PRISM I applications to fund literacy instruction are open! Local Association leaders have a seat at the table in planning and supporting the use of PRISM I funds professional learning, staffing, tiered systems of support and more.
As part of Literacy Launch, the first cycle of Partnership for Reading Success in Massachusetts (PRISM I) grants are now open for district applications. Approximately $160,000 is available for FY25 and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education intends to award $27 million over five years. Applications are due October 1, 2024.
Eligible districts for PRISM-I grants will include districts that are using high quality instructional materials for core ELA/Literacy in grades K-3 that is rated “meets” or “partially meets expectations” on CURATE. This includes districts who received funding through the GLEAM grants or already met the require with “high quality instructional materials” through a single product or combination of products.
Bookmark this page and check back for periodic updates.
PRISM I – Year 1 will largely fund long term planning at the school and district level for the following:
- Forming a representative leadership team
- DESE will be providing a PRISM Leadership Coach
- Conducting a literacy needs assessment based upon MTSS components
- Stakeholders will develop a community-wide early literacy vision
- Forming collaborative partnerships with preschool providers
- Establishing an early literacy multi-tiered system of support
Stakeholder Engagement
Districts applying for the grants are strongly encouraged to seek out stakeholder support, including local educators associations. Association leadership for units representing specialists, teachers, paraeducators, tutors and other professional are all stakeholders and may consider partnering in the grant planning, application and implementation of the grant-funded programs.
Stipends & Other Fund Use
Funds may be used for stipends for educators to support PRISM work beyond contractual hours or duties. Local associations should be mindful that any such compensation is consistent with collective bargaining agreements. While PRISM I grants mandate community partnerships with preschool providers, it is important that the stakeholder process ensures funding supplements existing work and does not supplant district funds or staffing models.
Funds may also be directed towards:
- Materials and assessments including purchasing, transadoption and/org or development of instructional resources
- Travel costs and stipends for time PRISM Leadership Team members for work beyond contractual hours
- Substitute Coverage funding for educators to support PRISM work during contractual hour