Welcome to Federal Programs and Grants

The Office of Federal Programs works to promote academic excellence, enhance educational opportunities and equity for our children and families. We aim to improve the quality of teaching and learning by providing leadership, technical assistance and financial resources to support districtwide and school initiatives. Each year, Paterson receives federal funds to support the operation of the Title I programs, with a focus on the following areas:

Implementing the New Jersey Tiered System of Support (NJTSS)
Focusing on grade-level literacy rates
Focusing on Algebra I outcomes
Supporting a positive school climate
Focusing on rates of chronic absenteeism
Increasing availability of job-embedded professional development

Formula grants under ESSA that affect the Paterson Public School District are primarily governed by:

Title I, Part A – Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies
Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction
Title III, Part A – English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement and Academic Achievement
Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (newly reauthorized under ESSA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Weren’t there always stakeholder engagement requirements? Which stakeholder engagement requirements are new?	Yes, school districts were always required to consult stakeholders regarding how to spend federal funds received under ESEA. The NJDOE is emphasizing stakeholder engagement activities as an important and best practice in meeting the needs of students.
When will school districts be notified of their 2019-20 ESEA allocations?	The NJDOE anticipates notifications will be posted between April and May.
Do Title I, Part A funds need to be used to provide programs and/or services directly related to standardized test scores?	Title I, Part A funds may be used for a wide variety of activities, programs, and services to improve student achievement. Some of these may not seem directly related to standardized test scores. For instance, Title I, Part A funds may be used to reduce chronic absenteeism, implement a tiered system of support and intervention to meet student needs, support health and mental health services, and also may be used for many other programs and activities.
How can Title I, Part A funds be used in a school with a targeted assistance program for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or concurrent enrollment classes (i.e. high school courses for college credit)?	Title I, Part A funds may be used to provide a variety of services to Title I-eligible students in this regard. For instance, if participating students need additional training prior to entering such courses, the school could use its Title I funds to provide AP/IB preparation activities, such as tutoring. In addition, the school could use its Title I, Part A funds to pay AP/IB test fees for participating Title I students.