ESSA Tiers of Evidence
The ESSA Tiers of Evidence provides districts and schools with a framework for determining the quality of research evidence for programs, practices, strategies, and interventions.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that the Branching Minds platform meets the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Level II Standards of Evidence, with improved student outcomes in reading and math:
Based on the What Works Clearinghouse’s improvement index:
- Student scores improved by 4 percentile points in math and more than 5 percentile points in reading compared to students not supported with an intervention plan in Branching Minds.
MTSS Federal Funding and Branching Minds
As you embark on your MTSS journey with Branching Minds, we are committed to helping you achieve sustained, improved outcomes.
We will guide you to find the funds for your purchase, support you through data integration, and provide ongoing support and professional learning throughout the partnership.
Federal Grants and MTSS Funding
Title I Part A, and Section 1003a, School Improvement Grants
Title I Part A provides funding to schools with high populations of low-income students to ensure that all children have the opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at a minimum, proficiency with State academic achievement standards and state academic assessments.
State education agencies must distribute:
- Up to 7% of their Title I allocation to local educational agencies to implement comprehensive support and improvement activities or Targeted support and improvement activities for the lowest-performing schools in the state, often called School Improvement Grants (SIG), or Title I Part A, 1003a.
Title II Part A
The purpose of Title II Part A is to increase the academic achievement of all students by helping schools and districts improve teacher and principal quality and ensure that all students have access to highly qualified teachers. This includes teacher preparation and qualifications of new teachers, recruitment and hiring, induction, professional development, and retention. I
In addition, Title IIA funds may be used to improve the skills and knowledge of principals for effective school leadership.
Title III Funding
The Title III grant program is known as the English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement Act. Title III provides funding to help districts supplement their English language instruction programs.
Title IV Part A
The purpose of the Title IV Part A grant is to improve academic achievement by providing students with access to a well-rounded education, including rigorous coursework, and to improve school conditions (safe and healthy schools) and the use of technology.
Title IV Part B: 21st Center Community Learning Centers
The 21st Century Community Learning Center part of Title IV supports academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.
The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.
Title V Part B
Title V, Part B—the Rural Education Initiative—is designed to help states and districts meet the unique needs of rural school districts that frequently lack the personnel and resources needed to compete effectively for federal competitive grants and receive formula funds in amounts too small to be effective in meeting their intended purposes. Title V, Part B is comprised of two main programs:
- Subpart 1: The Small Rural School Achievement Program (SRSA) provides funds for schools with small populations in rural areas. Any activities allowed under Title I, Title II, and Title IV Part A and B are allowed under this program.
- Subpart 2: The Rural and Low-Income Schools Program (RLIS) provides funds to districts to help improve the quality of teaching and learning. Eligible districts are in rural areas with high concentration of high-poverty students, regardless of district size.Any activities allowed under Title I, Title II, and Title III are allowed under this program.
IDEA PART B: Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring that all children with disabilities have available to them a free, appropriate public education that emphasizes participation in the least restrictive environment, provision of services designed to meet their unique needs, and preparation for further education, employment, and independent living.
While IDEA funds are typically restricted for use in providing direct services and support to students with disabilities, up to 15% of the IDEA Part B may be spent on Coordinated Early Intervention Services (CEIS). CEIS activities include professional development for teachers and other school staff as well as scientifically based academic and behavioral interventions to K–12 students without a disability.
