GEPA

As of July 1, 2023 all federal grant funding applications in the GME system will include a section to which will satisfy the requirements of Section 427 of the General Provisions Act (GEPA) (20 U.S.C. 1228a).

Section 427 requires each applicant for funds to include in its application a description of the steps the applicant proposes to take to remove barriers and to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, its Federally-assisted program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries.

What you need to know for FY24:

·         The GEPA page will only be visible once the application is in Revision status

·         The page will be found in the section titled General Education Provisions Act (GEPA).

o   Will not impact original applications

o   Required with first revision

o   A validation error will prevent application status from being changed to CR Draft started if the GEPA page is not completed.
·        There is not a minimum word count for a GEPA statement

What you need to know for FY25:

·         The GEPA page will be part of the Original application and will be required on initial funding application submission

SEL Attestation

ADE is requiring that LEAs sign an attestation form when requesting to utilize grant funding for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities.  Schools will attest that the SEL product, personnel, program, or activity paid for with grant funding will be used to: (1) improve academic outcomes free from distractions; (2) treat every child with the same respect and dignity regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation; and (3) emphasize components of the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness; Respect; Responsibility; Fairness; Caring; and Citizenship.

These criteria will apply to any new grant applications as well as any revisions to existing grants. LEAs should contact their program area specialist with any questions related to specific SEL funding requests.

• SEL Grant Request Attestation form and directions can be found in the LEA Document Library in FY23 and FY24.
• After downloading and completing the form, it should then be uploaded to the same location in the LEA Document Library in FY23 and FY24. 
• Please visit https://www.azed.gov/improvement/evidence-based-practices for SEL resources.