Of the $787 billion
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) signed into law by President Obama in February, $115 billion is allocated to education.
School districts can utilize federal stimulus dollars from the ARRA to fund Ombudsman programs that help improve outcomes for at-risk students, support important academic achievement goals, reduce dropouts and improve graduation rates.
The ARRA includes:
• $13 billion in
Title I funds;
• $11.3 billion in
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) state grants; and
• $5 billion in state incentive and innovation grants to be awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Student Achievement Grants, formula grants (such as the
Enhancing Education through Technology [Ed-Tech] State Program), Title I funds, categorical grants and IDEA funds can be used for alternative education and special education programs provided by Ombudsman.
Federal funding is also available for Ombudsman PLUS, a dedicated program for middle and high school students with Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs), students who have been suspended or expelled, have attendance issues, or have serious emotional behavioral disorders.
Ombudsman PLUS uses Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a broad range of systemic and individualized strategies for achieving important social and learning outcomes while preventing behaviors of concern. Ombudsman PLUS uses this evidence-based practice to build a positive, respectful culture that promotes social and academic success.
According to the
U.S. Department of Education, “in certain circumstances, including cases of severe budget shortfalls, an LEA may be able to establish compliance with the ‘supplement, not supplant’ requirement, even if it uses Title 1, Part A funds to pay for allowable costs that were previously paid for with state and local funds.” Through its relationships with state and federal education experts, Ombudsman can assist LEAs in determining compliance with the “supplement not supplant” requirement.
Contact us at
stimulus@esa-education.com
to learn how Ombudsman can help improve education outcomes for at-risk students and support important district academic and graduation goals.
All uses of funds must be in conformity with EDGAR (34 CFR Parts 74-86), and Requirements of NCLB Act of 2001, Sec 1120A: Maintenance of Effort, Comparability of Services, and Supplement-Not-Supplant.