Section 1120A(c) of No Child Left Behind states that local educational agencies (LEAs) may receive Title I funds only if state and local funds will be used in schools served under Title I Part A to provide services that, taken as a whole, are at least comparable to services in schools that are not receiving funds under Title I Part A. If all the LEA's schools receive Title I services, the LEA may receive Title I funds only if state and local funds are used to provide services, that taken as a whole, are substantially comparable in each school.
To prove comparability, a district needs to examine the state and locally paid instructional staff in all schools being compared. The calculation of comparability is determined by examining the total Full Time Equivalent (FTE) of instructional staff in all schools being compared. A district, however, may exclude state and locally paid instructional staff--in supplemental programs that meet the intent and purpose of Title I, language instruction education programs for limited English proficient students, and the excess costs in programs providing assistance to students with disabilities. Districts must keep the data used to make the Title I Comparability Report calculations in the district audit file. If a district includes NSLA funded activities, the activity must meet Title I requirements.
Neither the Title I Comparability Report Form nor the requirements of comparability have changed from the 2004-2005 school year.
REMEMBER, ONLY SCHOOL DISTRICTS WITH MORE THAN ONE SCHOOL PER GRADE LEVEL ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE TITLE I COMPARABILITY REPORT.
If an LEA is found not to be in compliance with the comparability requirement, funds are to either be withheld from the LEA or repaid by the LEA for the time period of non-compliance. Whether funds are withheld or repaid depends on when the violation is determined. Because the purpose of the comparability requirement is to ensure that Title I schools receive the same level of services from State and local funds as other schools, determinations must be made as early as possible in the school year. The deadline for submission is December 1, 2005.
The attached report form is in Excel format. To move between the different pages of the report, the district must use the tabs at the bottom of the page. The district must copy the report to a district computer. When completed, the district must print the report, have the person responsible for completing the report sign it, and submit to:
Ms. Patsy Hammond, Federal Programs Analyst
Arkansas Department of Education
No. 4 Capitol Mall, Room 102-A
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1071
For assistance, contact Ms, Hammond at 501-682-4275.