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    ​​​​​Instructional Assessment, Professional Learning, Title IIA


    Title II, Part A

    Purpose

    Title II, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is intended to increase the academic achievement of all students by improving the quality and effectiveness of educators and providing low-income and minority students greater access to effective educators. This includes new educator recruitment and hiring, effective induction programs, continued professional learning, educator retention strategies, and leadership development. For examples, adaptations, and links to resources, practices, models, and other allowable activities, please view the USDE Non-Regulatory Guidance for Title II, Part A.


    Program Requirements

    Activities supported with Title II, Part A funds must be planned in consultation with multiple stakeholders including teachers, school leaders, paraprofessionals, special service providers, parents, and community partners. The Local Education Agency (LEA) must also engage in ongoing consultation with these stakeholders to improve supported activities. Descriptions of funded activities in the LECS Plan Appendix D must align with Maryland’s College and Career Ready Standards.

    In accordance with federal regulations, each LEA must:

    • Implement a system of professional growth and improvement for educators, including opportunities to develop meaningful teacher leadership;

    • Prioritize Title II, Part A funds to schools that have been identified for comprehensive and targeted support and improvement;

    • Provide equitable services to eligible non-public school teachers; and

    • Ensure Title II, Part A funded activities address the learning needs of all students, including children with disabilities, English learners, and gifted and talented students.


    Allowable uses of Title II, Part A funds include:

    • Providing high-quality, personalized professional learning that is evidence-based

    • Developing and implementing initiatives to assist in recruiting, hiring, and retaining effective teachers, particularly in low-income schools with high percentages of ineffective teachers and high percentages of students who do not meet the challenging State academic standards

    • Developing feedback mechanisms to improve school working conditions

    • Developing or improving a rigorous, transparent, and fair evaluation and support system for teachers, principals, or other school leaders

    • Reducing class size to a level that is evidence-based

    • Carrying out other evidence-based activities that meet the purpose of Title II, Part A


    For a more detailed list of allowable activities, view the USDE Title II, Part A Federal Regulation.


    Funding, Documentation, & Reporting

    Title II, Part A, is a formula-based program. The amount of Title II, Part A funds allocated to LEAs is calculated using US census data. Eighty percent of the LEA’s Title II, Part A allocation is based on poverty and the remaining twenty percent is based on population. Title II, Part A funds must only be used to provide additional services, staff, programs, or materials that are not provided with State or local resources absent federal funds. Federal funds cannot pay for resources or services that would otherwise be purchased with State and/or local funds.  Please email Jen Wojcik at jennifer.wojcik@maryland.gov for a copy of MSDE’s Reporting Timeline for Title II, Part A.


    For additional information regarding Title II, Part A, visit the USDE Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Title II website.


    Advocacy

    Learning Forward has launched a website, Powered by Title II. This website is designed to provide:

    • Background facts and data on Title II;

    • Tools to advance your professional learning advocacy efforts;

    • The latest federal updates; and

    • Links to research outlining the impact of high-quality professional learning.



    The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is submitting a request to the United States Department of Education for a Tydings waiver for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022 for theTitle II Part A grant. If the waiver is approved, FFY 2022 funding for the program will be extended through September 30, 2025. Prior to submitting a waiver request for any program authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Schools Act, the State must provide the public and local education agencies with notice and a reasonable opportunity to comment and provide input on a proposed waiver request. Copies of all public comments received will be included as part of the waiver request submission.

    Title II Part A Posting