Title III

What is Title III?

Funding is made available to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) to provide supplementary programs and services to English learner (EL) students. The purpose of the subgrants is to assist EL students to learn English and meet the challenging State academic standards. Note: Recipients and funding amounts are subject to budget and administrative adjustments. Late applicants will be funded based on availability of funds.

Title III Part A Eligibility Criteria

LEAs that reported the enrollment of one or more EL students through the October California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data Systems are eligible to apply.

LEAs eligible to receive a formula subgrant of $10,000 or more may apply for Title III EL funds directly via the Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS). LEAs eligible to receive a formula subgrant of less than $10,000 must apply as a consortium via the Consortium Online Application (COA).

LEAs must complete a Needs Assessment and develop a plan that delineate the use of Title III funds. The plan must include a budget detailing supplemental activities provided to EL students through use of Title III funds. (Title III, sections 3114(a) and 3116(a).)

Use of Funds

Required Subgrantee Activities

An eligible entity receiving funds under 20 U.S.C. §6825(c) shall use the funds to:

1. Increase the English language proficiency of English learners by providing effective language instruction educational programs;

2. Provide effective professional development; and

3. Provide activities and strategies that enhance educational programs for English learners which include parent, family and community engagement.

Authorized Subgrantee Activities

An eligible entity receiving funds under 20 U.S.C. §6825(d) may use the funds to achieve any of the purposes described in required subgrantee activities by undertaking one of more of the following activities:

1. Upgrading program objectives and effective instructional strategies;

2. Improving the instructional program for English learners by identifying, acquiring, and upgrading curricula, instructional materials, educational software, and assessment procedures;

3. Providing tutorials and academic or career and technical education; and intensified instruction to English learners;

4. Developing and implementing effective preschool, elementary school, or secondary school language instruction educational programs that are coordinated with other relevant programs and services;

5. Improving the ELP and academic achievement of English learners;

6. Providing community participation programs, family literacy services, and parent and family outreach and training activities to English learners and their families;

7. Improving the instruction of English learners, which may include English learners with a disability;

8. Offering early college high school or dual or concurrent enrollment programs or courses designed to help English learners achieve success in postsecondary education;

9. Direct administration expenses for a fiscal year may not exceed two percent of such funds for the cost of administering this subpart. 20 U.S.C. §6825(b); and

10. Local educational agencies (LEAs) are authorized to assess approved indirect cost rates to the portion of the subgrant that is not reserved for direct administration costs.

Title III English Learner Authorized Use Examples

Note: Title III English Learner (EL) funds should be used to improve the education of English learners by assisting children to learn English and meet the challenging State academic standards, as described in 20 United States Code (USC) 6825(a) of federal statute.

Staff working with English learners

• Additional teacher (not core, may be uniquely assigned to English learners)

• Paraprofessional

• Supplemental staff salary, etc.

Professional Development

• For English language development/bilingual and/or mainstream staff who work with English learners that is:

  • Designed to improve the language acquisition and instruction/assessment of English learners

  • Designed to enhance the ability of teachers to understand and use curricula, assessment measures, and instructional strategies

  • Based on scientific research in increasing students' English proficiency; and

  • Of sufficient intensity and duration to have a positive and lasting impact on the teacher's performance in the classroom

Curriculum Upgrade

• For extended day or summer language assistance programs for English learners

Dual Enrollment

• Offering early college high school or dual or concurrent enrollment programs or courses designed to help English learners achieve success in postsecondary education

Social-Emotional

• Securing the services of a counselor who works with English learners traumatized by events unique to the EL and immigrant populations, such as deportation and migration

Tutorials for English learners

Extended Day or Summer Programs for EL students beyond Title I or other summer school time

Community/Family/Parent Programs for Title III parents/families beyond core offering (not translated versions of what is already offered to English Only parents)

• Community participation programs

• Family literacy services/parent outreach

• Training activities

Materials/Supplies/Technology for English learners

• Supplemental curricular materials

• Classroom supplies not provided as core

• Educational software for Title III purposes, not provided with other funds

Translation Services

• Title III specific translation and interpretation activities (not required Title III document translation)

Associated Reports and Yearly Requirements

Title III LCAP Addendum

Implementation

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; and

• Provide activities and strategies that enhance educational programs for English learners which include parent, family and community engagement.

Reference Links 

Title III CDE Website

Title III Allocations 24-25 

• Funding Period July 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025

• Carryover must be fully spent by September 30, 2026

Title III Allocations 25-26

• Funding Period July 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026

• Carryover must be fully spent by September 30, 2026 

Requirements for Paraprofessionals

Requirements for Purchases Over $10,000