LASO Cycle 2
In October 2023, TEA is continuing to offer streamlined, consolidated grant applications, focused on a few grant programs that are bundled and that help accelerate academic gains.
The Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities (LASO) is the next iteration of a universal consolidated application cycle that strategically batches grant funding opportunitiesthat aresupporting with continued learning acceleration and innovation opportunities.
LASO Cycle 2 program grants are focused on three of the five learning acceleration strategies: Instructional Materials, More Time and Innovative School Models. Use the links on this page to browse all the grants and read up on each grant's latest news, access to newsletters, program guidelines, contact information, and resources.
For general follow up questions, emailLASO@tea.texas.gov. For program specific questions, please email the contact for each grant found in their corresponding section below.
LASO Cycle 2 Highlights by the Numbers
Overall Awards
- 393 total LEAs awarded in LASO Cycle 2 up from 212 awarded in LASO Cycle 1
- ~$187 million awarded in LASO Cycle 2 through direct grants or in-kind awards
Rural Awards
- 173 rural LEAs awarded in LASO Cycle 2 up from 77 awarded in LASO Cycle 1
- Rural LEAs more than doubled in their award totals - over $51 Million, up from $21M in last year's cycle
By Region
- All but 2 ESC regions saw an increase in the number of awarded LEAs and no ESC region saw a decrease in the number of districts receiving an award.
Strong Foundations Planning Supports (SFP)
Milestones
- Past Due: Executed Contract
- Ensure that you have submitted the Executed Contract to your LEA Google Folder. If you do not have access to your LEA Google Folder, please email StrongFoundations@TEA.texas.gov.
- Roadmap Planning Tool
- The Milestone date is 8/16. If you need an extension, please talk to your AP about submitting an extension.
Reminders & Next Steps
LEA Community of Practice
Required LEA CoPs begin in August. They provide a space where you will connect with other district leaders in shared learning, collaboration, problem solving, and innovating. You have two options to attend based on student enrollment. Of course, you are welcome to choose either one based on your availability!
Resources
- Program Guidelines(PDF)
(Updated March 22, 2024) - Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List(PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Hannah Cox, Director of HQIM Adoption Supports
Alleigh Nicholls, Program Manager
strongfoundations@tea.texas.gov
Strong Foundations Implementation Supports (SFI)
Action Items
- PAST DUE: Executed Contract
- Ensure that you have submitted the Executed Contract to your LEA Google Folder. If you do not have access to your LEA Google Folder, please email StrongFoundations@TEA.texas.gov.
- DEADLINE JULY 31: SFI Contact Form
- Complete the SFI Contact Form to create a roster for all participants at your LEA.
- Strong Start Transition Plan
- Complete the district Strong Start Transition Plan (template provided in Strong Start Implementation Leader Training session). Be sure to share this plan with your approved provider at the initial meeting.
- Summer Professional Learning
- Plan with your approved provider for the delivery of summer professional learning for district and school leaders, coaches, and teachers.
- Pre-launch and Planning for Implementation
- Collaborate with your approved provider to receive support for pre-launch best practices, implementation goal setting, and planning for progress monitoring.
- Submit completed HQIM Implementation Goals and Progress Monitoring Plans to your approved provider by the date agreed upon.
Reminders and Next Steps
NEW! Upcoming Leader Community of Practice (CoP) Opportunities:
- The SFI Implementation Team is excited to announce the opportunity to join a community of practice for leaders to collaborate, reflect, and share experiences. Sharewith your team if they would like to know more!for Leader CoP sessions.
- TheSFI Executive Leader CoPsessions provide collaborative learning fordistrict executive leadersimplementing HQIM. It is a platform for leaders to engage in short bouts of new learning from a featured keynote speaker, while also experiencing focused small-group discussions.Learn more about available Executive Leader COP Sessions in the July newsletter.
- TheSFI School Leader CoPsessions allowschool and program leadersto continuously improve HQIM practices on campus while building their capacity as instructional leaders. Leaders who attend these sessions will foster resiliency in their schools as they are equipped to support the strong continued use of HQIM for students. Each session will be delivered twice to provide flexibility in the leaders’ attendance.Learn more about available School Leader COP Sessions in the July newsletter.
Resources
- Program Guidelines(PDF)
(Updated March 22, 2024) - Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List(PDF)
- Optional Pathway Guide (PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Gloria Matthews, Program Lead for Strong Foundation Implementation
strongfoundations@tea.texas.gov
(512) 463-7942
Kristi Michaels, Director HQIM Implementation Supports
strongfoundations@tea.texas.gov
(512) 470-9235
Technology Lending Grant (TLG)
Program Updates
The TLG awards have been extended until June 30 (previously April 30) to give LEAs more time to use their funds. This means there are two more months in the grant cycle to purchase devices or internet access. The extension benefits the students by providing them with more time to access digital content for the rest of the school year.
Engagement Opportunities
We value our partners in the field and want to stay connected!Whether it’s through site visits, review opportunities, or focus groups, we offer various ways for you to connect with TEA and contribute to the field of education.If you are interested in participating in engagement opportunities,!
Resources
- Program Guidelines(PDF)
(Updated February 27, 2024) - Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List(PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Lisa Walker, Digital Content Manager
techlending@tea.texas.gov
512-463-9601
Blended Learning Grant (BLG)
Program Updates
[Required] Communities of Practice meetings.
- April 2nd 10am -12pm or April 4th 10am - 12pm
- Registration link is under “PD Opportunities” in the TEA Learn Canvas Course
[Due April 5th] Completion of Quarter 3 Data Submission Assignment
[Request by May 10th] NEW Blended Learning Observation Rubric
If you would like to give TEA feedback on their draft of the BLG Ecosystem rubric + look-fors, please follow the instructions below:
- Watch the
- Access the + add comments
- Tryout the rubric survey in a few classrooms
[Request] Upcoming Blended Learning walks at your campus?
- If you have spring BL walks scheduled soon and would like more peer observers from the BLG cohort, please and it can be shared on the Canvas course.
Resources
- Program Guidelines(PDF)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List(PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Michael Strange, Blended Learning Program Manager
BlendedLearning@tea.texas.gov
(512) 463-9616
Math Supplemental Curriculum Licenses (MSC)
Program Updates
Total Funding Available : $25 Million
Range of Award: In-Kind Supports Only
Total Grantees: 200+ LEAs
վԱ: Ready to Launch for Spring of 23-24; Must start by Fall of 24-25
Next Steps
- Fall Kickoff Webinar (optional)
- September 12th | 11:00-12:00 P.M. CST
- Fall Kickoff Office Hours (optional)
- September 19th | 10:00-11:00 A.M. CST
- Submit Sample Schedules (via Google Form emailed to main POC)
- Due no later than 30 days after start date.(required)
- Data Monitoring Plan (via Google Form emailed to main POC)
- Due no later than 30 days after start date.(required)
- All licenses must be accessed by 10/31/24
- May result in a reduction in non-accessed licenses or possible removal from the provider selected if zero access has occurred.
Resources
- Program Guidelines(PDF)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List(PDF)
- (Youtube)
- LEA Kickoff Deck (PDF)
- (Youtube)
- MSC Provider Fair Deck (PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Colby Self, Director of Texas Tutoring Supports
accelerated.instruction@tea.texas.gov
512-463-7271
Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (APCSP)
Program Updates
TEA's first APCSP Grantee Quarterly Convening
This first convening is scheduled forMarch 28, 1PM CST.Convening attendance is required for at least one person from each grant-awarded district.The meeting will be to support specific assurances including the naming of a program management Point Person for the grant, the completion of the eGrants process, the submission of a budget, the APCSP course description, and identifying strategies that worked and those that did not. We will discuss district goals, where we are now, and strategies to attain our goals. Convenings will always include the sharing of challenges, their solutions, and celebrations.
Next Steps
AP CSP Course Description
Write a District Course Catalog description for 2024-2025.
Create a College Board Account
The AP CSP course was developed by the College Board to help meet an imminent need for a computer science prepared workforce.
To offer the AP CSP course, a school must have staff to manage the AP program for the school or district, at least one administrator and one teacher.
- School administrators must have an account to verify and approve teachers, access the course approval process through the AP Audit, and order AP exams.
- Teachers must have an account with the College Board to access the course approval process through the AP Audit, submit a syllabus, and gain access to course resources including daily videos, ppt presentations, content reviews, practice exams, and question banks.
- Students must have an account to access AP Classroom and AP CSP resources, take practice exams and complete teacher assignments. The College Board student account also provides access to scholarship information and additional college and career planning tools and resources.
Resources
- Program Guidelines(PDF)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List(PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Kay Humes, Statewide Advanced Academics Coordinator
Kay.Humes@tea.texas.gov
advancedacademics@tea.texas.gov
512-463-8823
ADSY Summer Learning Accelerator (ADSY)
Program Updates
Attend the Make-up Grant Kick-Off Call
Date:March 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM CT
If a representative from your LEA was unable to make the grant kick-off call on March 11th, pleasefor the make-up call scheduled for March 20th at 1:00 PM.
Visit and bookmark the
On the ADSY SLA hub, you’ll find all things related to grant requirements, program design resources, and your LEA’s ADSY SLA folder with a copy of your Strategic Plan for completion by theMay 15th deadline.
Complete theSurvey
Complete theto update information for the point of contact serving as the ADSY Summer Learning Accelerator Project Manager for the district and include any additional personnel that will be involved in the work.
Optional: Attend Office Hours
Attending office hours is a great way to receive additional support while planning for your LEAs first ADSY SLA summer program!
Available Dates:
- Friday, April 511:00 AM-12:00 PM
- Friday, April 1911:00 AM-12:00 PM
- Thursday, May 211:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Optional: Grant Supports | Design and Implementation Partner/ Technical Assistance
- andfrom the Vendor Fair of ADSY-Approved Vendors
- If your LEA is interested in partnering with a technical assistance provider to assist in planning your summer program, we suggest contacting your chosen TA Provider from the list promptly.
- For the recording- you can begin the Vendor Presentation at5:16.
Take note:
The Design and Implementation Partner selected will support LEAs in creating the ADSY SLA summer program Strategic Plan to meet goals and ensure high-quality summer programming at the designated PK-5 campuses. As your LEA deliberates on selecting a Design and Implementation Partner, we urge the district summer planning team to contemplate the specific areas of thewhere they require support and to determine which D&I Partner will assist in achieving your summer program goals.
Resources
- Program Guidelines(PDF)
(Updated January 29, 2024) - Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List(PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Ruchamah Belizor, Summer Learning Models Manager
adsy@tea.texas.gov
512-936-6066
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH)
Program Updates
Register for the CCRSM Leadership Summit
This exciting annual event will convene the statewide CCRSM network. Join ECHS and P-TECH districts, campuses and their partners to collaborate with peers on innovative ideas as we elevate best practices across the CCRSM Network. We hope to see you this comingJune 12th -14th, 2024 in Corpus Christi!
Timely Topics
Outcomes-Based Measures for the 24 – 25 Program Application Cycle
The refreshedandwere released in June 2023 and introduced the revised path to designation and updated CCRSM outcomes-based measures (OBM). To receive the designated status, programs with more than five years of operation must meet the revised OBMs.
Resources
- Program Guidelines(PDF)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List(PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Darin Ford, CCRSM Coordinator
ccrsm@tea.texas.gov
512-463-9371
Early College High School (ECHS)
Program Updates
Register for the CCRSM Leadership Summit
This exciting annual event will convene the statewide CCRSM network. Join ECHS and P-TECH districts, campuses and their partners to collaborate with peers on innovative ideas as we elevate best practices across the CCRSM Network. We hope to see you this comingJune 12th -14th, 2024 in Corpus Christi!
Timely Topics
Outcomes-Based Measures for the 24 – 25 Program Application Cycle
The refreshedandwere released in June 2023 and introduced the revised path to designation and updated CCRSM outcomes-based measures (OBM). To receive the designated status, programs with more than five years of operation must meet the revised OBMs.
Early College High School and Senate Bill 1887
During the 88th Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 8, which aims to improve the transferability and applicability of college credits across institutions. SB 8 amends the definition of Early College High School (ECHS) programs in Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.908 and creates the Texas Direct Degree.
Previous statute required ECHS programs to allow students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and either an associate degree or at least 60 hours towards a baccalaureate degree. SB 1887 requires that ECHS students have the opportunity to earn either an applied or an academic associate degree. Existing ECHS programs are not required to change to their course offerings or pathway, if the ECHS is complying with the requirements that students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree.
Separately, SB 1887 creates the, which is awarded to students who complete the Texas Core Curriculum and one of the seven identified THECB fields of study. The Texas Direct degree allows students to transfer their courses as a block directly to their selected major. ECHS programs are not required to offer the Texas Direct Degree.
Resources
- Program Guidelines(PDF)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List(PDF)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Darin Ford, CCRSM Coordinator
ccrsm@tea.texas.gov
512-463-9371
School Action Fund (SAF)
Program Updates
SAF Cycle 7 (LASO) Continuation Grant
To receive SAF Cycle 7 (LASO) Continuation funding, eligible applicantsmust completethe application for either the 2024-2026 School Action Fund Continuation grant (original Planning grant recipients) or the 2024-2025 School Action Fund Implementation Continuation grant (original Implementation grant awardees).
1) On the TEA Grant Opportunitiessearch for the applicable School Action Fund grant (see above) in theApplication Namefield. Complete parts 1 (PDF) and part 2 (Excel) of the application.
2) E-mail completed, signed applications tograntapplications@tea.texas.govby 5:00 p.m. CT, May 28, 2024.
Both Application Part 1 (PDF) and Application Part 2 (Excel) are required when submitting. The application may be signed with a digital ID, or it may be signed by hand and scanned. Then submit via email.
Training Opportunities
Upcoming TEA Kindergarten–12 STEM Professional Development Dates
Leadership Training
This immersive professional development prepares campus administrators STEM leaders to shape, support, and sustain STEM initiatives within their district or campus. Participants will learn by doing, engaging directly in the instructional approaches most critical to the STEM endeavor: project-based learning, design-based challenges, and computational thinking. Working backward from a model vision for STEM education, the session culminates with leaders collaboratively planning for real-life implementation of STEM programming.
- Region 13: May 30–31, 2024
- Region 10: June 11–12, 2024
- Region 15: June 17, 2024
Teacher Training
This professional development prepares teachers for successful implementation of STEM instruction in their classrooms by immersing teachers directly in the role of STEM learner, engaging first-hand in high-impact STEM practices such as project-based learning, design-based challenges, and computational thinking. To better understand the role STEM plays in education, educators will make connections between the Texas STEM framework, STEM fluency skills, and contemporary workforce demands. Most importantly, educators will begin embedding these STEM strategies into what matters most—their daily work with students.
- Region 17: June 13–14, 2024
- Region 13: June 12–14, 2024
Resources
- Program Guidelines(PDF)
- Program Overview Deck (PDF)
- (Youtube)
- State Approved Provider List(PDF)
- SAF Cycle 3 and Beyond Grantees (Excel)
- SAF Cycle 8 Eligible Campuses(Excel)
(Revised December 5, 2023) - (Website)
- Lone StarGovernance School Board Training Requirements(Website)
- (Website)
Newsletters
Contact Information
Laura Hyatt, School Action Fund Manager
Laura.Hyatt@tea.Texas.gov
Estimated Funding
Grant Name | Estimated Funding | Grant Type | Estimated Range ofAward | Estimated Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
Strong Foundations Planning (SFP) | $20.8 Million | Direct Grant | $140K to $400K | 70-110LEAs |
Strong Foundations Implementation (SFI) | $111.2 Million | Direct Grant | $100K to $5M+ | 75-150 LEAs |
Technology Lending Grant(TLG) | $5 Million | Direct Grant | Up to $225K | 50-100 LEAs |
Blended Learning Grant (BLG) | $5.49 Million | Direct Grant |
Planning — Strategic Operations — |
10 to 12 LEAs for each |
Math Supplemental Curriculum (MSC) | $25 Million | In-Kind Supports | No Direct Funding (In-Kind only) |
250+ LEAs |
Early College High School (ECHS) | $1 Million | Direct Grant | Up to $100K | 10 LEAs |
Pathways inTechnology ECHS (P-Tech) | $1 Million | Direct Grant | Up to $100K | 10 LEAs |
School Action Fund (SAF) *Including SAF ADSY Full Year |
$10.6 Million | Direct Grant In-Kind Supports |
$185K-$500K (per Campus) |
36 Campuses |
Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles (CSP) | $1.2 Million | Direct Grant | Up to $100K | Up to 30 LEAs |
ADSY Summer Learning Accelerator | $9 Million | Direct Grant | Up to $25K-$400K | 25-35 LEAs |
Timeline
Application Window | FromOctober 23, 2023 until December 7, 2023, 5pm CST (45 days)
Awards announced to the field |February 8, 2024
Notice of Grant Award (NOGA) | February 8, 2024 - April 9, 2024 (60 days)
Additional Resources & Information
Title | Description |
---|---|
Overview General Webinar |
The general webinar deck and recording provides information on the following:
|
Grant-SpecificOnePagers |
The LASO Cycle II One Pager Overview document provides key preliminary grant information like: Program Description, Program Commitments, Eligibility, Program Timeline, Funding. |
StateApprovedProviderList | The Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities (LASO) state approvedprovider listis a pre-vetted list of organizations that TEA has determinedhave the experience and expertise to support local education agencies(LEAs) with these grant opportunities. The provider list is organized by LASO grant to help LEAs exploreavailable support and providerpartnerships. |
Date | Event |
---|---|
October 18, 2023 |
|
October 19, 2023 |
|
October 26, 2023 |
|
October 30, 2023 |
|
October 31, 2023 |
|
November 1, 2023 |
|
November 2, 2023 |
|
November 3, 2023 |
|
Name | Date | Time |
---|---|---|
Strong Foundations Implementation & Planning | November 6, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. |
Strong Foundations Implementation & Planning | November 9, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. |
Technology Lending Grant | November 7, 2023 | 2:00 p.m. |
Technology Lending Grant | November 10, 2023 | 2:30 p.m. |
Blended Learning Grant (BLG) | November 6, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. |
Blended Learning Grant (BLG) | November 9, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. |
Math Supplemental Curriculum (MSC) | November 9, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. |
Math Supplemental Curriculum (MSC) | November 16, 2023 | 3:00 p.m. |
Early College High School (ECHS) | November 6, 2023 | 3:00 p.m. |
Early College High School (ECHS) | November 7, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. |
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) | November 7, 2023 | 3:00 p.m. |
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) | November 8, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. |
School Action Fund w/ ADSY FY | November 6, 2023 | 4:00 p.m. |
School Action Fund w/ ADSY FY | November 7, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. |
Advanced Principles (AP) Computer Science Principles (CSP) | November 9, 2023 | 4:00 p.m. |
Advanced Principles (AP) Computer Science Principles (CSP) | November 10, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. |
Additional Days School Year (ADSY) Summer Learning Accelerator | November 7, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. |
Additional Days School Year (ADSY) Summer Learning Accelerator | November 8, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. |