Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction
Eligibility
All California local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive federal Title II, Part A funds are eligible. Funding is distributed by formula through CDE based on student enrollment and poverty rates. Districts use the funds to improve teacher and principal effectiveness.
- Eligible: All California public school districts and charter schools
- Priority uses include recruiting, developing, and retaining effective teachers
- STEM, coding, and technology PD are explicitly allowable uses
- Districts must submit a consolidated application to CDE
Program Goals
Title II, Part A is designed to improve student achievement by increasing the effectiveness of teachers and principals. In practice, districts use these funds to pay for professional development, coaching, curriculum training, and teacher recruitment in high-need subject areas like STEM and computer science.
Districts that want to build teacher capacity in coding, AI literacy, or physical computing can use Title II-A to fund the PD that makes that possible. Teacher training on micro:bit and MicroChat curriculum qualifies when documented as improving instructional quality in a specific subject area.
Application and Distribution
Title II-A flows to districts automatically as part of the consolidated ESSA federal grant. Districts include their Title II-A spending plans in the annual consolidated application they submit to CDE. No separate competitive process is required at the local level.
Grant Award Amount
Nationally, Title II-A is funded at over $2 billion per year. California receives several hundred million dollars annually. Individual district allocations vary significantly by enrollment and poverty concentration. Districts typically receive enough to fund several professional development programs or instructional coaches each year.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- MicroChat — AI-powered classroom learning tool that introduces students to artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts. Qualifies for AI literacy, educational technology, and computer science grant programs.
- micro:bit Classroom Kits — Classroom sets of programmable microcontrollers for hands-on coding and physical computing. Qualifies as K-12 CS hardware; supports standards-aligned programming instruction across grade levels.
- MicroChat — AI-powered classroom learning tool that introduces students to artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts. Qualifies for AI literacy, educational technology, and computer science grant programs.
Keep in Mind
Title II-A guidelines favor sustained, job-embedded professional development over one-time workshops. Plan a multi-session training sequence, not a single kickoff day.
Track how teacher practice changes after training. Pre- and post-observation data, teacher self-assessments, and student outcome data strengthen your compliance documentation.
Title II-A spending should connect to your school or district's broader improvement plan. Frame coding and CS teacher development as part of a school-wide STEM strategy.
If your district uses an instructional coach model, coaches who specialize in STEM and coding can be funded through Title II-A. This is often a stronger use than one-time PD events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction in California?
All California local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive federal Title II, Part A funds are eligible. Funding is distributed by formula through CDE based on student enrollment and poverty rates. Districts use the funds to improve teacher and principal effectiveness. Eligible: All California public school districts and charter schools Priority uses include recruiting, developing, and retaining effective teachers STEM, coding, and technology PD are explicitly allowable uses Districts must sub
How much funding is available through Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction?
Funding varies by cycle and applicant. Check the current program guidelines for up-to-date award amounts.
Can Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
Do schools need to apply for Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction?
Title II-A flows to districts automatically as part of the consolidated ESSA federal grant. Districts include their Title II-A spending plans in the annual consolidated application they submit to CDE. No separate competitive process is required at the local level.
How can Forward Education help with Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for California schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — TEKS, Common Core, and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
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