Federal Programs and Grants

The Title I Program, which is now the pillar of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), is our oldest and largest federally funded education program, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The Federal Government provides the financial assistance through state educational agencies (SEAs) to local educational agencies (LEAs) and public schools.

Dating back to 1965, its main purpose has been to help underprivileged children meet challenging state academic standards. In other words, schools with a lower-income student base are provided Title I funding as an equitable measure to boost the academic success of those who are behind in their education or at risk of falling behind. The Title I Program aims to bridge the gap between low-income students and their moderate-to-high-income peers.

There are thousands of Title I schools nationwide, and they provide students with extra instructional support beyond the regular classroom to help low-achieving children meet state standards in core academic subjects. The schools coordinate and integrate resources and services from federal, state, and local sources. To be considered for Title I school funds, at least 40% of the students must be considered low-income.

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Title II: Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals program focuses on improving teaching and leadership through professional development.

The key purposes are to:

• increase student achievement
• improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers and principals
• increase the number of teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools
• provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective teachers and principals

MNPS uses Title II-A funds to support the various identified needs in the district plan, which include recruitment of high-quality educators, access to professional learning opportunities provided by district-wide coaches, and more.

The Federal Programs' Special Populations Team works to ensure all children of vulnerable populations have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach grade-level proficiency.

This task is even more complex with our most vulnerable populations of students, including students labeled as neglected, delinquent, foster, migrant, and students who attend priority schools.

Due to the complex needs of these students, our Special Populations Team collaborates with school officials and other external stakeholders such as the Department of Child Services and the nonprofit Conexión Américas to make data-based decisions that ensure resources are aligned, adequate, and appropriate to meet the educational challenges of these at-risk students.

The MNPS Office of Federal Programs and Grants facilitates equitable services requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) for eligible students enrolled in nonprofit private elementary and secondary schools and, as applicable, their teachers and parents.

Intent to Participate forms are sent to all Davidson County private schools (as listed in the TN Department of Education Nonpublic Schools directory) in December. Schools wishing to participate in Title I, Title II-A, Title III or Title IV should return the Intent form by January 25. Participating schools are required to attend consultation meetings to create a service delivery plan.

The HERO Program for Families in Transition is funded by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance grant from the State Department of Education to provide educational supports to students experiencing homelessness.

If you live in a shelter, or transitional housing program, or if you couch surf with friends or family because you do not have a permanent address; or if you live in a motel or campground because you cannot find or afford housing or live in a car, abandoned building or a place not normally designed for sleeping, we are here to help.

Please call 615-259-8729 for additional information.