Title III is a supplemental grant under the ESEA that is designed to improve and enhance the education of English learners (ELs) in becoming proficient in English, as well as meeting the Colorado Academic Content standards. The Title III Immigrant Set-Aside grant resides within this program and provides opportunities for LEAs to enhance the instructional opportunities for immigrant students and their families.

Colorado’s Title III allocation is based on the number of ELs reported through the American Community Survey and U.S. Census data. CDE reserves 5% of its Title III allocation for the Immigrant Set-Aside grant (see corresponding guidance). Annual local education agency (LEA), including district or consortia, allocations are based on the number of English learners reported through the annual Student October Count. The previous Student October count informs the subsequent school year Title III allocation. An LEA or consortium allocation must meet or exceed $10,000 in order to apply for a Title III grant.

Administration

Grantees may not use more than two percent of annual allocations for administration of the Title III grant. However, as a result of the ESSA changes, any funds the LEA reserves for administrative costs may be used only for direct administrative costs. This provides an LEA with flexibility to apply its restricted indirect cost rate to the portion of its subgrant that it does not reserve for administrative costs.

Supplement, Not Supplant

Title III 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 that would otherwise be purchased with State and/or local funds.

Expiration

LEAs have 27 months in which to request allocated Title III funds beginning July 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds are allocated. For example, FY 16-17 funds begin the 27 month countdown on July 1, 2016. Once funds have expired, there is no recourse to recover the funds.

Equitable Services

Eligible private school students attending a non-public school may receive equitable services under Title III, Part A. LEAs must ensure that timely and meaningful consultation occurs with appropriate private school officials with the goal of reaching agreement on how to provide equitable and effective programs for eligible students.