FY2026: Advanced Learning Pilot

Fund Code: 0328

Purpose:

Targeted funding to support districts in the Advanced Learning Pilot program. This program focuses on utilizing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to extend, accelerate, and differentiate content for students with advanced learning needs. Through the program, DESE staff will provide support through ongoing check-ins, professional development, and observations to assist with implementation of strategies and best practices.

Priorities:

Priority will be given to districts and schools in the strategic transformation region.

Eligibility:

Only districts who have been selected to participate in the Advanced Learning Pilot program for FY25 and FY26 and have one or more eligible schools are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. Eligible schools are those identified under the 2024 and/or 2025 Massachusetts District and School Accountability System as in the bottom 10 percentiles or have a federal designation.

Funding Type:

State 7061-9408

The receipt of grant funds is contingent upon the grantee being able to certify that it will comply with the Massachusetts General Laws, including G.L. c. 40A, § 3A, the MBTA Communities Act. Compliance with the MBTA Communities Act is determined by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

Funding:

Approximately $50,000 will be awarded to participating school districts that qualify for targeted assistance funds. Each eligible district may apply for up to $8,333.33.

This RFP is the governing document for these grant funds.

Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding becomes available it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this RFP document.

Fund Use:

Districts selected to participate in the pilot in the FY25 and FY26 years and who qualify for targeted assistance funds may utilize these funds for:

• Financial support for classroom teachers participating in the Advanced Learning Pilot to attend meetings outside of contracted hours
• Substitute pay for classroom coverage if/when classroom teachers participating in the Advanced Learning Pilot attend meetings during the school day
• High quality instructional materials and resources, such as those assessed by CURATE or aligned with guidance from the Center for Instructional Support or the National Association for Gifted Children (or similar) that will be used to support extension activities for lessons and/or resources such as books on pedagogical best practices for serving students with advanced learning needs.

Project Duration:

Upon Approval* – 6/30/2026

*Grant start date cannot be prior to DESE receiving a substantially approvable Application Submission as directed in this RFP's Submission Instructions. Goods and Services cannot be procured prior to Grants receiving and approving an application submission. Funds cannot exceed the project duration end date.

Program Unit:

Center for Strategic Initiatives

Contact:

Leah Murphy

Phone Number:

(781) 338-3510

Date Due:

Friday, November 7, 2025 at 4:00 PM

Proposals must be received at the Department by 4:00 PM Eastern on the date due.

GEM$ Submission Instructions:

The FY26 0328 Advanced Learning Pilot must be submitted in GEM$.

Grants for Education Management System (GEM$)

Grant Submission at the LEA level requires roles to be established for Grant writer for the specific fund code, LEA fiscal for financial review/approval, and Superintendent/Chief Executive sign off. All roles should be established prior to the grant due date and all appropriate forms should be either uploaded to GEM$, maintained at the LEA level or sent in to the DESE RFP contact as described on the individual forms.

The user guidance documents and forms are found on the GEM$ homepage under DESE Resources. These forms can be accessed without logging in to the system.

Last Updated: October 29, 2025