***ESEA/ESSA Consolidated applications must be opened no later than September 15, 2018. A final submitted and approved application is due no later than October 31, 2018. Thanks!***
Newly authorized under subpart 1 of Title IV, Part A of the ESEA is the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program. The SSAE program is intended to improve students’ academic achievement by increasing the capacity of state education agencies, local education agencies, and local communities to provide all students with:
- Access to a well-rounded education
- Improve school conditions for student learning, and safe & healthy students
- Improve the use of technology to improve the academic achievement & digital literacy of all students
Montana used a formulary grant to ensure all districts in MT that received Title I allocations received funding under Title IV Part A.
School districts that receive an allocation above $30,000 must conduct a needs assessment and must spend at least 20% of their grant on safe and healthy school activities and at least 20% on activities to provide well-rounded education programs. The remaining money can be spent on all three priorities, including technology. However, within technology there is a 15% cap on spending for devices, equipment, software and digital content.
If districts receive an allocation below $30,000, the law does not require a needs assessment. Districts must spend money on activities in at least one of the three categories. If districts chose to spend in the well-rounded and/or safe and healthy students’ programs, an allocation must not be less than 20% of the total allocation. If districts chose to spend in technology, once again there is a 15% cap on spending for devices, equipment, software and digital content.
School safety and climate are a priority in Montana and the OPI encourages all districts to use their new Title IV, Part A funds to ensure their students are learning in safe, positive school environments.
All districts have the option to use their Title IV A funds to run a Title IV A program to support the needs of their local school district and community; however, schools can choose to transfer the funding to Title I or II.