Truants' Alternative and Optional Education Program (TAOEP)

The Truants' Alternative and Optional Education Program (TAOEP) is a state-administered initiative overseen by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). With statutory authority rooted in 105 ILCS 5/2-3.66 and related administrative rules, TAOEP is designed to address persistent student truancy and school disengagement. It provides support services for students with attendance problems, dropouts, and youth at risk of academic failure. The primary objective of the program is to increase school attendance and graduation rates for Illinois students up to and including age 21 through interventions that include direct support for students and their families. The funding supports a variety of eligible entities including public school districts, Regional Offices of Education, community college districts, university laboratory schools, charter schools, and area vocational centers. Joint applications are allowed as long as one administrative agent is designated. Applicants must ensure that there is no duplication of TAOEP services in the target area. Proposals must verify that another entity is not already serving the same student population. Applications are submitted through ISBE’s IWAS (Illinois Web Application Security) system, with separate procedures for new (RFP-based) and continuation applications. TAOEP supports project grants that can be used for salaries, materials, in-service education, and other direct program costs. However, the use of funds is tightly restricted. Ineligible costs include meals for students, recreational field trips, student incentives, cell phones, and rent for grantee-owned facilities. Administrative costs may not exceed 5% of the total award, and institutions of higher education are limited to an indirect cost rate of no more than 8% or their federally negotiated rate, whichever is less. Program expenditures and performance must be documented through at least semiannual programmatic reports and quarterly financial reports submitted via IWAS. Final expenditure reports are due within 90 days of the grant end date. Applications for TAOEP undergo a merit-based review process outlined in ISBE’s Merit Based Review Policy. New RFP applications must be submitted within 45 calendar days of the request for proposals release, while continuation applications must be submitted within 30 calendar days of receipt. Notifications for RFP awards are generally released within 90 days after the application deadline. Appeals are handled per Section E of the same policy. Renewal of funding is contingent on satisfactory prior performance, legal compliance, and state appropriations; it is not guaranteed. TAOEP has consistently received $11.5 million in annual funding from FY2017 through FY2026, demonstrating the State of Illinois' long-term commitment to combating truancy and supporting educational attainment. Although the program does not currently involve federal funding, it aligns with best practices in dropout prevention and intervention. The ISBE provides detailed program guidance, including audit and reporting expectations, to ensure accountability. Interested applicants may review the applicable regulations and guidelines through the program's dedicated website. For further information or inquiries, applicants can contact Brian Houser at the Illinois State Board of Education at 217-782-5270 or via email at [email protected]. The program's administrative documents and application portals are located on ISBE’s website. The program is expected to continue recurring on an annual basis, with future cycles likely to follow similar submission and review timelines.