Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Equity Assistance Centers Assistance Listing Number 84.004D

For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2019 (84 FR 3768),or at www.govinfo.gov/​content/​pkg/​FR-2019-02-13/​pdf/​2019-02206.pdf.

           Purpose of Program: The Equity Assistance Centers (EAC) program is authorized under title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000c—2000c–2, 2000c–5, and the implementing regulations in 34 CFR part 270. This program awards grants through cooperative agreements to operate regional EACs that provide technical assistance (including training) at the request of school boards and other responsible governmental agencies in the preparation, adoption, and implementation of plans for the desegregation of public schools--which in this context means plans for equity (including desegregation based on race, national origin, sex, and religion)--and in the development of effective methods of coping with special educational problems occasioned by desegregation. Desegregation assistance, per 34 CFR 270.4, may include, among other activities: (1) dissemination of information regarding effective methods of coping with special educational problems occasioned by desegregation; (2) assistance and advice in coping with these problems; and (3) training designed to improve the ability of teachers, supervisors, counselors, parents, community members, community organizations, and other elementary or secondary school personnel to deal effectively with special educational problems occasioned by desegregation. A project must provide technical assistance in all four of the desegregation assistance areas: race, sex, national origin, and religion desegregation. Additionally, EACs provide critical support to help ensure that all students have access to positive and safe learning environments that meet their needs and are free of bullying, violence, and disruptive actions.

Desegregation assistance services provided by EACs may also help to alleviate the adverse educational effects of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the novel coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19). These circumstances have highlighted inequity with respect to a local educational agency’s (LEA) ability to leverage remote learning to support all students. Inadequate support for continuity of learning is disproportionately affecting students who already faced special educational problems occasioned by desegregation pre-pandemic (e.g., English learners). EACs may, where requested, assist clients in responding to special educational problems occasioned by desegregation related to remote learning, including, for example, online bullying or exposure to harassment.

Where requested to assist in the development of desegregation plans, EACs can help eligible entities develop strategies for incorporating equitable access to educational opportunities to best meet individual student needs into voluntary desegregation plans consistent with applicable Federal, State, and local laws. Such strategies could include use of public magnet schools; remote learning; work-based learning opportunities (e.g., apprenticeships); dual or concurrent enrollment programs, early college high schools, or other programs that enable secondary school students to begin earning credit toward a postsecondary degree or credential; access to services or programs for students aspiring to postsecondary education; credit recovery, accelerated learning, or tutoring in instances to help create a pipeline for participation of students who have not had access to these programs based on race, national origin, sex, or religion.

           Assistance Listing Number 84.004D.