LM Oct. 2023hi

News In Brief

ISBE Requests Feedback on Second Draft of Comprehensive Literacy Plan The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today unveiled the second draft of the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan, which provides a roadmap designed to guide and unify literacy efforts across the state. ISBE is asking the public to submit feedback on the plan through the public comment form on the ISBE website or at one of six listening tour stops across the state. The Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan charts a course toward developmentally appropriate, evidence-based literacy instruction for all students. The updated draft plan incorporates feedback received on the first draft from more than 500 individuals through six listening tour sessions, 20 focus groups, and an online public comment form. Registration for the listening tour is available online . The Federal Communications Commission, by a 3-2 vote, approved an expansion of the E-rate program to support Wi-Fi on school buses. Federal support for school bus Wi-Fi will help address inequities for students who lack internet access at home, particularly those who live in rural, tribal or high-poverty neighborhoods, according to the commissioners who supported the measure. The two who voted against it cited concerns over limited evidence showing that the expansion would support students’ academic success. They also said expanding E-rate to include school bus connectivity might be illegal since the law establishing the program funds connectivity for classrooms and libraries. Click here to read more. FCC expands E-Rate to Cover School Bus Wi-Fi

USDA Farm to Schools Grants The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the official release of the fiscal year 2024 Farm to School Grant Program Request for Applications (RFA). The USDA will award up to $12 million in competitive grants to eligible entities through the grant program this fiscal year. Each grant will help implement farm to school programming that increases access to local food in eligible schools, connects children with agriculture for better health, and inspires youth to consider careers in agriculture. A wide variety of entities are eligible to compete for funding through this grant opportunity, including schools and other institutions operating the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and/or Summer Food Service Program. The USDA will host two webinars to assist with the application process. Click the links to register: Nov. 1 | 2 p.m. | Getting Familiar With the FY 2024 Farm to School RFA Nov. 2 | 1 p.m. | Getting Your Grant Package Together

ISDLAF+ Monthly Update Click here to view the most current ISDLAF+ rates, economic indicators and general economic news brief. To obtain additional information regarding this IASA sponsored service, contact Fenil J. Patel, Senior Vice President, Investment Services/ISDLAF+ at 630–657–6437, or email: fpatel@pmanetwork.com. Website: www.pmanetwork.com.

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LM October 2023