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Title III Federal Funding
Title III Federal Funding is a provision under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) aimed at improving the education of English Learners (ELs) and immigrant students. Its primary goal is to ensure that ELs attain proficiency in English, achieve high academic standards, and integrate effectively into educational programs.
Key Objectives of Title III Funding:
- English Language Proficiency: Provide ELs with high-quality instruction to develop their English skills.
- Academic Achievement: Support ELs in meeting challenging state academic content and performance standards.
- Professional Development: Train educators on effective strategies for teaching ELs.
- Family Engagement: Foster communication and collaboration between schools and families of ELs.
Funding Allocation:
- Funds are distributed to states based on the number of identified EL students.
- States then allocate funds to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) or consortiums that meet specific eligibility thresholds (e.g., a minimum of $10,000 in formula allocations).
Allowable Uses of Title III Funds:
- Implementing language instruction educational programs (LIEPs) tailored to the needs of ELs.
- Administering and improving EL assessments, such as ACCESS testing.
- Providing equitable participation for private schools with ELs.
- Supporting professional development for teachers and staff working with ELs.
- Promoting family and community engagement for EL families.
- Enhancing curriculum materials and instructional strategies for EL programs.
Compliance Requirements:
Districts receiving Title III funds must:
- Identify and serve EL students effectively.
- Administer annual English language proficiency assessments.
- Develop and implement programs aligned with Title III goals.
- Submit annual reports demonstrating progress and use of funds.
Title III-A EL Consortium Non-Funded Membership Option
ESSA Title III-A provides formula allocation funds to consortiums based on the number of identified EL students in each district. Some districts do not have a formula allocation, even though they currently have ELs in their district and are required to comply with Title III mandates. Those districts may purchase membership in the Title III Consortium for $500 as "non-funded" members.
The CESA 4 Title III-A Consortium will provide the following services:
- Inform district personnel about Title III-A regulations, guidelines, and requirements.
- Provide technical assistance related to identifying, assessing, and reporting EL students.
- Provide guidance regarding the equitable participation requirements for private schools.
- Facilitate planning and networking with Consortium members to develop needs-based goals and activities for the Title III-A Consortium.
- Provide relevant ESSA and DPI updates.
- Serve as a liaison to the DPI and among Consortium districts and represent Consortium at necessary state meetings.
- Provide technical assistance through phone calls, virtual meetings, and e-mail correspondence.
- Plan and facilitate Network Meetings for Title III Consortium members.
For more information, contact:
Aurora Gonzàlez, Multilingual Learner Director
(608) 668-2717 or Toll Free (800) 514-3075
FAX (608) 786-4801
E-mail: agonzalez@cesa4.org
JoAnn Martin, Program Assistant
(608) 786-4854; Toll Free (800) 514-3075
FAX (608) 786-4801
jmartin@cesa4.org
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