The State of Technology Funding in 2024

Measuring Success in Education Grants The Education sector is a critical area of focus for the Grants To Support Communities program, with a specific emphasis on measurement and evaluation. To ensure effective use of funds, grantees must be able to accurately measure and report on their outcomes. ### Defining Measurement in Education In the context of Education, measurement refers to the process of assessing the effectiveness of educational programs and interventions. This can include evaluating student outcomes, teacher training, and program implementation. The scope of measurement in Education encompasses a broad range of metrics, including academic achievement, program participation, and graduation rates. Concrete use cases include assessing the impact of supplemental educational services, such as tutoring or mentorship programs, on student outcomes. Applicants should be aware that the funder is looking for rigorous evaluation designs, including quasi-experimental methods, to assess program effectiveness. Eligible applicants include educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and community-based organizations providing educational services. The Pell federal grant program is an example of a federal funding source that supports educational initiatives. Grantees should be familiar with the reporting requirements associated with such grants. For Education grants, the funder is particularly interested in understanding how programs support graduate education scholarships and study abroad scholarships. Applicants who can demonstrate a clear understanding of measurement principles and practices, as well as experience with federal supplemental education opportunity grants (FSEOG), are well-positioned to succeed. ### Trends and Priorities in Education Measurement Recent trends in Education measurement include a growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making and accountability. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a key regulation that has shaped the measurement landscape in Education, requiring states to develop accountability systems that measure student outcomes and school performance. The Department of Education's emphasis on evidence-based practices has also driven the demand for rigorous evaluation designs. In terms of market shifts, there is a growing recognition of the importance of non-academic outcomes, such as social-emotional learning and character development. Capacity requirements for grantees include having staff with expertise in measurement and evaluation, as well as the ability to collect and analyze high-quality data. Delivery challenges in Education measurement include ensuring that data collection systems are aligned with program goals and that staff have the necessary training to analyze and interpret data. A unique constraint in the Education sector is the need to balance the demands of program evaluation with the need to deliver high-quality educational services. For example, teachers may need to balance instructional time with data collection and reporting requirements. Effective staffing for Education measurement includes having a team with a mix of evaluation expertise, content knowledge, and data analysis skills. Resource requirements include having access to high-quality data systems and evaluation software. ### Risk and Compliance in Education Grants Eligibility barriers for Education grants include a lack of experience with measurement and evaluation, as well as limited capacity for data collection and analysis. Compliance traps include failing to adhere to ESSA regulations or misusing federal funds. It is essential for applicants to understand what is not funded under the grant program, including supplanting existing funding or supporting programs that are not evidence-based. For Education grants, the funder is particularly concerned about ensuring that programs are compliant with federal regulations, such as the Emergency CARES Act. Required outcomes for Education grants include demonstrating improvements in student outcomes, such as academic achievement or graduation rates. Key performance indicators (KPIs) may include metrics such as program participation rates, student engagement, and teacher retention. Reporting requirements typically include submitting regular progress reports and evaluation findings to the funder. Grantees should be prepared to provide detailed information on their measurement approaches, including data collection methods and analysis plans. Q: How do I ensure that my Education program is compliant with federal regulations, such as ESSA? A: To ensure compliance, review the ESSA regulations and guidelines, and consult with a program expert or attorney as needed. Q: What types of data should I collect to measure the effectiveness of my Education program? A: Collect data that align with your program goals, such as student outcomes, program participation, and teacher training. Consider using data from federal sources, such as the FSEOG grant program. Q: Can I use grant funds to support study abroad scholarships, and how do I report on these expenses? A: Yes, grant funds can be used to support study abroad scholarships. Be sure to follow the funder's guidelines for reporting on these expenses, and consider tracking metrics such as the number of students supported and program outcomes.