strategies that aim to assess the college readiness of students and close skill gaps before students graduate. Discussion:
This priority specifically states that competitive
preference will be given to applications for practices, strategies, or programs that enable K-12 students to successfully prepare for, enter, and graduate from a two- or four-year college.
Thus, this priority would include support
for middle school students and students in the early high school grades. Changes:
None.
Competitive Preference Priority 7--Innovations To Address the Unique Learning Needs of Students With Disabilities and Limited English Proficient Students Comment:
A number of commenters expressed support for this
priority and the Department’s efforts to support programs focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities and limited English proficient students.
Several commenters
recommended that the Department clarify whether applications must address the needs of both students with disabilities and limited English proficient students in order to meet this competitive priority.
Two commenters recommended that the
Department separate the priority into two competitive preference priorities given the different needs of these students. 128