 
voluntary desegregation plans described in the application package, an 
application must include--
     Projected enrollment by race and ethnicity for magnet and 
feeder schools;
     Signed civil rights assurances (included in the 
application package); and
     An assurance that the desegregation plan is being 
implemented or will be implemented if the application is funded.

Required Desegregation Plans

    1. Desegregation plans required by a court order. An applicant that 
submits a desegregation plan required by a court order must submit 
complete and signed copies of all court documents demonstrating that 
the magnet schools are a part of the approved desegregation plan. 
Examples of the types of documents that would meet this requirement 
include a Federal or State court order that establishes specific magnet 
schools, amends a previous order or orders by establishing additional 
or different specific magnet schools, requires or approves the 
establishment of one or more unspecified magnet schools, or that 
authorizes the inclusion of magnet schools at the discretion of the 
applicant.
    2. Desegregation plans required by a State agency or official of 
competent jurisdiction. An applicant submitting a desegregation plan 
ordered by a State agency or official of competent jurisdiction must 
provide documentation that shows that the desegregation plan was 
ordered based upon a determination that State law was violated. In the 
absence of this documentation, the applicant should consider its 
desegregation plan to be a voluntary plan and submit the data and 
information necessary for voluntary plans.
    3. Desegregation plans required by Title VI. An applicant that 
submits a desegregation plan required by OCR under Title VI must submit 
a complete copy of the desegregation plan demonstrating that magnet 
schools are part of the approved plan or that the plan authorizes the 
inclusion of magnet schools at the discretion of the applicant.
    4. Modifications to required desegregation plans. A previously 
approved desegregation plan that does not include the magnet school or 
program for which the applicant is now seeking assistance must be 
modified to include the magnet school component. The modification to 
the desegregation plan must be approved by the court, agency, or 
official that originally approved the plan. An applicant that wishes to 
modify a previously approved OCR Title VI desegregation plan to include 
different or additional magnet schools must submit the proposed

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modification for review and approval to the OCR regional office that 
approved its original plan.
    An applicant should indicate in its application if it is seeking to 
modify its previously approved desegregation plan. However, all 
applicants must submit proof of approval of all modifications to their 
plans to the Department by June 30, 2016. Proof of plan modifications 
should be mailed to the person and address identified under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII of this notice.

Voluntary Desegregation Plans

    A voluntary desegregation plan must be approved by the Department 
each time an application is submitted for funding. Even if the 
Department has approved a voluntary desegregation plan in an LEA in the 
past, the desegregation plan must be resubmitted for approval as part 
of the application.
    An applicant's voluntary desegregation plan must describe how the 
LEA defines or identifies minority group isolation, demonstrate how the 
LEA will reduce, eliminate, or prevent minority group isolation for 
each magnet school in the proposed magnet school application, and, if 
relevant, at identified feeder schools, and demonstrate that the 
proposed voluntary desegregation plan is adequate under Title VI. For 
additional guidance on how an LEA can voluntarily reduce minority group 
isolation and promote diversity in an LEA in light of the Supreme 
Court's decision in Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle 
School District No 1 et al., 551 U.S. 701 (2007), see the December 2, 
2011, ``Guidance on the Voluntary Use of Race to Achieve Diversity and 
Avoid Racial Isolation in Elementary and Secondary Schools'' available 
on the Department's Web site at www.ed.gov/ocr/docs/guidance-ese-201111.pdf.
    Complete and accurate enrollment forms and other information as 
required by the regulations in 34 CFR 280.20(f) and (g) for applicants 
with voluntary desegregation plans are critical to the Department's 
determination of an applicant's eligibility under a voluntary 
desegregation plan (specific requirements are detailed in the 
application package).
    Voluntary desegregation plan applicants must submit evidence of 
school board approval or evidence of other official adoption of the 
plan as required by the regulations in 34 CFR 280.20(f)(2).
    4. Single-Sex Programs: In addition to the normal MSAP grant review 
process, an applicant proposing to operate a single-sex magnet school 
or a coeducational magnet school that offers single-sex classes or 
extracurricular activities will undergo a separate and detailed review 
of its proposed single-sex educational program to determine compliance 
with applicable nondiscrimination laws, including the Equal Protection 
Clause of the U.S. Constitution (as interpreted in United States v. 
Virginia, 518 U.S. 515 (1996), and other cases) and Title IX of the 
Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681, et seq.) and its 
regulations, including 34 CFR 106.34. This additional review is likely 
to require the applicant to provide additional fact-specific 
information about the single-sex program within the Department's 
timeframes for determining eligibility for funding. It is likely 
special conditions will be placed on any grant used to support a 
single-sex educational program. Please see the application package for 
additional information about an application proposing a single-sex 
magnet school or a coeducational magnet school offering single-sex 
classes or extracurricular activities.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: You can obtain an 
application package via the Internet, from the Education Publications 
Center (ED Pubs), or from the program office.
    To obtain a copy via the Internet, use the following address: 
www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/.
    To obtain a copy from ED Pubs, write, fax, or call the following: 
Education Publications Center, P.O. Box 22207, Alexandria, VA 22304. 
Telephone, toll free: 1-877-433-7827. FAX: (703) 605-6794. If you use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), 
call, toll free: 1-877-576-7734.
    You can contact ED Pubs at its Web site, also: www.EdPubs.gov or at 
its email address: [email protected].
    If you request an application from ED Pubs, be sure to identify 
this program as follows: CFDA number 84.165A.
    To obtain a copy from the program office, contact: Tiffany McClain, 
U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 4W250, 
Washington, DC 20202-5970. Telephone: (202) 453-7200 or by email: 
[email protected]. If you use a TDD or TTY, call the Federal Relay 
Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
    Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application 
package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, 
or compact disc) by contacting the program contact person listed in 
this section.
    2.a. Content and Form of Application Submission: Requirements 
concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you 
must submit, are in the application package for this competition.
    Notice of Intent to Apply: The Department will be able to develop a 
more efficient process for reviewing grant applications if it has a 
better understanding of the number of entities that intend to apply for 
funding under this competition. Therefore, the Secretary strongly 
encourages each potential applicant to notify the Department of the 
applicant's intent to submit an application for funding by completing a 
Web-based form. When completing this form, applicants will provide (1) 
the applicant organization's name and address, (2) the number of and 
proposed theme(s) of school(s) that will be served through the MSAP 
grant, and (3) information on the priority or priorities (if any) under 
which the applicant intends to apply. Applicants may access this form 
online at http://innovation.ed.gov/what-we-do/parental-options/magnet-school-assistance-program-msap/. Applicants that do not complete this 
form may still apply for funding.
    Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III of the application) 
is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria and the 
competitive preference priorities that reviewers use to evaluate your 
application. You must limit the application narrative to no more than 
150 pages, using the following standards:
     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
     Use a font that is either 12-point or larger or no smaller 
than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial. An application submitted in any other font 
(including Times Roman or Arial Narrow) will not be accepted.
     Include page numbers at the bottom of each page in your 
narrative.
    The page limit does not apply to Part I, the cover sheet; Part II, 
the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; Part 
IV, the assurances, certifications, the desegregation plan

[[Page 23688]]

and related information, and the forms used to respond to Competitive 
Preference Priorities 2 and 3; or the one-page abstract, the resumes, 
or letters of support. However, the page limit does apply to all of the 
application narrative in Part III.
    Our reviewers will not read any pages of your application that 
exceed the page limit.
    2.b. Submission of Proprietary Information: Given the types of 
projects that may be proposed in applications for the MSAP program, 
your application may include business information that you consider 
proprietary. In 34 CFR 5.11 we define ``business information'' and 
describe the process we use in determining whether any of that 
information is proprietary and, thus, protected from disclosure under 
Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as 
amended).
    Because we plan to make successful applications available to the 
public, you may wish to request confidentiality of business 
information.
    Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your 
application any information that you believe is exempt from disclosure 
under Exemption 4. In the appropriate Appendix section of your 
application, under ``Other Attachments Form,'' please list the page 
number or numbers on which we can find this information. For additional 
information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    Applications Available: April 22, 2016.
    Date of Informational Webinar: The MSAP intends to hold a Webinar 
to provide technical assistance to interested applicants. Detailed 
information regarding this Webinar will be provided on the MSAP Web 
site at http://www2.ed.gov/programs/magnet/index.html. A recording of 
this Webinar will be available on the Web site following the session.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 1, 2016.
    Applications for grants under this competition must be submitted 
electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site (Grants.gov). For 
information (including dates and times) about how to submit your 
application electronically, or in paper format by mail or hand delivery 
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, please refer to Other Submission Requirements in section 
IV of this notice.
    We do not consider an application that does not comply with the 
deadline requirements.
    Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid in connection with the application process should contact 
the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII 
of this notice. If the Department provides an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability in connection with the 
application process, the individual's application remains subject to 
all other requirements and limitations in this notice.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 8, 2016.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive 
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 
12372 is in the application package for this program.
    5. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 
280.41. We reference additional regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    6. Data Universal Numbering System Number, Taxpayer Identification 
Number, and System for Award Management: To do business with the 
Department of Education, you must--
    a. Have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and a 
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);
    b. Register both your DUNS number and TIN with the System for Award 
Management (SAM) (formerly the Central Contractor Registry), the 
Government's primary registrant database;
    c. Provide your DUNS number and TIN on your application; and
    d. Maintain an active SAM registration with current information 
while your application is under review by the Department and, if you 
are awarded a grant, during the project period.
    You can obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet at the 
following Web site: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. A DUNS number can be 
created within one to two business days.
    If you are a corporate entity, agency, institution, or 
organization, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue Service. 
If you are an individual, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal 
Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration. If you need a 
new TIN, please allow two to five weeks for your TIN to become active.
    The SAM registration process can take approximately seven business 
days, but may take upwards of several weeks, depending on the 
completeness and accuracy of the data you enter into the SAM database. 
Thus, if you think you might want to apply for Federal financial 
assistance under a program administered by the Department, please allow 
sufficient time to obtain and register your DUNS number and TIN. We 
strongly recommend that you register early.

    Note:  Once your SAM registration is active, it may be 24 to 48 
hours before you can access the information in, and submit an 
application through, Grants.gov.

    If you are currently registered with SAM, you may not need to make 
any changes. However, please make certain that the TIN associated with 
your DUNS number is correct. Also note that you will need to update 
your registration annually. This may take three or more business days.
    Information about SAM is available at www.SAM.gov. To further 
assist you with obtaining and registering your DUNS number and TIN in 
SAM or updating your existing SAM account, we have prepared a SAM.gov 
Tip Sheet, which you can find at: http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/sam-faqs.html.
    In addition, if you are submitting your application via Grants.gov, 
you must (1) be designated by your organization as an Authorized 
Organization Representative (AOR); and (2) register yourself with 
Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these steps are outlined at the 
following Grants.gov Web page: www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.
    7. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under 
MSAP must be submitted electronically unless you qualify for an 
exception to this requirement in accordance with the instructions in 
this section.
    a. Electronic Submission of Applications.
    Applications for grants under MSAP, CFDA number 84.165A, must be 
submitted electronically using the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site 
at www.Grants.gov. Through this site, you will be able to download a 
copy of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload 
and submit your application. You may not email an electronic copy of a 
grant application to us.
    We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format 
unless, as described elsewhere in this section, you qualify for one of 
the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no 
later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written 
statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these 
exceptions.

[[Page 23689]]

Further information regarding calculation of the date that is two weeks 
before the application deadline date is provided later in this section 
under Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement.
    You may access the electronic grant application for the Magnet 
Schools Assistance Program at www.Grants.gov. You must search for the 
downloadable application package for this program by the CFDA number. 
Do not include the CFDA number's alpha suffix in your search (e.g., 
search for 84.165, not 84.165A).
    Please note the following:
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation.
     Applications received by Grants.gov are date and time 
stamped. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted and must 
be date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system no later than 4:30:00 
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Except as 
otherwise noted in this section, we will not accept your application if 
it is received--that is, date and time stamped by the Grants.gov 
system--after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application 
deadline date. We do not consider an application that does not comply 
with the deadline requirements. When we retrieve your application from 
Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are rejecting your application 
because it was date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system after 
4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date.
     The amount of time it can take to upload an application 
will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the 
application and the speed of your Internet connection. Therefore, we 
strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline 
date to begin the submission process through Grants.gov.
     You should review and follow the Education Submission 
Procedures for submitting an application through Grants.gov that are 
included in the application package for MSAP to ensure that you submit 
your application in a timely manner to the Grants.gov system. You can 
also find the Education Submission Procedures pertaining to Grants.gov 
under News and Events on the Department's G5 system home page at 
www.G5.gov. In addition, for specific guidance and procedures for 
submitting an application through Grants.gov, please refer to the 
Grants.gov Web site at: www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you 
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, as described elsewhere in this section, and submit your 
application in paper format.
     You must submit all documents electronically, including 
all information you typically provide on the following forms: the 
Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), the Department of 
Education Supplemental Information for SF 424, Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and 
certifications.
     You must upload any narrative sections and all other 
attachments to your application as files in a read-only, non-modifiable 
Portable Document Format (PDF). Do not upload an interactive or 
fillable PDF file. If you upload a file type other than a read-only, 
non-modifiable PDF (e.g., Word, Excel, WordPerfect, etc.) or submit a 
password-protected file, we will not review that material. Please note 
that this could result in your application not being considered for 
funding because the material in question--for example, the project 
narrative--is critical to a meaningful review of your proposal. For 
that reason it is important to allow yourself adequate time to upload 
all material as PDF files. The Department will not convert material 
from other formats to PDF.
     Your electronic application must comply with any page 
limit requirements described in this notice.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that 
contains a Grants.gov tracking number. This notification indicates 
receipt by Grants.gov only, not receipt by the Department. Grants.gov 
will also notify you automatically by email if your application met all 
the Grants.gov validation requirements or if there were any errors 
(such as submission of your application by someone other than a 
registered Authorized Organization Representative, or inclusion of an 
attachment with a file name that contains special characters). You will 
be given an opportunity to correct any errors and resubmit, but you 
must still meet the deadline for submission of applications.
    Once your application is successfully validated by Grants.gov, the 
Department will retrieve your application from Grants.gov and send you 
an email with a unique PR/Award number for your application.
    These emails do not mean that your application is without any 
disqualifying errors. While your application may have been successfully 
validated by Grants.gov, it must also meet the Department's application 
requirements as specified in this notice and in the application 
instructions. Disqualifying errors could include, for instance, failure 
to upload attachments in a read-only, non-modifiable PDF; failure to 
submit a required part of the application; or failure to meet applicant 
eligibility requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that your 
submitted application has met all of the Department's requirements.
     We may request that you provide us original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
    Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of Technical Issues 
with the Grants.gov System: If you are experiencing problems submitting 
your application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov 
Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. You must obtain a 
Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number and must keep a record of it.
    If you are prevented from electronically submitting your 
application on the application deadline date because of technical 
problems with the Grants.gov system, we will grant you an extension 
until 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, the following business day to 
enable you to transmit your application electronically or by hand 
delivery. You also may mail your application by following the mailing 
instructions described elsewhere in this notice.
    If you submit an application after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC 
time, on the application deadline date, please contact the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII of this 
notice and provide an explanation of the technical problem you 
experienced with Grants.gov, along with the Grants.gov Support Desk 
Case Number. We will accept your application if we can confirm that a 
technical problem occurred with the Grants.gov system and that the 
problem affected your ability to submit your application by 4:30:00 
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. We will 
contact you after we determine whether your application will be 
accepted.

    Note:  The extensions to which we refer in this section apply 
only to the unavailability of, or technical problems with, the 
Grants.gov system. We will not grant you an extension if you failed 
to fully register to submit your application to Grants.gov before 
the application deadline date and time or if the

[[Page 23690]]

technical problem you experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov 
system.

    Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an 
exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your 
application in paper format, if you are unable to submit an application 
through the Grants.gov system because--
     You do not have access to the Internet; or
     You do not have the capacity to upload large documents to 
the Grants.gov system; and
     No later than two weeks before the application deadline 
date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth calendar day before the 
application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business 
day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement 
to the Department, explaining which of the two grounds for an exception 
prevents you from using the Internet to submit your application.
    If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be 
postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline 
date. If you fax your written statement to the Department, we must 
receive the faxed statement no later than two weeks before the 
application deadline date.
    Address and mail or fax your statement to: Tiffany McClain, U.S. 
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 4W250, 
Washington, DC 20202-5970. FAX: (202) 205-5630.
    Your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the 
mail or hand delivery instructions described in this notice.
    b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail.
    If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, you may mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a 
commercial carrier) your application to the Department. You must mail 
the original and two copies of your application, on or before the 
application deadline date, to the Department at the following address: 
U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: 
(CFDA Number 84.165A) LBJ Basement Level 1, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20202-4260.
    You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:
    (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.
    (2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the 
U.S. Postal Service.
    (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial 
carrier.
    (4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the 
U.S. Department of Education.
    If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do 
not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:
    (1) A private metered postmark.
    (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.

    Note:  The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a 
dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with 
your local post office.

    We will not consider applications postmarked after the application 
deadline date.
    c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery.
    If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper 
application to the Department by hand. You must deliver the original 
and two copies of your application by hand, on or before the 
application deadline date, to the Department at the following address: 
U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: 
(CFDA Number 84.165A) 550 12th Street SW., Room 7039, Potomac Center 
Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-4260.
    The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily 
between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, except 
Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.

    Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications:  If you 
mail or hand deliver your application to the Department--
    (1) You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by 
the Department--in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including 
suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are 
submitting your application; and
    (2) The Application Control Center will mail to you a 
notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not 
receive this notification within 15 business days from the 
application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of 
Education Application Control Center at (202) 245-6288.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria are from 34 CFR 
75.210, 34 CFR 280.30, 34 CFR 280.31, and section 5305 of the ESEA. All 
of the selection criteria are listed in this section and in the 
application package.
    The maximum score for all of the selection criteria is 100 points. 
The maximum score for each criterion is included in parentheses 
following the title of the specific selection criterion. Each criterion 
also includes the factors that reviewers will consider in determining 
the extent to which an applicant meets the criterion.
    Points awarded under these selection criteria are in addition to 
any points an applicant earns under the competitive preference 
priorities in this notice. The maximum score that an application may 
receive under the competitive preference priorities and the selection 
criteria is 125 points.
    (a) Desegregation (30 points).
    The Secretary reviews each application to determine the quality of 
the desegregation-related activities and determines the extent to which 
the applicant demonstrates--
    (1) The effectiveness of its plan to recruit students from 
different social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds into the 
magnet schools. (34 CFR 280.31)
    (2) How it will foster interaction among students of different 
social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds in classroom 
activities, extracurricular activities, or other activities in the 
magnet schools (or, if appropriate, in the schools in which the magnet 
school programs operate). (34 CFR 280.31)
    (3) How it will ensure equal access and treatment for eligible 
project participants who have been traditionally underrepresented in 
courses or activities offered as part of the magnet school, e.g., women 
and girls in mathematics, science, or technology courses, and disabled 
students. (34 CFR 280.31)
    (4) The effectiveness of all other desegregation strategies 
proposed by the applicant for the elimination, reduction, or prevention 
of minority group isolation in elementary schools and secondary schools 
with substantial proportions of minority students. (Section 5301(b)(1) 
of the ESEA)
    (b) Quality of Project Design (35 points).
    The Secretary reviews each application to determine the quality of 
the project design. In determining the quality of the design of the 
proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The manner and extent to which the magnet school program will 
improve student academic achievement for all students attending each 
magnet school program, including the manner and extent to which each 
magnet school program will increase student academic achievement in the 
instructional area or areas offered by the school. (Sections 
5305(b)(1)(B) and 5305(b)(1)(D)(i) of the ESEA)
    (2) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that it has the 
resources to operate the project beyond the length of

[[Page 23691]]

the grant, including a multi-year financial and operating model and 
accompanying plan; the demonstrated commitment of any partners; 
evidence of broad support from stakeholders (e.g., State educational 
agencies, teachers' unions) critical to the project's long-term 
success; or more than one of these types of evidence. (34 CFR 75.210)
    (3) The extent to which the training or professional development 
services to be provided by the proposed project are of sufficient 
quality, intensity, and duration to lead to improvements in practice 
among the recipients of those services. (34 CFR 75.210)
    (4) The extent to which the proposed project is supported by strong 
theory (as defined in this notice). (34 CFR 75.210)
    (c) Quality of Management Plan (15 points) (34 CFR 75.210).
    The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the 
proposed project. In determining the quality of the management plan for 
the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly 
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 
project tasks; and
    (2) How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of perspectives 
are brought to bear in the operation of the proposed project, including 
those of parents, teachers, the business community, a variety of 
disciplinary and professional fields, recipients or beneficiaries of 
services, or others, as appropriate.
    (d) Quality of Personnel (10 points) (34 CFR 280.31).
    The Secretary reviews each application to determine the 
qualifications of the personnel the applicant plans to use on the 
project. The Secretary determines the extent to which--
    (1) The project director (if one is used) is qualified to manage 
the project;
    (2) Other key personnel are qualified to manage the project; and
    (3) Teachers who will provide instruction in participating magnet 
schools are qualified to implement the special curriculum of the magnet 
schools.
    To determine personnel qualifications, the Secretary considers 
experience and training in fields related to the objectives of the 
project, including the key personnel's knowledge of and experience in 
curriculum development and desegregation strategies.
    (e) Quality of Project Evaluation (10 points) (34 CFR 75.210).
    The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the 
evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation provide for 
examining the effectiveness of project implementation strategies;
    (2) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use 
of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the 
intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and 
qualitative data to the extent possible; and
    (3) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward 
achieving intended outcomes.
    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and 
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider 
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or 
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
also requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal 
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or 
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department 
of Education (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    3. Risk Assessment and Special Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 
200.205, before awarding grants under this competition the Department 
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 
3474.10, the Secretary may impose special conditions and, in 
appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the 
applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of 
unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system 
that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not 
fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not 
responsible.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your 
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award 
Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to 
access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally, 
also.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we notify you.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify 
administrative and national policy requirements in the application 
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable 
Regulations section of this notice.
    We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of 
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also 
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding 
commitments under the grant.
    3. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, 
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and 
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply 
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
    (b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final 
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the 
Secretary. If you receive a multi-year award, you must submit an annual 
performance report that provides the most current performance and 
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance 
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, 
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
    (c) The Secretary may provide a grantee with additional funding for 
data collection analysis and reporting. In this case the Secretary 
establishes a data collection period.
    4. Performance Measures: We have established the following six 
performance measures for the MSAP:
    (a) The percentage of magnet schools receiving assistance whose 
student enrollment reduces, eliminates, or prevents minority group 
isolation.
    (b) The percentage of students from major racial and ethnic groups 
in magnet schools receiving assistance who score proficient or above on 
State assessments in reading/language arts.
    (c) The percentage of students from major racial and ethnic groups 
in magnet schools receiving assistance who score proficient or above on 
State assessments in mathematics.
    (d) The cost per student in a magnet school receiving assistance.

[[Page 23692]]

    (e) The percentage of magnet schools that received assistance that 
are still operating magnet school programs three years after Federal 
funding ends.
    (f) The percentage of magnet schools that received assistance that 
meet the State's annual measurable objectives and, for high schools, 
graduation rate targets at least three years after Federal funding 
ends.

    Note:  Recognizing that States are no longer required to report 
annual measurable objectives to the Department under the ESEA, as 
amended by the ESSA, we include this performance measure in order to 
ensure grantees monitor and report high school graduation rates. 
States must establish and measure against ambitious, long-term 
goals; we encourage MSAP grantees to consider these State goals and 
incorporate them into their annual performance reporting as 
appropriate.

    5. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: Whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the 
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
    In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers 
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in 
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

VII. Agency Contact

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tiffany McClain, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 4W250, Washington, DC 20202-
5970. Telephone: (202) 453-7200 or by email: [email protected].
    If you use a TDD or TTY, call the FRS, at 1-800-877-8339.

VIII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format 
(e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to 
the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
in section VII of this notice.
    Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this 
document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free 
Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the 
Code of Federal Regulations is available via the Federal Digital System 
at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well 
as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal 
Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF 
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the 
site.
    You may also access documents of the Department published in the 
Federal Register by using the article search feature at: 
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search 
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published 
by the Department.

    Dated: April 19, 2016.
Nadya Chinoy Dabby,
Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement.
[FR Doc. 2016-09437 Filed 4-21-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4000-01-P