Title III, Part A: Language Instruction for English Learners & Immigrant Students
Title III is a federal entitlement through Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) that focuses on supplemental services for English Learners (EL) and recently arrived Immigrant Children and Youth. Title III funding provides student support for language acquisition and achievement.
The primary focus of the Title III program is to ensure that our EL are learning English while meeting rigorous state content area standards. The focus of Title III is to assist Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) by providing academic and linguistic support through additional bilingual staff, supplemental instructional materials, and language acquisition software. In accordance with ESSA guidelines, our ELs are assessed annually on English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through the ACCESS for ELL assessments developed through the WIDA consortium. Similar to other ESSA entitlement grants, the funding allocations are based on district student population.
English Learners account for almost ten percent of the kindergarten through 12th grade enrollment in Florida public schools, ranking third in the nation in EL student population. Although Spanish is the predominant language spoken by ELs (almost 75%), our English Learners speak more than 243 languages. Upon school enrollment, students complete a Home Language Survey (HLS) identifying if English is not their first language or if another language other than English is spoken in the home. Students are then assessed for proficiency in English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. If assessment results determine linguistic support is needed to ensure academic success, students are placed in the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program and can be provided Title III services.
Resources
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title III- Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students
- Non-Regulatory Guidance: English Learners and Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
- Ensuring English Learner Students Can Participate Meaningfully and Equally in Educational Programs
- Our Nation’s English Learners
- Title III Grant Q&A, National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition
- Title III State Formula Grants
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title III- Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students
- Key Requirements Related to Title III, Part A, Equitable Services to Private Schools (PDF)
Contact Information
Raydel Hernandez
Director, Title III, Part A
850-245-0956