Purpose and Overview

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), reauthorized as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015, is the primary federal law governing K–12 education in the United States. Its purpose is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. Federal program grants provide supplemental funding to the district to help meet this goal. These funds do not replace state or local funding; rather, they offer additional resources for personnel, technology, professional development, and instructional support to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Parents’ Right to Know

Under ESSA, parents and families in Title I schools have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teachers and any paraprofessionals providing instructional services. Schools must also notify parents promptly if their child has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet Alabama’s state certification or licensure requirements for the assigned grade level and subject area.

Parents who wish to request this information should contact their school principal.

Equity and Comparability

Monroe County Schools is committed to ensuring equity across all schools. The district allocates state and local resources, including personnel and instructional materials, to ensure that all schools receive comparable services. No student will be denied participation in any program based on gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or status as an English learner, migratory, or homeless student.

All schools in the Monroe County School District operate as school-wide Title I programs. Title I federal funds are used to enhance student learning through:

• Additional teachers and tutors
• After-school academic programs
• Technology and instructional resources
• Books and classroom supplies
• Parent and family engagement opportunities

These funds are supplemental—they enhance existing programs already in place, not replace them.

The Federal Programs Department oversees the administration and monitoring of various federal and state-funded programs. These programs support:

• Student academic success
• Professional development for teachers and principals
• Family and community engagement

The ultimate goal of these efforts is to promote high academic achievement for all students across the district.

Supplement vs. Supplant: What Does It Mean?

Monroe County Public Schools use federal Title I funds to supplement, not supplant, state and local funding.

• "Supplement" means federal funds add to (enhance) what state and local funding already provides.
• "Supplant" means to replace, which is not allowed.

💡 In simple terms: If a program or service is already required and funded by state or local sources, federal Title I funds cannot replace that funding. Instead, Title I funds must be used to provide additional resources and support that go beyond the basics.

Purpose of Title I Federal Funding

The overarching goal is to ensure all children—especially those in high-poverty schools—have access to a high-quality education and can meet challenging state academic standards.

This is achieved by:

• Aligning curriculum and assessments with state standards

Supporting students most in need, including:

• Low-achieving students
• English language learners
• Migrant students
• Students with disabilities
• Neglected or delinquent youth
• Young children needing academic support

Closing achievement gaps between:

• High- and low-performing students
• Minority and non-minority students
• Disadvantaged and more advantaged peers
• Providing enriched, accelerated learning and more instructional time
• Using proven, research-based teaching methods
• Offering strong professional development for teachers and staff
• Engaging parents and families meaningfully in their children’s education

Federal Programs Funding (When funding is awarded and applicable)

Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Education Agencies

Title I, Part C: Education of Migrant Children

Title I, Part D: Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk

Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction (Teacher & Principal Training and Recruitment)

Title III, Part A: English Learners (EL)

Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE)

Title IV, Part B: 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)

Title V, Part B: Rural and Low-Income School Program (RLIS)

Title IX, Part A: Homeless Children and Youths (McKinney-Vento Act)

Education of Students in Foster Care

Current Federal Funding

The Monroe County School District currently receives federal funding from the following programs under ESSA:

Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs for Disadvantaged Students

Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction

Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment

Title V, Part B: Rural and Low-Income Schools

Title IX, Part A: Homeless Children and Youths (McKinney-Vento Act) Education of Students in Foster Care