U100 – How to pay for BookWidgets with US Federal Funds
Is your school or district looking for ways to leverage federal funding and federal programs to meet high-priority objectives? You might consider using state and federal funds to purchase educational technology, such as BookWidgets.
BookWidgets Funding Possibilities
Several federal funding programs in the United States can be used to purchase BookWidgets licenses and subscriptions to support school and district initiatives. These programs include:
- Title I funds: Designed to assist schools with high percentages of low-income students.
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Provides funding for special education and related services.
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC): Supports after-school programs, including technology-based initiatives.
- Title II funds: Can be used for professional development, including technology integration.
- Title III funds: Can support English Language Learner (ELL) programs and technology purchases.
Each program has specific eligibility requirements and guidelines for fund use. Schools and districts should consult with their local educational agency or the federal agency administering the funding program for more information on how to use these funds to purchase BookWidgets and support their educational goals.
Federal funding programs play a crucial role in supporting education initiatives in the United States. These programs are designed to provide financial assistance to schools and districts to address various educational needs and priorities. In this article, we will provide an overview of several federal funding programs, including Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, Title V, Title VI, IDEA, and ESSER funding. Additionally, we will discuss how schools and districts can leverage these funds to purchase educational technology, such as BookWidgets, to support their educational objectives.
Which fund is right for my needs?
TITLE I
Title I is a federal program aimed at supporting basic programs operated by local educational agencies (LEAs) in schools with a high percentage of low-income students. Eligible schools enrolling over 40% of children from low-income families can use Title I funds for school-wide programs. Schools enrolling fewer than 40% of such children or those that decline school-wide programs can offer targeted assistance to individual students.
Part C of Title I focuses on the education of migratory children, while Part D addresses neglected and delinquent children and youth in state-run institutions.
TITLE II
Title II aims to enhance academic achievement by improving teacher and principal quality through professional development, support for new teachers, and other related activities.
TITLE III
Title III focuses on English Learners (EL) and immigrant education. Its goal is to ensure that EL students, including immigrant children and youth, attain English language proficiency and meet challenging state academic standards.
TITLE IV
Title IV includes Part A, which supports student support and academic enrichment programs. These programs encompass a wide range of educational initiatives, such as STEM programs, music and arts programs, foreign language instruction, accelerated learning programs (e.g., AP, IB), civic instruction, college and career counseling, social-emotional learning programs, environmental education, and activities to support safe and healthy students.
Part B of Title IV is the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which provides after-school programs for low-performing students, students in need of tutoring, and English Learner (EL) students.
TITLE V
Title V includes Part B, known as the Rural Education Initiative (REAP/SRSA), which provides financial assistance to rural LEAs to improve student academic achievement. Districts can choose to participate in either the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) or the Small Rural School Achievement (SRSA) program.
TITLE VI
Title VI includes Part A, which focuses on Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native education. Its goal is to ensure that these students meet state academic content and achievement standards while addressing their unique culturally related needs, from preschool to graduate school.
IDEA
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) supports children with disabilities by providing tools for educators and parents to improve educational results. It covers system improvement activities, research, personnel preparation, technical assistance, dissemination, and technology development and media services.
ESSER III - spending allocation deadline September 30, 2024
ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funding is crucial, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are three rounds of ESSER funding: ESSER 1 (Cares Act), ESSER II (HR 133), and ESSER III (American Rescue Plan). Each round has specific obligations and deadlines.
School districts can use ESSER funds to address various needs, including:
- Social-emotional health: Supporting all students and addressing equity, academic, social, and emotional needs.
- Teacher, faculty, and staff well-being: Providing professional development and support.
- Technology: Enhancing remote learning capabilities.
- Other needs: Tailoring initiatives to the district's specific challenges.
It is important to note that the use of ESSER funds must adhere to federal regulations and guidelines, including competitive bidding processes and proper documentation.