Your voice matters

The Every Student Succeeds Act requires educator voice in determining how to support students and schools. At the national, state, district and building level, this law requires the input of educators and gives them the power to help define what success looks like for each and every student. Education professionals work with students every day, know their names and what they need to be successful. As trusted professionals, all educators are uniquely prepared to drive discussions and decisions that lead to student success.

At the district level, decisions will be made on how to best use ESSA funds to support low-income students, English Language Learners, school improvement, and other federal programs. The Association should be a part of this important decision making. 

Title I programs are intended to support schools with high rates of low income students and schools where students are struggling. Title II is focused on Teacher & Principal quality while the needs of English Learners is the focus of Title III. Title IV under ESSA provides a new source of funding to support student success and academic enrichment.

Title I:

Title I Programs: Title I dollars are allocated largely on the number of low-income students the District serves.  Districts and buildings may also receive Title I funds if they have schools identified for Comprehensive or Targeted support. Find out more about Title 1.

Title II: Teacher Quality

Title II Programs: Districts receive Title II funding to prepare, train, and recruit high quality teachers, principals or other school leaders. Title II dollars are allocated based on the number of students a district serves as well as the number of low-income students served.

Using Title II to Support Teaching and Learning: the vast majority of Title II funds Washington receives flows directly to districts. These funds can be used to increase the capacity of those in the classroom. More about Title II.

Title III: English Language Learners

The purpose of the Title III program is to:

  • Ensure that English learners attain English proficiency
  • Assist teachers and other school staff in establishing, implementing, and sustaining effective language instruction programs
  • Provide professional development and other supports to teachers and other school staff to develop and enhance their language instruction capacity and skills
  • Promote family, and community participation in the academic success of English learners.

Title IV:  Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SASE) Grants

The SASE grant program should be used to improve students' academic achievement to:

  • Provide all students with access to a well-rounded education
  • Improve school conditions for student learning
  • Improve the use of technology in order to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students.
Learn about state programs to support our high needs schools.