Targeted Assistance Grant (TAG)

• Districts with one or more eligible schools identified in the 2024 Massachusetts Accountability System (bottom 10th percentile, underperforming, or with a federal designation).
• Schools must be supported by the Center for School and District Partnership (CSDP).
• Charter schools, virtual schools, and schools in the Strategic Transformation region are not eligible.

• Support the implementation of district-identified priorities
• Promote Deeper Learning and grade-appropriate, coherent instruction across content areas
• Develop and sustain a diverse, culturally responsive, and well-prepared educator workforce
• Build the capacity of instructional leadership teams to drive continuous improvement
• Promote a sense of belonging and connection among students, staff, and families

Tuesday, September 30, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. (via GEM$)

Upon Approval (no earlier than 7/1/2025) – 6/30/2026

• Approximately $3,450,000 total
• $2,960,000 from federal Title I Section 1003 (Fund Code 0325)
• $490,000 from state Targeted Assistance funds (Fund Code 0222)
• Targeted Assistance Grants: District Amounts

TAG funds may be used for:

• High-quality instructional materials and implementation training
• Supports for social-emotional learning (SEL) and student mental health
• Professional development that builds capacity for instructional leadership and promotes equity
• Grade-level appropriate instruction and strategies that support instructional coherence

Alignment with LEGO® Education Solutions:

• LEGO Education SPIKE™ Essential and SPIKE™ Prime: provide hands-on, high-quality STEM materials that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative learning—directly supporting instructional priorities and SEL engagement.
• LEGO Education Science: offers grade-aligned, standards-based materials that reinforce core science instruction through exploration, experimentation, and coherence-building strategies.
• LEGO Education Professional Development (PD): builds educator capacity by providing job-embedded training that supports instructional leadership teams and fosters equitable teaching practices through active learning.

• Must directly support the needs identified in the district prioritization process
• Required collaboration with DESE’s Center for School and District Partnership and participation in DESE-led progress monitoring
• Funds must be expended by 6/30/2026; pandemic-era summer extensions no longer apply

• Submission through GEM$ is required
• Applicants not already in GEM$ must request access at least 5 business days before the deadline
• TAG Narrative templates are required
• Compliance with the MBTA Communities Act is required for eligibility
• Refer to the Supplement, Not Supplant Quick Reference Guide and federal requirements (2 CFR 200, EDGAR)