2017 Concern- Request for block grant information, toolkit, and training assistance from the AASL Vision for Implementing ESSA Task Force
Concern: School librarians have an opportunity to be a part of federal block grants that will enable members to write and receive funds that can be used, in part, to provide programs and activities that increase access to personalized, rigorous learning experiences supported by technology, including adequate “access to school libraries.” (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/federallegislation/schoollibraries/essa). To create a greater chance for success, we need the help of AASL in the form of creating materials and resources that will enable any member requesting block grant money to be successful. There is a strong chance that some Local Education Agencies (LEAs) will miss this opportunity if we do not have some assistance.
School librarians are seen as the grant writers and professional development specialists, and this would enable us to demonstrate our leadership skills. However, writing grants can often be overwhelming to the local members who have never written one before, and a model and other assistance would give librarians the help needed to ensure success for the LEAs.
Action Requested: We are asking the AASL Board of Directors to charge the ESSA Implementation Task Force to unpack the federal block grant program by providing in a timely fashion clarification on the process, who can apply, and how the funds can be used.
Status: The AASL Vision for Implementing ESSA Task Force discussed the request of the Affiliate Assembly. Based on the discussions, the task force decided that three documents would be most helpful to the affiliates and the members. These documents are posted on the ESSA and School Libraries Resource Page.
- Title IV SSAE Grants by State- In the state consolidated plans each SEA had to identify how the funds could be used and the award of funds would be awarded. This document identifies the language in the plans and documents the pages on which the information is located.
- Flow of Funds - ESSA delineates how the funds follow to the SEA and how it then flows to the LEAs. This document is illustrates the process.
- FAQ sheet- The document answers of the common questions concerning the Title IV Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (SSAE).
