As educators, we often hear about federal funds provided to educational systems that help support students. You may have heard of title funding for students or schools, but it actually refers to one federal funding source. Many school districts rely heavily on such funds to provide essential resources but understanding how it works can be a challenge. What do these terms mean, and who is eligible to receive funds?
Let’s dive into some background information first. Title funds are the primary source of federal financial support for local education agencies (LEAs), which include school districts that oversee both elementary and secondary schools. Additionally, they can be strategically used to build a high-quality educator workforce and develop effective retention models. They were initially established through the passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 1965 to provide all students with educational equity. It was last amended and reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015.
According to the Congressional Research Service, $29 billion was appropriated for title funding in the 2023 fiscal year. The use of these funds should be reasonable, necessary, allocable and allowable.
Supplement, Not Supplant: What Does it Mean?
You may have heard of supplementing, not supplanting, for expenditures using federal title funds – a critical principle to understand how title funding works. Supplementing means to add to an existing resource or program. Federal funds should not be used to supplant, or replace, regular school funds.
Understanding title funding ensures that LEAs and schools use personnel and resources to provide the greatest possible benefit to students. As educators, knowing how this funding works provides opportunities to advocate for what students need to succeed.
Although there are eight titles under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, let’s focus on the first four.
Title I: Improving the Academic Achievement of Disadvantaged Students
The first title is the most widely known. Title I provides financial assistance to schools with certain percentages of students from low-income families. Since the federal government first allocates Title I funds to state education agencies, states must provide plans to the United States Department of Education that include assurances of meeting standards in areas of academic challenge alignment, English language proficiency and assessments implementation in science, mathematics and reading language arts. Generally, LEAs must create and maintain district improvement plans that direct improvement plans for individual schools and campuses.
How Are Title I Funds Used?
Title I funds can be used in various ways. First, they can provide professional development for educators to complete training programs focused on instructional strategies, classroom management and data-driven decision-making. Specialized training helps educators better support the unique needs of low-income students.
Second, Title I funds support mentorship programs where experienced educators guide new ones, which fosters a supportive environment that can improve educator retention and optimum classroom management. Third, Title I funds help supply educators with high-quality instructional materials and technology to improve teaching effectiveness and job satisfaction. These educator benefits cultivate positive student outcomes.
Title I Funds Example
A school might run a reading intervention program for students who are falling behind in reading. If more than 40% of a school’s students are from low-income families, funds can be used for school-wide activities. If the number of students from low-income families is lower than 40%, funds must only be used to support those students.
Title II: Supporting Effective Instruction
Title II funding is focused on helping teachers, principals and other education staff improve their practice. The goal is to ensure all students have access to effective, qualified educators. We accomplish this by investing funds into educator development, which, in turn, results in the high-quality education that students deserve. Title II is also known as the “professional development” title. Professional development funded through Title II should align with a district or school’s plan and vision.
How Are Title II Funds Used?
Educators are lifelong students. Title II funds provide ongoing professional development opportunities including workshops, conferences and advanced degree programs to help educators grow in their careers. Further, they support leadership development. Title II funds can be used to train teachers to become educational leaders like instructional coaches, principals, superintendents, department heads and more. This can increase job satisfaction and retention.
Title II Funds Example
Several school districts provide tuition assistance programs for educators to earn advanced degrees or sharpen their skills with specialized certifications.
Title III: Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students
Title III funding aims to help English Language Learners (ELLs) become proficient in English and achieve academically on the same level as their peers. This type of funding is critical for states that have high populations of international students that need unique support while learning a second language. LEAs must ensure that Title III funds are used to provide extra services that are above and beyond what English learners receive as part of a regular school program.
How Are Title III Funds Used?
Title III funds can be used to provide specialized training for ELL educators, including professional development focused on effective ELL instruction, that helps them feel more competent and confident in their roles. Further, these funds can support cultural competency for educators by providing training that empowers educators to create inclusive learning environments and ultimately, improve teacher-student relationships and job satisfaction.
Title III Funds Example
School districts using Title III funds can hire bilingual or ELL educators or offer after-school or summer programs that focus on language development. They can also purchase bilingual instructional materials and resources or run family literacy programs for families of English learners.
Title IV: Cultivating Relevant and Cutting-Edge Schools
As one of the newest and more flexible funding sources, Title IV funding can be used in various ways to enhance student learning and well-being. Under Part A, there are three significant areas of focus: providing students with a well-rounded education, supporting safe and healthy students, and using technology to improve academic performance and digital literacy.
How Are Title IV Funds Used?
Title IV funds can be used to develop and implement educational programs that make teaching more engaging and rewarding. Additionally, they can be used for technology integration. This includes training teachers to effectively use technology in the classroom, which can enhance teaching practices and student outcomes. Title IV funds also support a well-rounded education, the ultimate goal of every school district nationwide. They can support programs in art, music and physical education, which can not only make teaching more fulfilling and help retain educators, but it provides a holistic education for students.
Title IV Funds Example
School districts may use Title IV funds to implement school safety programs, provide mental health and counseling support, offer STEM programming, develop physical fitness and wellness activities, or utilize accelerated learning programs (such as Advanced Placement and dual enrollment programs).
Using Title Funds for Educator Retention Models
Educator retention seems focused on educators, but it’s directly related to student experiences and outcomes. Retaining quality educators means providing the meaningful education students deserve. Title funds are an excellent catalyst for developing effective educator retention models.
Districts can create supportive work environments by fostering a positive school culture where teachers feel valued and supported. Further, they can offer career advancement opportunities through clear pathways to leadership roles and specialized positions. Districts can also implement feedback systems that allow educators to continuously improve their practice and feel appreciated. Finally, title funds can support policies that support educator well-being with opportunities including flexible scheduling and mental health resources.
As you can see, title funding is critical to the optimum operation of education systems and school districts. Strategic use of these funds can build a high-quality educator workforce that generates from robust retention models. When school leaders and teachers feel supported, valued and motivated to stay in the profession, students benefit all the more.
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