Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Division: Teaching and Learning

Office: Learning Equity and Academic Recovery (LEAR)  

View Published NGO Document (Microsoft Word)

Purpose: 

The Funding for Optimal Comprehensive Universal Screeners (FOCUS) grant aims to support LEAs to adopt and implement high-quality universal literacy screeners that align with the Universal Literacy Screening Criteria as outlined in the guidance provided by the Department to meet the screening requirements in kindergarten through grade 3 (K-3) according to State law.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has established a twelve (12) month grant program. This grant program is open to all New Jersey Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that serve grades K-3. Please refer to Appendix A of the NGO for a list of eligible LEAs and maximum award amounts.

Eligible Agencies: All New Jersey Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that serve grades K-3

Number of Award(s) Anticipated: 583

Total Amount Available: $3,776,440

Application Due Date: 5/30/2025