Strategies

Defining “evidence” ensures that grantees know what criteria programs must meet to be “evidence-based” and allows SEAs to score proposals against those criteria.

Prioritizing evidence ensures that SEAs invest a greater proportion of government grant dollars in the programs most likely to improve outcomes.

Defining and communicating a grant program’s priority outcomes allows the SEA and grantees to strategically fund activities that will help them achieve the program’s goals.

A well-designed program requires ongoing evaluation for the SEA to gauge its effectiveness and to use what it learns to improve programs and inform future investments.

Performance management improves program outcomes by enabling bi-directional accountability and supporting continuous improvement as the grant program is being implemented.

SEAs can promote equity in a number of ways through grantmaking, including by engaging with grantees and communities throughout grant design.