Department of Education
Dr. Tim Webb, Commissioner
Federal Programs: Title I, Part A-School Improvement Funds
Title I School Improvement funds are distributed to qualified school districts for the purpose of providing intensive assistance to schools identified as in need of improvement under Title I, Section 1116 of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 .
The purpose of Title I School Improvement Funds is to improve student achievement by supporting the implementation of research-based strategies and practices. Districts and schools must use School Improvement Funds to carry out the school improvement, corrective action, or restructuring responsibilities described in Section 1116.
Equitable services to private school students and teachers do not apply to the Title I, Part A-School Improvement Funds.
There are two funding sources for Title I school improvement activities. The first source is under Section 1003(a) which has been funded for many years. Currently the 1003(a) funds are designated for Title I high priority elementary and middle schools in TN. The 1003(g) funds, designated for high schools, have been divided into three separate allocations. First, Title I high priority high schools (including designated schools serving 9-12 students) are allocated funds for improvement activities similar to elementary and middle schools funded with 1003(a) funds. Second, a planning grant is available to LEAs who wish to participate in the redesign high school grant. The third allocation is a competitive grant to substantially redesign selected high schools. These two funding sources must be kept separate because of statutory differences. The 1003(g) funds may be used for two additional years in or on behalf of schools that have exited improvement that previously received 1003(g) funds.
