Section 31A
What is section 31A?
Section 31a of the State School Aid Act provides funding to eligible districts for supplementary instructional and pupil support services for pupils who meet the at-risk criteria specified in the legislation.
What students are eligible to benefit from 31A funds?
Students must be AT RISK:
A. Low Achievement on MEAP in Math, ELA, or Science (grades 4-12)
OR
B. Failure to meet curricular objectives in ELA or Math (grades K-3)
OR
C. Two or more of the following risk factors:
Eligibility worksheet Grades 4-12
Eligibility worksheet Grades K-3
How can my school use 31A funds?
What is not allowed with 31A funds?
Compliance Requirements for 31A Programs and Staff
School Improvement team must review and approve the following documents each year:
All programs and materials purchased must be research-based and vetted
Pre and post assessments of each student in the areas in which they receive services - must show gains with data (multiple measures)
Must keep all files for 5 years
Section 31a of the State School Aid Act provides funding to eligible districts for supplementary instructional and pupil support services for pupils who meet the at-risk criteria specified in the legislation.
What students are eligible to benefit from 31A funds?
Students must be AT RISK:
A. Low Achievement on MEAP in Math, ELA, or Science (grades 4-12)
OR
B. Failure to meet curricular objectives in ELA or Math (grades K-3)
OR
C. Two or more of the following risk factors:
- Student is a victim of abuse or neglect
- Student is pregnant
- Student is a teenage parent
- Family history of school failure
- Family history of substance abuse
- Family history of incarceration
- Atypical behavior patterns
- Atypical attendance patterns
- Eligible for free or reduced school lunch
- Below grade level in ELA or Math
Eligibility worksheet Grades 4-12
Eligibility worksheet Grades K-3
How can my school use 31A funds?
- To pay salaries and benefits for instructional staff (tutors, teachers, parapros) who work EXCLUSIVELY with eligible students
- To pay salaries and benefits for non-istructional staff (physicians, nurses, dietitians, psychologists) who are providing direct non-instructional services to eligible students
- To purchase services, supplies and materials for instructional and direct non- instructional services for eligible students
- To pay for operation, maintenance, and pupil transportation costs for programs provided outside of the regular school day or year for eligible students
- To pay for school breakfast programs
- To reduce class sizes (the State of MI is VERY picky about this one, so make sure you review the requirements for using funding in this way. I recommend THIS handbook for details)
What is not allowed with 31A funds?
- Replacing an existing program with a new program that is paid for with 31A funds.
- Payment for Professional Development
- Funding for parental involvement programs
- Administrative costs
- Funding for developmental Kindergarten
- Funding for transitional 1st grade
- To pay salaries or benefits of staff who do not work exclusively with eligible students
- To provide services to Special Ed students
Compliance Requirements for 31A Programs and Staff
School Improvement team must review and approve the following documents each year:
- Program Description
- Eligibility Process
- Student Selection Process
- Regrouping Process
- Exit Process
- Program Evaluation
All programs and materials purchased must be research-based and vetted
Pre and post assessments of each student in the areas in which they receive services - must show gains with data (multiple measures)
Must keep all files for 5 years