Dive Brief:
- Some leaders have encouraged more creative uses of Title I and other funding under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and others have said the new flexibility offered under the legislation should be exploited to the advantage of district and state needs.
- Notable changes to how federal spending works under ESSA include giving districts the ability to apply for waivers from states to use Title I money regardless of the percentage of low-income students.
- An attorney from the Federal Education Group, Melissa Junge, suggests state leaders consider whether federal requirements, state objectives and local needs are in alignment then come up with an action plan.
Dive Insight:
Most recently, the U.S. Department of Education announced that the ESSA negotiated rulemaking committee had received its proposals regarding Title I and Part A assessments. The new requirement that federal Title I-A funds supplement, not supplant, state and local resources under the new federal education law was also discussed, with proposals negotiated.
In specific regard to Title I funding, the primary focus is on ensuring Title I schools receive "at least as much in-state and local funding" as their district's typical non-Title I school while also helping them maintain autonomy over funding allocation. The department's proposals are aimed at the need for inclusive and accessible assessments for students with disabilities and English learners.