Archived FedPro Message

For more information about the programs discussed below,

please contact the Federal Financial Management Section (573) 751-8280.

Instructional Coaches in Title I Programs

List Serve Message Date:  May 7, 2009

We have received a lot of questions regarding the use of instructional coaches in Title I schools.  We have received clarification from the USED (United States Education Department).  In Schoolwide buildings, the LEA could use reading or mathematic coaches to provide professional development to all teachers.  However, the professional development should concentrate on instructional strategies that would help all students succeed but particularly the low achieving students.

The use of instructional coaches in a Title I targeted assistance program is more difficult.   On the ARRA website, there is a Fact Sheet document called American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Title I, Part A Recovery Funds for Grants to Local Education Agencies.   Under the uses of Title I, Part A Recovery Funds, one of the potential uses of Title I funds is --- Using reading or mathematics coaches to provide professional development to teachers in Title I targeted assistance programs.   Based upon information received on a conference call with the USED (United States Education Department), this fact sheet was misleading.  It should have said an LEA may use reading or mathematics coaches to provide professional development to teachers of participating Title I students in Title I targeted assistance programs (see NCLB Law, Section 1115(c)(1)(F)- Components of a Targeted Assistance School Program).

The following examples outline documentation required to rebut supplanting if a LEA chooses to use Title I paid instructional coaches in targeted assistance programs.

• If the eligible and participating building is a K-5 building but the school chooses to provide Title I targeted instructional services to K-3 only, the instructional coach could only provide professional development to teachers of participating Title I students in grades K-3.  The LEA would need to document that each teacher receiving PD services from the Title I paid coach was a teacher of a participating Title I student. 
• If the eligible and participating building is a K-5 building and all grades are served, the LEA would need to document that every teacher that was served by the reading or mathematics coach taught a participating Title I student some time throughout the day. 

In addition to the documentation rebutting supplant, the LEA should require the reading or mathematics coach to provide professional development that assists teachers in instructional strategies that would be applicable for the Title I students.

Bette Morff

Coordinator, Federal Grants and Financial Management

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

PO Box 480

Jefferson City, MO  65102

Telephone:  (573) 751-8280