For targeted assistance and innovation support to schools and districts; provided, that eligible recipients of grants or services shall include schools and districts at risk of being, or having been determined to be, underperforming or chronically underperforming pursuant to
sections 1J and 1K of chapter 69 of the General Laws and schools and districts demonstrating innovative approaches that have improved student performance, including but not limited to partnerships between community-based organizations and school districts; provided further, that grants and services under this item shall be awarded in coordination with the departments of early education and care and higher education; provided further, that funds may be expended for grants and services to cities, towns and regional school districts and Horace Mann and commonwealth charter schools for planning and implementing expanded learning time in the form of longer school days or school years at selected schools; provided further, that funding shall be used by the department to support evidence-based programs and strategies for closing achievement gaps and accelerating learning, including deeper learning initiatives and including the Kaleidoscope Collective for Learning and evidence-based early literacy programs, including individual tutoring and associated student and family supports and professional development for educators operating under emergency licenses; and provided further, that appropriated funds may be expended for programs or activities through September 1, 2026
