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Title IV, Part A - Capacity Building Initiative

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Grant Basics

Title IV, Part A Grant (T4PA), also known as the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant, is a federal program that provides funding that schools can use to make sure students get a broad and well-rounded education, improve the overall learning environment, and integrate technology into teaching and learning.

 

School should be a positive and enriching experience for all students. The goal is for the funding to create a Title IV, Part A program aligned with student needs rather than being just a "funding source" for unrelated activities that don't align with the program's objectives. 

 

The program grant provides federal funding allocations to LEAs in the following areas:

provide all students access to a well-rounded education.

improve school conditions for student learning (safe and healthy students).

improve the use of technology to improve the academic outcomes and digital literacy of students.

 

 

A timeline graphic titled 'TITLE IV, PART A GRANT PROCESS TIMELINE' shows five numbered circles.

 

 

Children focus on laptops at desks in a bright classroom.

Step 1: Collaborative Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CCNA)

LEAs receiving at least $30,000 in Title IV, Part A funds must complete a comprehensive needs assessment that identifies local needs once every three years and keep documentation in case of an audit. LEAs receiving less than $30,000 are not required to complete a comprehensive needs assessment. However, it is best practice for all LEAs to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment every three years as well.

Explore more about the CCNA process
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Step 2: Apply for funding in eGrants

Local education agencies (LEAs) may apply for funding annually by completing and submitting to TEA the ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application in eGrants to receive ESSA Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1 program allocations. LEAs can apply individually or participate in an ESC Shared Services Arrangement (SSA) to combine their funds.

Learn more about the Application Process
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Step 3: Program Development: Evidence-Based Activities/Objectives + Measurable Outcomes

Create a program description of the activities and programming that the LEA will carry out. LEAs receiving more than $30,000 are required to have activities in all 3 content areas. LEAs receiving less than $30,000 are only required to focus on one content area. The Objectives and Measurable Outcomes wll be reported annually to TEA in the Special Data Collection.

Learn more about Objectives and Measurable Outcomes (OMOs)
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Step 4 - Allowable Activities and Use of Funds in the T4PA Content Areas

Each LEA must be able to maintain documentation regarding the allowability of expenditures. Traditional supplement, not supplant (SNS) rules apply. Therefore, it is important that LEAs understand state requirements in the three content areas before using their T4PA funds to ensure that an issue of supplant is not created. SNS rules do not allow federal funds to be used to meet a state mandate.

Learn more about Use of Funds and Allowable Activities
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Step 5 - Evaluation & Reporting: Program Assurances

LEAs must agree to program assurances in the ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application, Schedule PS3107: - prioritize the distribution of funds to schools served by the LEA, or consortium of such agencies; and - annually report to the TEA for inclusion in the LEA public reporting described in Title IV, Part A ESSA, section 4104(a)(2) and how it will periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the Title IV, Part A activities carried out based on such objectives and outcomes. [ESSA, section 4106(e)(1)(E)] - adhere to all internet safety requirements - certify, submit, and assure it meets compliance for the non-smoking policy for children's services

Learn more about Evaluation & Reporting
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Step 6 - Compliance Report: Submit Schedule PR3107

Annually submit the ESSA Consolidated Federal Compliance Report (Schedule PR3107) regarding how funds for the Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program, are being used to meet requirements.

Learn more about Compliance Reporting

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