Maryland State Department of Education William F.Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program Update

RFP FY 2002-2003 New Grant
Competitive grant application package is now available. Estimated funds to be awarded $5000,000 for3-4 grants. The Submission date is June1, 2002

Continuation Grant Applications
Non-competitive subgrant for current Even Start programs to continue program services for the second, third, or fourth year deadline date for submission is June 1.

Even Start academies 2001
The National Even Start Association, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education presents Even start Academies 2001. Three academies will be held in different locations. the Baltimore, Maryland location will be May4th and 5th at the Baltimore Hilton Towers. For more information, contact NESA at 1-800-977-3731.

Indicators of Program Quality
Included in the Literacy Improves Families Together (LIFT) Act that was signed into law on December 21, 2000, is a requirement for States to develop indicators of program quality to use in monitoring, evaluating, and improving local Even Start programs within the state. Maryland has drafted indicators for review and comment. Orientation and training will be conducted for all Even Start programs once a final document has been completed.

Even Start State wide Family Literacy Initiative Grant
The Indicators of program quality being developed for use among Even Start and other family literacy programs will be piloted in seven selected family literacy programs located in Baltimore City, Dorchester, Charles, Prince Georges's and Caroline counties. a fall 2001 colloquium is being planned in cordination with the Center for Reading Excellence and UMBC, ESOL Center.

Upcoming Activities