Title III- Immigrant

Immigrant Children and Youth Program

The Immigrant Children and Youth Program targets local educational agencies (LEAs) experiencing a substantial increase of immigrant children and youth. This program provides financial assistance to LEAs with immigrant students through a formula. Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education informs LEAs that returned their counts and qualify for this program.  Funds for this program are known as Title III-Immigrant because they are a part of Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Definition

Immigrant Children and Youth are individuals:

(1) who are ages 3 through 21;
(2) who were not born in any State; and
(3) who have not been attending one or more schools in any state for more than three full academic years.

Allowable Uses of Title III- Immigrant Funds

LEAs experiencing a substantial increase in immigrant children and youth are targeted to receive funds that must be used to pay for activities that provide enhanced instructional opportunities for immigrant children and youth, and may include: 

1. professional development for classroom teachers, ESL staff, and administrators on effective instruction for ELs;

2. professional materials related to effective instruction for ELs beyond LEA-provided funds;

3. registration and expenses to ESL-specific conferences (TESOL, MELL, NABE, etc.);

4. peer coaching to develop teacher expertise in providing effective instruction to ELs;

5. stipends for teachers to obtain ESL endorsement;

6. implementation of English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards;

7. additional enhancements to ESL services beyond the core program including supplemental staff;

8. summer learning opportunities;

9. instructional materials to support additional ESL services: a. native language reading and resource materials; b. leveled readers and trade books in addition to core textbook; and c. English language development software.

10. transportation to before-school, after-school, or Saturday ESL-specific tutoring programs;

11. stipend for teacher for before-school, after-school, or Saturday ESL-specific tutoring programs;

12. salaries for certain paraprofessionals that provide services beyond the requirements in a Lau Plan (an equal access plan that protects ELs);

13. English language classes for parents or guardians;

14. parental involvement programs that are above and beyond general school functions such as parent-teacher conferences and interpreters for family nights;

15. electronic devices, such as electronic translators and audio equipment; and

16. capital outlay (instructional resources and parent education).

 

Answers to Questions about Immigrant Children and Youth Programs

  1. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not collect information on the legal basis for any student’s current residence in the US (e.g. citizenship status, permanent residency, visas, etc.).  Districts must stay away from asking questions that may create a chilling effect and discourage students and families from enrolling in school.  The definition target will determine the total cumulative number of months that the student has attended schools in the United States.  Date and place of birth, and prior schooling may help to determine eligibility.  Immigration status questions have no bearing on whether or not the student meets the definition.
  2. Students adopted by U.S. citizens and foreign exchange students may be identified as Immigrant (Title III) code if they meet the definition above.
  3. According to the U.S. Department of Education, students born in the territories of the United States other than Puerto Rico are not considered born in the US for purposes of determining immigrants under Title III. These territories include American Samoa, Guam, Marianas Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands. These students are considered 'not born in the US'. Children born outside the US to military personnel and children born outside the US and adopted by US citizens are considered 'not born in the US'.

Additional Resources