[Oasfaa] USDE Approves OK request on new Academic Competitiveness Grants

[Fair, Bryce]

Good News!  The U.S. Dept. of Education has notified State Superintendent Sandy Garrett that it has approved Oklahoma's proposal for recognition of two alternative "rigorous secondary school programs of study" to meet the requirements of the new Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG).  The two alternatives are OHLAP-Oklahoma's Promise and the High Schools That Work Award of Educational Achievement.  There are now a total of 6 options for Oklahoma students to meet the curricular requirements of the ACG which are outlined in the attachment to the letter (the letter and attachment are below).


========================================================
 Honorable Sandy Garrett 
 Superintendent of Public Instruction 
 State Department of Education 
 Hodge Education Building 
 2500 North Lincoln Boulevard 
 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma  73105­4599 
 
 Dear Superintendent Garrett, 
 
 This letter is in response to Oklahoma's proposal for an alternative
rigorous secondary school program of study for the new Academic
Competitiveness Grant (ACG) program for the 2006-07 school year.  
 
 On May 2, 2006, Secretary Spellings sent a letter outlining four options
that she has recognized as rigorous secondary school programs of study for
purposes of student eligibility for the ACG program.  States were given
until June 1, 2006, to propose additional options.  
 
 The Department is recognizing the proposal from Oklahoma for the 2006-07
school year.  In addition, students from your State will be eligible for
the ACG program through the options previously outlined in the Secretary's
letter.  The options for students in your State for the 2006-07 school
year are identified in the attachment to this letter.  Also, States have
an opportunity to submit proposals for additional rigorous programs of
study for the 2007-08 school year.  Proposals for this purpose should be
sent to the Department by November 1, 2006, pursuant to the details
provided in the earlier letter.
 
 There is no further action needed from your State Educational Agency in
order for students from your State to become eligible for funding under
the ACG program.  On or around July 1, 2006, we will begin to notify
potentially eligible students by email or letter that they may be eligible
for an ACG.  Students will be directed to submit additional information to
the Department demonstrating their eligibility.  College financial aid
offices will be notified and, after verifying the student's eligibility,
will award and disburse the ACG.  
 
 We look forward to a smooth implementation of this exciting new grant
program, and we appreciate your support in continuing to communicate with
students, parents and colleges and universities about this program.  
 
 Should you have any further questions about the ACG program, please do
not hesitate to contact us at the Department by emailing 
<mailto:ACGrants at ed.gov> mailto:ACGrants at ed.gov.  
 
Sincerely, 
  
Tom Luce 
 
 cc:     State Higher Education Executive Officer 
         Governor 
 
  <<Oklahoma Attachment.doc>>     


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