Functional Statements > Office of Innovation and Improvement

I. INVESTING IN INNOVATION

The Office of Investing in Innovation, headed by a Director, reports to the Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary for Improvement and Reform. The Office oversees Department activities that support nontraditional programs that improve student achievement/growth, close achievement gaps, decrease dropout rates, increase high school graduation rates, or increase college enrollment and completion (i3); grants to state and local education agencies, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations identified by the Congress in appropriate legislation, programs of National Significance (FIE); and programs using digital media and educational television that promote early learning and school readiness, with a particular interest in reaching low-income children (RTL). Specifically, it has lead responsibility for the following discretionary programs:

• Investing in Innovation Fund (i3)
• Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE)
• Ready to Learn (RTL)

The administration of these programs involves the development of legislative proposals; formulation of program regulations and policies; the establishment of management goals and priorities; the provision of leadership and information to the education community and others concerned with the issues addressed by the programs; the design and conduct of grant selection procedures; the selection of grant recipients; technical assistance for prospective grant applicants; project monitoring; and technical assistance and guidance to grant recipients to promote project success.

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