pi031_EmR0801.pdf Public Instruction – Affects Ch. PI 31 - EmR0801
ORDER OF THE
CREATING EMERGENCY RULES
The state superintendent of public instruction hereby creates Chapter PI 31, relating to grants for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs.
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ANALYSIS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Statute interpreted: s. 115.28 (46), Stats.
Statutory authority: s. 227.11 (2) (a), Stats.
Explanation of agency authority:
Section 227.11 (2) (a), Stats., gives an agency rule-making authority to interpret the provisions of any statute enforced or administered by it, if the agency considers it necessary to effectuate the purpose of the statute.
Section 115.28 (46), Stats., is a new grant program created under 2007 Wisconsin Act 20, that provides $61,500 annually to school districts for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs.
Because this is a grant program, rules need to be in place so applicants know what criteria are being used in the awarding of funds.
The department will promulgate these rules as emergency rules in January 2008, in order to establish application criteria and procedures in time for the program to operate in the second semester of the school year.
Related statute or rule: None.
Plain language analysis:
2007 Wisconsin Act 20, the biennial budget bill, created a new competitive grant program under s. 115.28 (46), Stats., appropriating $61,500 annually for school districts to: 1) develop innovative instructional programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; 2) support pupils who are typically underrepresented in these subjects; and 3) increase the academic achievement of pupils in those subjects.
A new rule chapter must be created to implement this grant program.
Summary of, and comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulations: N/A.
Comparison with rules in adjacent states:
Illinois – does not currently have a rule relating to grant programs for STEM. It does have a rule that awards grants to school districts to provide classroom computers and student lap tops.
Minnesota, Iowa and Michigan do not have rules relating to grant programs for STEM.
Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies:
Wisconsin faces the challenge of developing an economy that is more knowledge based than is presently the case. Encouraging a significantly higher number of students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) could be an important step in remedying this situation. Equally important, given STEM-related advances and the influence of those advances on the economy, there is a great need for all Wisconsin students to have a solid foundation in these areas of study. Finally and perhaps most critically, there are troublesome participation gaps in STEM that have the potential to widen the achievement gap if they are not successfully addressed.
Section 115.28 (46), Stats., allows grants to be awarded to school districts to, in part, increase the participation of underserved students and the academic achievement of pupils in STEM. In order to overcome some of the issues resulting in achievement and participation gaps in STEM courses and career pursuits, and to better prepare Wisconsin students for meaningful careers in STEM-related fields, the rules expand the definition of “academic achievement” to include the achievement of pupils in STEM courses, career or technical applications.
Because 2007 Wisconsin Act 20 creating this grant program became effective October 27, 2007, the rule established an application deadline of February 15 to expedite the awarding of funds in 2007‑08. In subsequent years, applications will be due May 1 to coincide with application timelines established for other grants awarded by the department.
Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business or in preparation of economic impact report: N/A.
Anticipated costs incurred by private sector: N/A.
Effect on small business:
The proposed rules will have no significant economic impact on small businesses, as defined in s. 227.114 (1) (a), Stats.
Agency contact person: (including email and telephone)
Sharon Wendt, Director, Career and Technical Education, (608) 267-9251, sharon.wendt@dpi.state.wi.us.
Place where comments are to be submitted and deadline for submission:
The department will be publishing a hearing notice in the Administrative Register which will include this information.
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SECTION 1. Chapter PI 31 is created to read:
CHAPTER PI 31
GRANTS FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS PROGRAMS
PI 31.01 Purpose. This chapter sets forth criteria and procedures for awarding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program grants to school districts under s. 115.28 (46), Stats. Funds are awarded from the appropriation under s. 20.255 (2) (fz), Stats.
PI 31.02 Definitions. In this chapter:
(1) “Academic achievement” includes the achievement of pupils in STEM courses, careers or technical applications.
(2) “Department” means the Wisconsin department of public instruction.
(3) “Pupils who are typically under-represented in STEM” means pupils who are female, pupils of color, pupils who are English language learners, pupils with disabilities and pupils who are economically disadvantaged.
(4) “School district” has the meaning described in s. 115.01 (3), Stats.
(5) “STEM” means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
(6) “STEM program grant” means the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program established under s. 115.28 (46), Stats.
PI 31.03 Eligible applicants and application requirements.
(1) Annually by February 15, 2008, for the 2007-08 school year; by May 1, 2008, for the 2008-09 school year; and by May 1 annually thereafter, school districts may apply, individually or in a consortia, to the department for a STEM program grant to develop, implement and evaluate programs designed to provide innovative instructional programs in STEM, support pupils who are typically under-represented in STEM, and to increase the academic achievement of pupils in STEM.
(2) A STEM program grant under this chapter shall include all of the following components:
(a) Innovative, evidence-based program activities designed to increase the participation and academic achievement of pupils who are typically under-represented in STEM. At least one activity shall directly involve pupils.
(b) A description of how the program will enhance academic achievement of pupils as well as close participation and achievement gaps between pupils who are typically represented in STEM and their peers.
(c) Evidence of collaboration with at least one of the following:
1. Another school district.
2. A two or four year college.
3. A business, industry, or a community based organization that serve youth.
(3) The components under sub. (2) shall be addressed in the STEM program grant application. The application shall include all of the following:
(a) A needs assessment.
(b) A list of measurable goals and objectives of the STEM program grant proposal.
(c) A description of the process used for identifying school and pupil participants.
(d) A description of the activities and timeline for the STEM program grant proposal.
(e) A description of how the STEM program grant proposal will be implemented.
(f) A description of how the STEM program grant proposal will be evaluated.
(g) A budget.
NOTE: PI-2770, STEM grant application, may be obtained at no charge by writing to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841 or by going to the department’s web site at www.dpi.wi.gov/cte/index.html.
PI 31.04 Review of applications and awarding of grants. (1) The department shall establish funding limits annually based on the appropriation under s. 20.255 (2) (fz), Stats., and inform school districts of these limits.
(2) The department shall review the applications submitted under this chapter and shall determine which of the applications eligible for funding will receive grants based on the following criteria:
(a) The extent to which the measurable program goals, objectives and activities meet the identified needs, enhance academic achievement, close achievement gaps, and ultimately encourage preparation for STEM courses, careers, or technical applications.
(b) The extent to which the program design and activities are both innovative and appropriate to the purpose of the STEM program grant and likely to make a measurable impact.
(c) The extent to which the applicant met the requirements under s. PI 31.03
(3) No later than March 20 of the current school year, the department shall, from the appropriation under s. 20.255 (2) (fz), Stats., award funds as determined under this section.
PI 31.05 Grant recipient requirements. Each school district receiving a grant under this chapter shall submit a report to the department describing how the school district used the money and its effectiveness in meeting the objectives specified in the STEM program grant application.
FINDING OF EMERGENCY
The Department of Public Instruction finds that an emergency exists and that the adoption of an emergency rule is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public welfare. The facts constituting the emergency are as follows:
The STEM program under s. 115.28 (46), Stats., was created under 2007 Wisconsin Act 20. The Act became effective October 27, 2007, and appropriated $61,500 annually beginning in the 2007-08 school year. In order for school districts to develop applications and for the department to review the applications and grant awards in time for the program to operate in the second semester of the school year, rules must be in place as soon as possible to establish application criteria and procedures.
The rules contained in this order shall take effect upon publication as an emergency rule pursuant to the authority granted by s. 227.24, Stats.
Dated this 25th day of January, 2008
Elizabeth Burmaster
State Superintendent
PUB: WSJ: January 30, 2008
