The purpose of this program is to improve students’ academic achievement by increasing the capacity of States, local educational agencies, 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.
Title IV Resources
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U.S. Department of Education Title IV Non-Regulatory Guidance
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Webinar Recording - CFP 101 Session 4: Title IV, Part A Overview- Fall 2020
- Title IV, Part A FY22 Use of Funds Report
- Title IV, Part A FY21 Use of Funds Report
- Title IV, Part A FY20 Use of Funds Report
- Title IV, Part A FY21 Performance Report
- Title IV, Part A FY22 Performance Report
- Title IV, Part A FY23 Performance Report
- Allowable Activities for Title IVA
- Webinar Recording - Taking Full Advantage of Title IV- Spring 2020
Stronger Connections Grant
As part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), Congress authorized $1 billion in formula funding under Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to state educational agencies (SEAs) to provide students with safer and healthier learning environments. The U.S. Department of Education has allocated $4,833,025 of these funds to Vermont under the BSCA Stronger Connections grant program, 95.5% of which will be awarded competitively to high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) to fund activities allowable under section 4108 – the Safe and Healthy Students section - of the ESEA (see Title IV Allowable Uses). The AOE has established the following indicators of high-need which will be identified for each applicant using AOE data, and translated into a four-point scale (see scoring criteria appendix):
- Poverty rates as measured by the percentage of free-and-reduced price meal-eligible students by supervisory union/district (SU/SD);
- Rates of disciplinary incidents that result in exclusionary discipline (such incidents may include bullying, hazing, physical altercations, threats, and more depending on LEA policies) by SU/SD;
- Rates of emergency or provisional licenses sought by SU/SD (as this implies a qualified educator shortage); and
- Rates of chronic absenteeism by SU/SD.
- LEA percentages will be compared to statewide average percentages for each indicator.
In addition, there will be an option in the application for LEAs to self-identify need for additional points.
The LEA grants will support the following activities:
- Implementing comprehensive, evidence-based strategies that meet each student’s social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being needs; create positive, inclusive, and supportive school environments; and increase students’ access to place-based interventions and services.
- Engaging students, families, educators, staff, and community organizations in the selection and implementation of strategies and interventions to create safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments.
- Designing and implementing policies and practices that advance equity and are responsive to underserved students, protect student rights, and demonstrate respect for student dignity and potential.
Announcement
The Stronger Connections Grant competition closed on May 12, 2023. Many well-written applications were received. The Agency of Education is pleased to announce that the following LEAs have been selected to receive a Stronger Connections Grant, and will be implementing their plans over the performance period of July 1, 2023-Sept. 30, 2026:
- Burlington SD
- Central VT SU
- Essex-Westford Educational Community Unified Union School District
- Kingdom East Unified Union School District
- Mill River Unified Union School District
- Milton SD
- North Country SU
- Orange East SU
- Orange Southwest SU
- Orleans Southwest SU
- Rivendell Interstate SD
- Rutland City SD
- Rutland Northeast SU
- St. Johnsbury SD
- White River Valley SU
- Windham Central SU
- Windham Northeast SU
- Windham Southeast SU
Stonger Connections Important Dates
GMS application live: March 29th
Question and Answer period: begins Wednesday, March 29, 2023, and ends Monday, April 10, 2023
Question and Answer office hours session 2: Wednesday, April 5, 2023, from 11 a.m.-noon.
Questions and Answers published by Friday, April 14, 2023
Grant applications due in GMS: Friday, May 12, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
Award decisions made by: Friday June 2, 2023
Stronger Connections Grant Resources
Stronger Connections Grant Questions and Answers
Stronger Connections Grant Scoring Rubric
Stronger Connections Equitable Services Outreach Letter (Template)
Stronger Connections Equitable Services Documentation of Consultation (Template)