Title I High-Performing Schools

Starting in the 2022-2023 school year, NDDPI has expanded the Title I program to include an additional award program to recognize high-performing schools. This expansion represents Title I schools that will serve as a model for all schools across the state striving to meet North Dakota’s accountability measures and goals to close achievement gaps and improve graduation rates.

All schools receiving recognition and awards must be eligible districts that receive federal Title I funds because they have significant numbers of students from low-income families based on census and poverty data. All schools must meet the elements outlined in the accountability framework for North Dakota. School types include elementary schools (grades K-8) and high schools (9-12 grade). Additional award criteria include the school’s performance measures.

High-Performing Schools Criteria 
The school falls within the top 5-10 percent of Title I schools based on the performance of the North Dakota accountability framework from the following indicators using composite scores:

• Student Achievement in ELA and Math
• Student Growth in ELA and Math
• Graduation Rate and Completer Rate
• Choice Ready
• English Learner Proficiency Growth
• Student Engagement
• Schools exiting from Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI)

Awards 
Distribution of funds is dependent upon the amount of reallocated funds available for redistribution and funds returned; therefore, never guaranteed each year. Estimated award amounts are based on the following:

• School Enrollment: 0-300 students up to $60,000
• School Enrollment: 301-800 students up to $70,000
• School Enrollment: 801+ students up to $75,000

Distribution of funds is dependent upon the amount of reallocated funds available for redistribution and funds returned; therefore, never guaranteed each year.

The awarded districts receive and must respond to accept the nomination, recognition, and award for additional funds. Once accepted, a notice of recognition and grant award for the additional funds is issued to the district. Recognition is provided in the NDDPI newsletter, social media, and website. 

Awarded districts are required to follow all Title I regulations regarding the allowability of the use of funds and submit claims for the funds during the program project period of the grant. Districts must be able to describe/justify how the receipt of these funds helps students in meeting the achievement targets. NDDPI may request information about the interventions and strategies that led to the school’s high performance as a Title I school.