State and Federal Programs supports the successful implementation of programs using categorical funds, with the purpose of increasing, enhancing, and improving student performance. 

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) outlines federal accountability for schools that receive Title I funding.  All schools that receive Title I funding are required to meet academic improvement targets.  Schools that do not meet these targets are designated as Program Improvement (PI).  Depending on how long the school has been designated as in PI, parents of children who attend these schools have the possible option of transferring their children to a non-Program Improvement school in the district (NCLB School Choice) or receiving free tutoring.

Key Elements of Program Improvement

• Implementing strategies, policies, and practices that utilize scientifically-based research and have the greatest likelihood of ensuring that all groups of students will meet the state’s achievement standards
• Providing high quality professional development for school staff that will lead to removing the school from PI status
• Using strategies that promote effective parental involvement in the school

Supplemental Education Services (SES)

SES is tutoring provided to students in Title I Program Improvement schools under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) (2001). Students who have not attained proficiency in grade level Math and Reading skills are eligible for SES tutoring, with the highest priority for placement given to low-income students at those schools.

Public School Choice

Parents of all children who attend schools identified as in Program Improvement (PI) have the option to transfer their children to a non-Program Improvement school within the district with transportation provided.

How long may students attend a Non-PI School in the Public School Choice?

Once a student has been placed into a non-PI school, that student may remain until they reach the end of 6th grade. While students may stay at their non-PI school, transportation will not be provided if their home school is no longer designated as “PI."

Title III authorizes funding for supplementary programs and services for ELs. Required activities include the provision of instruction and instructional support services related to English Language Development (ELD) and academic progress in the core curriculum in a manner that allows EL students to meet grade level and graduation requirements. Programs also must provide staff development opportunities to school staff assigned to EL student populations. Title III funds may also be used for a variety of instructional support, curriculum development, parental involvement, and related EL student program activities.

Report on Participation in Public School Choice and Supplemental Educational Services (SES). As required by Title I regulations, Section 200.39©, From 34 Code of Federal Regulations Part 200 (U.S. Department of Education, October 2008)

The following Non-Program Improvement schools are available for students to transfer under Public School Choice:

• New Republic Elementary