National Professional Development Program

Overview

<p>The National Professional Development (NPD) program, authorized by section 3131(c)(1)(C) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (hereafter in this notice referred to as the ESEA), awards grants on a competitive basis, for a period of not more than five years, to institutions of higher education (IHEs) or public or private entities with relevant experience and capacity, in consortia with State educational agencies (SEAs) or local educational agencies (LEAs). The purpose of these grants is to provide professional development activities that will improve classroom instruction for English learners (ELs) and assist educational personnel working with such children to meet high professional standards, including standards for certification and licensure as teachers who work in language instruction educational programs or serve ELs. Grants awarded under this program may be used-- (1) For effective pre-service or inservice professional development programs that will improve the qualifications and skills of educational personnel involved in the education of ELs, including personnel who are not certified or licensed and educational paraprofessionals, and for other activities to increase teacher and school leader effectiveness in meeting the needs of ELs; (2) For the development of program curricula appropriate to the needs of the consortia participants involved; (3) To support strategies that strengthen and increase parent, family, and community member engagement in the education of ELs; (4) To develop, share, and disseminate effective practices in the instruction of ELs and in increasing the student academic achievement of ELs, including the use of technology-based programs; (5) In conjunction with other Federal need-based student financial assistance programs, for financial assistance, including costs related to tuition, fees, and books for enrolling in courses required to complete the degree involved, to meet certification or licensing requirements for teachers who work in language instruction educational programs or serve ELs; and (6) As appropriate, to support strategies that promote school readiness of ELs and their transition from early childhood education programs, such as Head Start or State-run preschool programs, to elementary school programs.</p>