SECTION 1. Chapter 69 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding, at the end thereof, the following section:-

Section 37. (a) The department shall establish and operate a competitive grant called the Innovation Demonstrating Equity and Achievement Grant with the purpose of minimizing the achievement and opportunity gap.

(b) To be eligible for grant funding the department shall require that applicants: be a public school located in the commonwealth; have a high concentration of english language learner and low income student enrollment; utilize evidence based practices;

(c) The grant shall, subject to appropriation, focus on improving student learning outcomes by funding for the following priorities: reading and writing preparedness for birth through third grade; strong instruction support for english language learners; college and career preparedness; social and emotional wellness supports for students; expanded learning time; accelerated academic curriculum;

(d) The department shall promulgate regulations or guidelines to implement the program established pursuant to section 37A of chapter 69 of the General Laws, as appearing in section 1 above.