Title I, Part A – Improving Basic Programs (Illinois)
Forecasted
Title I, Part A – Improving Basic Programs provides supplemental funding from the Illinois State Board of Education to boost academic achievement in schools serving large low-income student populations.
Funder: Illinois State Board of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026: Annual Constitutionally Protected Prayer Certification deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: Formula-based; varies by LEA and annual allocation, typically in the hundreds of thousands to millions per district per year.
Summary: Provides supplemental federal funding to Illinois LEAs serving high percentages of low-income students to support academic achievement and close achievement gaps.
Key Information: Annual prayer certification is required for eligibility; funds supplement, not supplant, state/local resources.
Description
This program provides annual formula grants to Illinois Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with high percentages or numbers of children from low-income families. The funding aims to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for disadvantaged students, supporting supplemental academic resources, interventions, professional development, family engagement, and services for homeless and nonpublic school students. The program is designed to help all students meet rigorous state academic standards, especially those at risk of failing, and emphasizes equitable access and collaboration between public and nonpublic schools. All funds must supplement, not replace, existing state and local funding.
