Understanding Title I, Part A: A Simple Guide for Schools
Welcome to our easy-to-read guide on Title I, Part A funding! If you're part of a Local Educational Agency (LEA), you know how crucial it is to utilize these funds effectively to enhance educational programs. This blog will help you navigate the do's and don'ts of spending Title I, Part A funds, ensuring you make the most of every dollar for your students' benefit.
Key Steps to Determine Allowable Expenditures
When planning your programs, it's important to ensure that your proposed activities align with the purpose of Title I, Part A. Here are some key steps:
- Consistency with Title I's Purpose: Activities should aim to provide all children with a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, helping to close achievement gaps.
- Reasonable, Necessary, and Allocable: Ensure your activities are reasonable (consistent with prudent business practice), necessary (required for the program's intent), and allocable (chargeable to the Federal award based on benefits received).
- Address Identified Needs: Ensure that needs are listed in the Title I, Part A section of the Consolidated Application and that your program addresses these needs.
- Avoid Prohibited Activities: Make sure the activity is not prohibited under ESEA Section 8526.
Understanding Required and Optional Reserves
LEAs must reserve funds for specific purposes:
- Homeless Reserve: Funds must be reserved for services for homeless students, based on a needs assessment.
- Parent and Family Engagement Reserve: LEAs with allocations over $500,000 must reserve 1% of funds for engagement activities, with 90% allocated to schools.
- Additional Reserves: Required for facilities with neglected and delinquent students and private school attendees.
- Optional Reserves: Funds may be reserved for administrative costs, professional development, and school improvement initiatives.
Allowable vs. Unallowable Expenditures
Knowing what you can and cannot spend on is crucial. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Allowable: Supports for Title I students, support staff, program supplies, and materials, and parent engagement activities.
- Unallowable: General expenditures like base pay for principals, reimbursements to private schools, and entertainment-related costs.
Using Funds in Targeted Assistance and Schoolwide Programs
Title I, Part A funds can be used differently depending on the program type:
- Targeted Assistance Schools: Funds are used for students with the greatest academic need.
- Schoolwide Programs: Funds upgrade the entire educational program, benefiting all students.
Understanding these distinctions ensures that your school can effectively leverage Title I, Part A funds to enhance educational outcomes.
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