R277-492-3. USTAR Proposal Criteria

  (1) An LEA shall first identify the purpose or goal(s) of its USTAR proposal.

  (2) Appropriate purposes may include:

  (a) improvement in student test scores;

  (b) satisfaction of specific academic goals for all students or various groups of students;

  (c) increased retention of licensed educators in specific areas;

  (d) improved school climate;

  (e) increased opportunities for students to take remedial or college preparation courses;

  (f) increased student enrollment in identified courses;

  (g) additional opportunities for students to learn about specific or general higher education or career opportunities in math or science fields; or

  (h) other purposes consistent with Subsection 53F-2-505(1)(b).

  (3) In accordance with Section 53F-2-505(1)(b)(ii), an LEA shall provide a school schedule showing how it will extend hours of the school day or days of the school year to maximize employee and facility resources in furtherance of the proposal's goals.

  (4) A USTAR proposal shall:

  (a) explain how employees shall be used in the extended school day or extended school year to maximize their effectiveness with students, including how various groups of employees will participate including classified employees, licensed employees, and appropriate supervisors for all groups;

  (b) use USTAR grant funds only to pay for hours or days worked by participating teachers with valid, current Utah educator licenses, even though various school employee groups may be necessary or desirable to achieve the purposes of the proposal;

  (c) identify the number of designated employees that will participate in the extended school year or extended school day program with the understanding that USTAR grant funds may only be used for licensed participating teachers;

  (d) identify the compensation that participating teachers shall receive, including increased insurance and benefit costs, if appropriate, which may be reported by groups of employees or by individual employees;

  (e)identify how participating teachers will be evaluated for the extended hours or extended days worked;

  (f) include a budget section, including anticipated costs and narrative; and

  (g) include an annual evaluation component that provides opportunities for student, employee and parent participation in the assessment of the proposal's effectiveness.