(1) In addition to those moneys distributed through the State School Fund, the Department of Education shall award grants from the Student Investment Account. Grants shall be distributed as provided under ORS § 327.195.

(2) The purposes of grants distributed under ORS § 327.195 shall be to:

(a) Meet students’ mental or behavioral health needs; and

(b) Increase academic achievement for students, including reducing academic disparities for:

(A) Economically disadvantaged students, as determined based on rules adopted by the State Board of Education;

(B) Students from racial or ethnic groups that have historically experienced academic disparities, as determined under rules adopted by the State Board of Education;

(C) Students with disabilities;

(D) Students who are English language learners;

(E) Students who are foster children, as defined in ORS § 30.297;

(F) Students who are homeless, as determined under rules adopted by the State Board of Education; and

(G) Any other student groups that have historically experienced academic disparities, as determined by the State Board of Education by rule.

(3) Grant moneys received under ORS § 327.195 may be used by a grant recipient only for:

(a) Increasing instructional time, which may include:

(A) More hours or days of instructional time;

(B) Summer programs;

(C) Before-school or after-school programs; or

(D) Technological investments that minimize class time used for assessments administered to students.

(b) Addressing students’ health or safety needs, which may include:

(A) Social-emotional learning and development;

(B) Student mental and behavioral health;

(C) Improvements to teaching and learning practices or organizational structures that lead to better interpersonal relationships at the school;

(D) Student health and wellness;

(E) Trauma-informed practices;

(F) School health professionals and assistants; or

(G) Facility improvements directly related to improving student health or safety.

(c) Reducing class sizes, which may include increasing the use of instructional assistants, by using evidence-based criteria to ensure appropriate student-teacher ratios or staff caseloads.

(d) Expanding availability of and student participation in well-rounded learning experiences, which may include:

(A) Developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive early literacy practices and programs in prekindergarten through third grade;

(B) Culturally responsive practices and programs in grades six through eight, including learning, counseling and student support that is connected to colleges and careers;

(C) Broadened curricular options at all grade levels, including access to:

(i) Art, music and physical education classes;

(ii) Science, technology, engineering and mathematics education;

(iii) Career and technical education, including career and technical student organization programs and payment of student fees, costs and instructors of those programs;

(iv) Electives that are engaging to students;

(v) Accelerated college credit programs, including dual credit programs, International Baccalaureate programs and advanced placement programs;

(vi) Dropout prevention programs and transition supports;

(vii) Life skills classes; or

(viii) Talented and gifted programs; or

(D) Access to licensed educators with a library media endorsement. [2019 c.122 § 9; 2021 c.227 § 1; 2021 c.350 § 1]