Key Issue: School Improvement Grants

What is the School Improvement Grant Program?
The School Improvement Grant (SIG) program is a federal formula-based funding program contained in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). It is intended to provide resources to improve student achievement in low-achieving Title I schools. Under SIG, states apply for their allotment of federal funds and then provide a substantial portion of those funds to eligible districts by conducting a state application process.

The eligible districts must use those funds to “reform” low-achieving schools as defined by federal guidelines. This summer, the U.S. Department of Education approved Pennsylvania’s application for $141 million. Eligible districts applied in July to PDE for a share of the funds, and PDE announced recipients on August 26, 2010.

Read PSEA's statement on the grants and list of schools receiving funding 

Resources for PSEA Members:

• School Improvement Grant frequently asked questions - June 2010
  Includes general information and specific questions and answers on school intervention models, implementation, use of funds, application processes, and union issues.
   
• School Improvement Grant Advisory - February 2011
  A review of the enhanced federal School Improvement Grant program and its potential impact on participating schools. 
   
• Advisory: Comparing Race to the Top and School Improvement Grants - (June 2010)
  Both the RTTT and SIG programs are intended to improve student achievement in low-achieving schools, and both programs utilize funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to direct unprecedented funding toward education reform (RTTT is distributing $4.3 billion and SIG $3.4 billion this year).  Pennsylvania was not selected as a Phase 2 awardee for RTTT funds. The Obama administration plans to request funding for a third phase in next year’s budget.

Questions about School Improvement Grants can be sent to Carla Claycomb, PSEA Education Services Division.