Private School Participation in Title I, Part A, of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 174

August 26, 2005

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

FROM:

Jo Lynne DeMary

Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT:

Private School Participation in Title I, Part A, of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

This information is being provided as school divisions prepare to implement 2005-2006 Title I programs. Under the general provisions in Title IX of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), local education agencies (LEAs) receiving funds must comply with provisions of participation by private school children and teachers. This provision requires, after meaningful consultation with private schools, the equitable participation in services and/or benefits to private school children, their teachers, and other educational personnel. The educational services or other benefits, including materials and equipment, shall be secular, neutral, and non-ideological.

School divisions are required to engage in meaningful consultations with private schools that may serve children who reside within Title I eligible attendance areas. These consultations could result in the provision of limited services by the school division at the school division site (usually services that do not require the transporting of private school children). According to a ruling by Virginias Attorney General, Virginia school divisions may not directly provide more comprehensive Title I services to private school students and educators. If such services are required, the U.S. Secretary of Education makes arrangements to provide services to eligible private school children through a special contract. This is called the Bypass provision.

The purpose of meaningful consultation, as it relates to Title I, is to ensure that private schools are aware of available services through the LEA and of available services through the provisions of the Bypass. School divisions that receive positive interest from private schools regarding a desire to receive services from Title I, Part A, should seek further information from the appropriate state Title I specialist.

Questions from school divisions located in Regions I, II, and IV should be directed to Mr. Shady Clark, Jr. (shady.clark@doe.virginia.gov) at 804-225-2901; in Regions III and VII to Mrs. Doris (Gabie) Frazier (gabie.frazier@doe.virginia.gov) at 804-225-2907, in Regions V and VI to Dr. Philip Iovino (Philip.iovino@doe.virginia.gov) at (804) 371-2934, and in Region VIII to Ms. Rita Ghazal rita.ghazal@doe.virginia.gov) at (804) 225-2904.

With the understanding that Virginia is a Bypass state, additional information on private school participation can be found on the Internet at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oii/nonpublic/index.html.

JLD/BAS/hmt