Title III EL Student Program Overview
This page provides a summary of the English learner (EL) student program as a part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title III, Part A.The purpose of the Title III English Learner (EL) Student Program is to ensure
that all EL students attain English proficiency,
develop high levels of academic attainment in English, and meet
the same challenging state academic standards as all other students.
(20 United States Code § 6812.)
To support this goal, the U.S. Department of Education
allocates Title III funds to state educational agencies,
such as the California Department of Education, to provide
subgrants to eligible local educational agencies based on the
number of EL students enrolled.
All school districts, county offices of education and direct-funded
charter schools that report the enrollment of
one or more EL students on the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System are eligible
to participate in the Title III EL Student Program Subgrant.
Funds must be used for the following supplementary services as
part of the language instruction program for EL students:
- Increase the English language proficiency of English learners by providing effective language instruction educational programs;
- Provide effective professional development to classroom teachers, principals and other school leaders, administrators, and other school or community-based organizational personnel;
- Provide activities and strategies that enhance educational programs for English learners which include parent, family and community engagement.
In addition, Title III English learner student program funds may be used for:
- Upgrading program objectives and effective instructional strategies;
- Improving the instructional program for English learners by identifying, acquiring, and upgrading curricula, instructional materials, educational software, and assessment procedures;
- Providing to English learners tutorials and academic or career and technical education; and intensified instruction;
- Developing and implementing effective preschool, elementary school, or secondary school language instruction educational programs that are coordinated with other relevant programs and services;
- Improving the English language proficiency and academic achievement of English learners;
- Providing community participation programs, family literacy services, and parent and family outreach and training activities to English learners and their families;
- Improving the instruction of English learners, which may include English learners with a disability;
- Offering early college high school or dual or concurrent enrollment programs or courses designed to help English learners achieve success in postsecondary education;
- Direct administration expenses for a fiscal year not to exceed two percent of such funds for the cost of administering the program;
- Local educational agencies are authorized to assess indirect cost rates to the portion of the subgrant that is not reserved for direct administrative costs; and;
- Other activities that are consistent with the purposes of the program.