The State Board of Education, upon review of the recommendation of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, may authorize funding for any proposal of a county office of education, postsecondary educational institution, consortium of local educational agencies, the National Diffusion Network State Facilitator, the State Department of Education, or other appropriate educational entity to provide assistance, pursuant to this article, in the development, implementation, evaluation, dissemination, or adoption of an exemplary educational project. This assistance may include, but is not limited to, the implementation of professional development activities and the coordination of services with other educational agencies, programs, resources, and professional development providers.