Frequently Asked Questions

1. What federal funding sources can be used to purchase Ellevation?

The most common funding sources our partners use are Title I, Title II, and Title III. These grants are specifically designed to support key areas of education that Ellevation Platform and Strategies directly address, such as increasing academic achievement for students who are failing or at-risk of failing (Title I), improving teacher quality and professional development (Title II), and ensuring that ELs attain English proficiency and academic success (Title III). 

See our Buyer’s Guide for a comprehensive overview of each funding source and options for purchasing Ellevation. 

2. What is supplanting, and is there a difference between how it applies to Title I versus how it applies to Title III?

Supplanting occurs when a district pays for something using federal funds when it is required to use other funds because of another law or regulation, or, in the case of Title III, if it was previously purchased with a different funding source. 

There are significant differences in the supplanting requirements between Title I and Title III:

3. How do I ensure that a new purchase with Title I funds, like Ellevation, is "supplemental" and not "supplanting" an existing program?

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the supplanting test for Title I has shifted (Sec. 1118(b). It now focuses on the methodology a district uses to allocate state and local funds. The key is to demonstrate that the services or resources you're purchasing with Title I funds are in addition to the core EL services required by state and local laws, and that the purchase is not replacing a service that would have otherwise been provided with non-Title I funds.

4. Can Title I funds be used for district-wide purchases for ELs, or are they limited to specific schools or programs?

Yes. Title I can be used for district-wide purchases. Title I, Section 1112(e)(3)(A) says, “Each local education agency using funds under this part or Title III to provide a language instruction educational program . . .” The words, “this part”, refer to the section of ESSA, which is Title I, Part A. This documents that Title I funds can be used for EL programs. Note also that this is a local education agency (LEA) level directive, not school level. Many EL requirements in Title I are LEA-level requirements.

Education regulations indicate that it is allowable for districts to reserve Title I funds for the purposes of school improvement and coordinating services (Education Regulations EDGAR 34 CFR 200.77(f)). 

School improvement and accountability include English language proficiency for ELs. These are district requirements, and since districts are required to coordinate and integrate services provided by Title I with other educational services, such as services for ELs (Sec. 1112(c)(4)), districts may reserve Title I funds to use for a purchase of Ellevation Platform and Strategies.

5. Can I use multiple funding sources for a purchase?

Yes. It is allowable to pay for Ellevation using Title I and another (or multiple other) ESSA funding stream. Education regulations 34 CFR 76.760 indicate that “More than one program may assist a single activity.” 

Using more than one funding stream includes requirements to comply with each program’s requirements and having appropriate fiscal accounting in place. This may be called split funding, blending, or braiding. 

When submitting or amending a local education agency’s (LEA’s) grant application to the state, justification for using each funding stream should be based on how Ellevation’s products help meet the intents and purposes of each grant separately.

6. Can I use state and/or local funding sources to purchase Ellevation?

Yes. While federal grants are a popular option, many districts also use state or local funds to purchase Ellevation. These can include state-specific grants, bilingual or dual language program budgets, technology-specific funds, and general fund resources. 

For more detailed information on state-specific options, check out our buyer’s guides.

7. Does Ellevation offer flexible purchasing options for districts with different needs?

Yes. We understand that one size doesn't fit all. Our team collaborates with each district to develop a customized plan tailored to their unique budget and program objectives.

8. What is the best first step for a district considering Ellevation?

The best first step is to book a demo. 

This allows our team to provide a personalized demonstration of our solutions and, most importantly, have a strategic conversation to understand your specific needs and goals. We'll then work with you to identify the most suitable funding sources and help you build a compelling case for your district's leadership.

9. Can Ellevation help us with the grant application process?

Yes. We have a wealth of resources and knowledge about various funding streams. While we can't write your grant applications for you, we can be a valuable partner. We can provide you with helpful language and justifications that align Ellevation's solutions with the specific requirements of federal, state, and local grants. 

To get started, you can explore our grant assistance documents and book a demo with a member of our team.