APPLICATIONS.

SEC. 3212. APPLICATIONS. (a) Contents of Applications.—(1)(A) For grants described under this subpart, each applicant shall, if relevant, describe how the program relates to the priorities listed in section 3211(b). Where appropriate, proposals shall contain a description of the incentive system described in section 3211(b)(3), including specific goals and timetables for progress toward such goals. (B) For the purpose of this section, incentives may include financial rewards, regulatory waivers, open enrollment among schools, grants to schools for innovative projects, or other rewards for meeting specific goals. (C) For the purpose of this section, the goals described in subparagraph (A) may include increased graduation rates, reduced dropout rates, increased attendance rates, increased student achievement, reduced rates of incidents of juvenile delinquency or vandalism, or other goals of educational improvement. (2)(A) Each teacher and administrator desiring to receive a grant at the school level shall submit an application for school level projects involving an individual school or a consortium of schools. Each application shall contain assurances that the project will be carried out under the responsibility of a full-time teacher or school administrator. (B) Each such application shall be reviewed by the appropriate local educational agency. The local educational agency shall act as the fiscal agent in administering the school’s grant to the school, but funds must be expended at the school level. (b) State Educational Agency Review.—Each application for a grant under this subpart (other than an application from a State educational agency) shall be forwarded to the appropriate State educational agency for review and comment, if the State educational agency requests the opportunity for review. The State educational agency must complete its review of the application and comment to the Secretary within 30 calendar days of receipt. (c) Special Evaluation Rule.—In evaluating an application for a grant or contract under this subpart, the Secretary shall consider the extent to which the proposed project is likely to improve teaching and learning at the school level.