District and School Assistance Grant Appendix B
Greater Boston DSAC Regional Projects 2015-16
Regional Project Descriptions
The Greater Boston DSAC has identified two regional DSAC Grant priorities:
(1) Supporting High Quality Core Mathematics Instruction and Intervention, and
(2) Formative Assessment Training
Funds for Regional Priority activities are in addition to the district’s DSAC Grant allotment.
1. Supporting High Quality Core Mathematics Instruction and Intervention
There is a need for supporting high quality core mathematics instruction and interventions in
Level 3 schools. Work sessions and follow-up coaching support will focus on high quality core
mathematics instruction and move through intervention strategies for students who need more
support in order to succeed.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Objective: Improve core instruction in classrooms in Level 3 schools, and support
identification and implementation of effective intervention strategies.
Outcomes: Level 3 schools will improve their capacity to develop, monitor and
support high quality core mathematics instruction and interventions.
Participants: Educators in Level 3 schools.
Proposed Dates: Six (6) after school sessions and two (2) Saturday sessions.
Wednesday (4-7pm)
January 13, 2106
February 10, 2016
March 2, 2016
March 16, 2016
April 13, 2016
Saturday (8-12noon)
January 30, 2016
April 9, 2016
Funding: $7,000 for Lead Agency + additional funds for Honorariums and Resources – see
below.
2. Formative Assessment Training
There is a need to support the use of formative assessment in Level 3 districts.
Participants will be trained to support teacher teams through a cycle of inquiry by:



a.
b.
c.
d.
Planning for common curriculum units
Developing common assessments for use throughout the unit
Analyzing results collaboratively and revising units based on results
Objective: Improve teachers’ use of formative assessments through collaborative
hands-on experience.
Outcomes: Level 3 schools will improve their capacity to incorporate formative
assessments into routine cycles of inquiry.
Participants: Educators in Level 3 schools.
Proposed Dates: To be determined. Estimated 37.5 hours.
Funding: $10,500 for Lead Agency + additional funds for Honorariums and Resources – see
below
District and School Assistance Grant Appendix B: Greater Boston DSAC Priorities ~ Page 1 of 3
Honorariums and Resources for both priorities:
A combined total of $7,500 is available for teacher stipends and resources for both Greater
Boston regional priorities. The exact amount available for each district will depend upon the
number of districts requesting funding.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING FOR REGIONAL FUNDS
GENERAL GUIDANCE AND INSTRUCTIONS

All Level 3 districts that are served by the Greater Boston DSAC are eligible to participate
in these priorities and opportunities.

District participation in regional priority projects is optional.

Eligible districts may apply to participate in one or both priority projects.

Districts may not repurpose unused Regional Priority fund allotments funds for other uses
(i.e., they cannot be directed to other projects via a DSAC Grant Amendment).

Individual districts may apply for funding in order to participate in Regional Priorities 1
and 2.

A single district, acting as lead agency for a partnership of districts, will apply for funds
on behalf of the partnership for Priority 1 and/or Priority 2. If your district is acting as
lead agency for this project, please see the instructions below for specific guidance on
applying for these funds.

Districts may submit a single grant application that includes both their base district DSAC
grant allotment, funds for Priority 1 and/or funds for Priority 2.

Districts may also choose to submit partial applications. That way a district or partnership
has the flexibility to get school year activities funded immediately and make decisions
about how any remaining funds will be used at a later date. Districts exercising this option
will subsequently amend the appropriate budget workbook(s) and need to do so by the
DSAC grant deadline of March 16, 2016.

The actual amount of funding awarded for each priority project will depend upon the
number of districts and partnerships submitting applications that meet the criteria for
funding.

If you have questions about completing the application materials, please e-mail or call
Abigail Slayton, the Regional System of Support Program Specialist, for assistance
(aslayton@doe.mass.edu; 781-338-3517).
REGIONAL PRIORITIES: APPLYING FOR INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT PARTICIPATION FUNDS
Individual districts may apply for funds related to participation in these opportunities.
District and School Assistance Grant Appendix B: Greater Boston DSAC Priorities ~ Page 2 of 3

Proposed budget expenditures for Priority 1 and/or Priority 2 may be incorporated into the
same 220-E budget workbook you are using for your district’s DSAC grant allotment.

Complete the Regional Priorities worksheet in the 220-E School Year workbook:
o Select Supporting High Quality Core Mathematics Instruction and Intervention and/or
Formative Assessment Training from the dropdown menu for Projects.
o Indicate the amount of funding you are requesting for Priority 1 and/or Priority 2. Your
RAD will provide you with the amount for which your district is eligible.

Provide details on proposed expenditures in the Budget Summary worksheet.
 Wherever possible, use the designated spaces for Regional Priorities
categories within the line items in the budget worksheet.
REGIONAL PRIORITIES: APPLYING FOR FUNDS AS THE LEAD AGENCY
Districts planning to apply as the lead agency for regional priority 1 and/or priority 2 should note
the following expectations and funding priorities for this project.
Applicants will be expected to:


Work in partnership with the regional District and School Assistance Center (DSAC) to
facilitate professional learning across the partnership and region; and
If relevant, identify and contract with a vendor to coordinate and facilitate achievement of
all objectives articulated above for the project.
Guidance on completing 220E budget workbooks for district acting as Lead Agency for Regional
Priority 1 and/or Priority 2.




Proposed budget expenditures may be incorporated into the same 220E School Year
budget workbook(s) you are using for your district’s base DSAC grant allotment.
o Include both Lead Agency expenditures and the budget for the district as a
participant in the regional priority.
Complete the Regional Priorities worksheet in the 220E workbook
o Select Supporting High Quality Core Mathematics Instruction and Intervention
Lead Agency and/or Formative Assessment Training Lead Agency from the
dropdown menu for Projects.
Indicate the amount of funding you are requesting on the appropriate line.
Add the proposed expenditures to the Budget Summary worksheet in the appropriate
220E budget workbook(s).
o Wherever possible, use the designated spaces for Regional Priorities categories
within the line items in the budget worksheet.
District and School Assistance Grant Appendix B: Greater Boston DSAC Priorities ~ Page 3 of 3