The Department of Federal Programs is committed to providing efficient communication, accessible services, and comprehensive support to meet the diverse needs of students. The GISD Federal Programs Department primarily administers and manages Title I Part A, Title II Part A, Title III Part A, and Title IV Part A:
Title I, Part A – Improving Basic Programs
Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015, provides supplemental funding to state and local educational agencies to acquire additional education resources at schools serving high concentrations of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. These resources are used to improve the quality of educational programs and ensure students have opportunities to meet the expectations of challenging state assessments. The act contains four basic principles: stronger accountability for results; increased flexibility and local control; more choices for parents and students; and an emphasis on research-based instructional strategies. Individual public schools use Title I funds to operate educational programs that supplement and upgrade the instructional program. These programs are based on improving student achievement and include strategies to support parental involvement. Title 1 offers a variety of services for participating schools, which may include: additional teachers and support staff, extra time for instruction, a variety of teaching methods and materials, smaller classes, and additional training and professional development for staff.
Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction
The Title II, Part A federal funds are designed to increase student achievement through improving teacher and principal capacity. Local Education Agencies use these funds to build capacity in their staff through high quality, research-based professional development.
Title III, Part A – English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement
Title III, Part A aims to ensure that Emergent Bilinguals (EBs) and immigrant students attain English proficiency and develop high levels of academic achievement in English. Title III also assists all English learners in meeting the same challenging state academic standards that all students are expected to meet.
Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment
Title IV, Part A grants are designed to improve the academic achievement of all students by increasing the capacity of schools and communities to (1) provide all students with access to a well-rounded education, (2) improve school conditions for student learning, and (3) improve the use of technology in order to enhance academic outcomes and digital literacy of students.
**Gonzales ISD also currently manages ESSER III and ESSER II due to the COVID Relief Act.
