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Sparta Area School District seeks $750,000 DoDEA grant for literacy, STEAM and SEL
Summary
District staff described a planned five‑year DoDEA grant application that would fund literacy, STEAM and social‑emotional learning goals, with a $750,000 request and a planning year in 2025 if selected.
District staff told the Sparta Area School District Board on April 14 that the district is finalizing an application for a five‑year Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) grant that would request $750,000 and focus on literacy, STEAM and social‑emotional learning (SEL).
Ms. Manske, the presenter, summarized the grant structure: a planning year in 2025 and implementation from 2026 through the 2029–30 school year if the district is selected. The application, she said, is currently about 36 pages; it is due Friday, April 18, and the district expects to be notified in June whether it receives funding.
Manske said the grant proposes three primary goals: (1) a literacy goal to implement “science of reading” practices with 95% fidelity, including at least two professional development opportunities for K–6 teachers and measurable targets such as one year of reading growth for students; (2) a STEAM goal to expand instructional practices and participation for grades 5–12, including fab lab and maker‑space activities and annual STEAM professional development; and (3) an SEL goal to increase teachers’ ability and confidence in SEL strategies through targeted professional development and measurable teacher and student outcomes.
Manske told the board the planning team had used multiple measures and local survey data — including small, steady gains on district YRBS survey indicators over five years — to draft targets. She said she and Mr. Chambers were finalizing budget numbers and reviewing the application with UW reviewers.
Board members asked for examples of the YRBS data and Manske said she would include specific items in the district’s weekly notes. The board did not vote on the grant application; staff indicated they would file the application on the stated deadline and notify the board of the award decision in June.
The proposed grant would fund multi‑year professional development, expanded STEAM programming and targeted SEL supports if awarded.
