Purpose

The Innovative Programs State Grants assist local education reform efforts that are consistent with and support statewide reform efforts. They also support state and local efforts to implement promising education reform programs, provide a continuing source of innovation and educational improvement, help meet the special education needs of at-risk and high-need students, and support programs to improve school, student, and teacher performance.

WHAT'S NEW--The No Child Left Behind Act

Increases Accountability for Student Performance

• Requires an annual achievement report. States are now required to submit an annual statewide summary of how the program is improving student achievement or improving the quality of education for students.

Reduces Bureaucracy and Increases Flexibility

• Increases aid to school districts. States must distribute 100 percent of the funds that they receive beyond what they received in FY 2002 to districts. For small states, at least 50 percent of those funds must be distributed to districts. This ensures that funding reaches the schools and teachers closest to students rather than state offices.

How It Works

Funds are allocated by formula, based on states' relative share of the school-age population, with each state receiving a minimum of one-half of one percent. States must award subgrants of at least 85 percent of their funds to districts based on the relative enrollments in public and private schools. State education agencies (SEAs) may use their share of program funds for supporting school choice options, school renovations, technology, or implementing other state reforms.

How It Achieves Quality

The Innovative Programs State Grants program provides SEAs and districts with additional funding to support high-quality, innovative educational programs. Funding can be used in a broad range of areas to improve academic achievement and the quality of education for students, to improve teacher quality, and to improve school performance.

How Performance Is Measured

The district must conduct an annual evaluation that describes how the programs that it supported affected student academic achievement.

Key Activities For The State Education Agencies

State education agencies must:

• Submit an annual statewide summary to the U.S. Department of Education based on evaluation information submitted by districts.
• Allocate funds to districts, provide technical assistance to districts, and carry out state-level innovative programs.