20-7-1605. (Temporary) Transformational learning -- phase II grant program. (1) There is a transformational learning phase II grant program administered by the superintendent of public instruction. The purposes of the grant program are to:

(a) further develop the efforts of the most innovative transformational learning grantees toward district-wide implementation of transformational and proficiency-based learning; and

(b) use the knowledge gained by phase II grantees to develop recommendations and guidance for other districts interested in innovating in a similar manner.

(2) The superintendent of public instruction shall:

(a) invite those school districts that are awarded transformational learning grants to submit an application for a transformational learning phase II grant. The application must include at a minimum:

(i) evidence of the progress made by the district in implementing transformational and proficiency-based learning as the terms are defined in 20-7-1601; and

(ii) a detailed description of how the district plans to continue its progress toward district-wide transformational and proficiency-based learning, including cost estimates;

(b) no later than February 1, 2026, determine a list of no more than five districts to recommend for a phase II grant to the board of public education for the board's approval; and

(c) no later than July 15, 2026, and contingent on appropriation from the legislature, distribute to no more than five districts a transformational learning phase II grant. The superintendent shall base the award amounts on the district's size and the costs outlined in its application and utilize 90% of the amount appropriated by the legislature for the grants.

(3) A district receiving a transformational learning phase II grant shall:

(a) deposit the money in the district's flexibility fund and use the money prior to June 30, 2028, for the purposes described in the district's grant application; and

(b) participate in collaborative activities organized by the superintendent of public instruction for grantees as described in subsection (4).

(4) (a) With the remaining 10% of the amount appropriated by the legislature, the superintendent shall provide technical assistance and collaborative opportunities for the grantees. In supporting grantees, the superintendent may:

(i) host convenings of the grantees;

(ii) provide professional development for grantees;

(iii) enlist the assistance of organizations with expertise in supporting school districts in implementing transformational and proficiency-based learning; and

(iv) provide other types of support requested by grantees or determined to be beneficial by the superintendent.

(b) No later than September 1, 2028, the office of public instruction and the phase II grantees shall provide a joint report to the education interim committee and the education interim budget committee[, in accordance with 5-11-210,] on the progress made by the grantees. The report must include:

(i) a detailed description of how the grantees furthered their progress toward district-wide transformational and proficiency-based learning as a result of the grant;

(ii) a guidance document for other school districts in implementing transformational and proficiency-based learning; and

(iii) recommendations for legislative action to support districts in implementing transformational and proficiency-based learning. (Terminates December 31, 2028--sec. 8, Ch. 462, L. 2025.)