Maximizing K-12 Federal Funding for Professional Development in 2023: Understanding Title I, Title II, Title IV, and ESSER
The world of K-12 federal funding is complicated and ever-evolving. However, as K-12 school districts move into the 2023 - 2024 budget season while planning next school year's goals and initiatives, it's essential to understand the changes that have been made this year to federal funding and how it relates to covering the cost of professional development.
Now let's dive into the different types of funding that can be used for K-12 professional development.
Title I
Part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Title I is for schools and districts with at least 40 percent of students from low-income families. In 2023 Title I saw a $20 billion increase to $36.5 billion!
How is PD eligible?
Part of the Every Student Succeeds Act, Title I, promotes high-quality professional development to improve the teaching of academic subjects to help all children meet student performance standards.
Title II
Title II is the most significant source of federal funding for professional development and is all about attracting and retaining quality educators.
How is PD eligible?
Authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title II allocates $2.25 billion for K-12 school districts to use for all things professional development.
In fact,
MobileMind falls under 11 of the 15 authorized uses for Title II.
Title IV
Title IV is included in Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act and is intended to "improve students' academic achievement by increasing the capacity of States, local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, and local communities to provide all students with access to a well-rounded education, improve school conditions for student learning, and improve the use of technology in order to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students."
How is PD eligible?
Title IV is meant to promote the effective use of technology and support high-quality professional development for educators, school leaders, and administrators to personalize learning. Additionally, it can be used to provide training for suicide prevention, trauma-informed practices, crisis management, and conflict resolution for the health and safety of students.
ESSER
The most significant amount of federal funding ever dedicated to schooling. Though ESSER I has already been allocated, the three packages equate to approximately $195 billion.
ESSER II (CAA), $54 billion to be allocated by September 30, 2023. ESSER II funds can be spent on all the same activities as ESSER I, addressing learning loss, school facility repairs and improvements, and improving indoor air quality in school facilities.
ESSER III (ARP), $123 billion to be allocated by September 30, 2024.
How is PD eligible?
Literally, all aspects of professional development can be covered by ESSER III. This includes new hire onboarding and SEL training, as 20% of the funding must be used on SEL. The goal for this funding is to "plan for the future."
Summary
As you have read, 2023 will have many K-12 federal funding changes. Here is a snapshot:
- Title I, a $20 billion increase to $36.5 billion
- $800M increase in Special Ed funding
- $1B to double amount of counselors, nurses, and mental health professionals
- $1.1B for EL programs
- $1.6B to train teachers in special areas
- $30M for leadership training
That is substantial funding to support educators in many different areas! We are here to help you navigate all things professional development, including giving guidance on how to cover the cost of your district's training.
Schedule a call with MobileMind for more information about maximizing the impact of your district's federal stimulus funding for professional development!
