Enhance Professional-Development Opportunities Using Federal Programs
Thomas J. Cathey, EdD
Director for Legal/Legislative Issues, ACSI
Editor's Note: All articles referred to in this article may be accessed on the ACSI website at www.acsi.org/kwllrefarticles under Government Programs & Funding.
A past issue of Legal/Legislative Update contained an article titled “Government Programs and Funding—A Risk to Pursue or Avoid?” This article gave an overview of why Christian schools should consider participation in government programs and funding. ACSI is committed to providing high-quality professional development opportunities to member schools through the Summer Institute, the Leadership Academy, teacher conventions, conferences, and many other regional events. The expense of some of these ACSI opportunities may be at least partly offset with federal funds through your school’s participation in programs under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has been supportive of private schools through its Office of Non-Public Education. Its programs are not designed to dismantle schools’ core beliefs and values.
The tips contained in this article help in accessing federal programs for the purpose of enhancing your professional-development programs. Greater detail is available through your local education agency (LEA) or through DOE’s website at www.ed.gov/nclb/ choice/schools/privbenefits/pub_pg2.html.
Tips for Maximizing Federal Programs for Professional Development
1. Accept the invitation to participate when asked by your local education agency. Local education agencies must ensure equitable participation by private schools in No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) federal programs.
Your school should receive an invitation from the LEA to participate in federal education programs. Accept the invitation to participate, and evaluate the opportunity for yourself. Contact your LEA if you do not hear from them.
2. Contact your LEA if you have opted not to participate in a federal program in the past. Most LEAs will issue a written participation form to indicate whether a private school opts to participate in a federal program or service. If your school is on record as not having participated in the past, contact your LEA and indicate your desire to participate in the next opportunity. Each member school should consult with its LEA to learn about the benefits and services available to teachers and administrators. LEAs are required to consult with private school officials about the federal education programs and benefits that are available.
3. Highlight professional-development programs that are not currently being funded and that may qualify for funding under one of the federal programs. NCLB programs for professional development are designed to assist in the ongoing effort to improve the overall quality of teaching. As you prepare for the school year, you should assess what professional-development opportunities would help your teachers and administrators improve student academic achievement. Professional-development activities may include the following:
- Improving the knowledge of teachers, principals, and other educational personnel in effective teaching strategies, methods, or skills in one or more of the core academic subjects (math, science, English/language arts, foreign language, history/social science/geography, visual/performing arts, economics)
- Training in effectively integrating technology into curricula and instruction
- Training in how to teach students who have different needs, including students who have disabilities or limited English proficiency, and gifted and talented students
- Training in ways to improve student behavior—identifying early or appropriate intervention and involving parents more effectively in their children’s education
- Training in management and leadership development to improve the quality of principals and superintendents
- Training in the use of data and assessment to improve instruction and student outcomes Present your professional-development needs to your LEA at the consultation.
4. From the ACSI website, download the booklet on NCLB benefits to private schools. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has produced a booklet containing a brief overview of all the federal programs available to nonpublic schools.
5. Complete the necessary LEA forms to participate in the federal program. Participation forms and timelines will vary from one LEA to another. Forms or participation procedures should be available from your LEA upon request. Be sure to check the submission deadlines. Professional-development opportunities for private school educators are also available under a number of other NCLB programs—for example, technology training under Title II, Part D and Title II, Part A Teacher and Principal Preparation.
In March 2009, DOE revised its program-guidance report titled Title IX, Part E Uniform Provisions Subpart 1—Private Schools: Equitable Services for Eligible Private School Students, Teachers, and Other Educational Personnel.
Maureen Dowling, educational program specialist for DOE’s Office of Non-Public Schools, has issued a memo that provides guidance regarding Christian schools’ opportunities to participate in Title II services for professional development. She has also provided new guidance on Title II, Part A funds and the formula for determining the portion of ACSI convention costs that can be covered.
CSE 13.4 Legal Report