Funding Options for K12
Explore funding opportunities that can help your school invest in real-time translation technology, improve access, and strengthen communication with multilingual students and families.
Title III
English Language Acquisition
Title III funds may be used to acquire, develop, and implement supplemental instructional materials, educational technology, software, and devices that support English language acquisition and academic achievement for English Learners (ELs). Educational technology is specifically identified in federal Title III guidance as an allowable activity when it improves instruction for ELs and supplements (not supplants) the district’s core language instruction educational program.
Reasonable, Allocable, and Necessary (RAN)
- Primarily benefit English Learners served by the Title III program.
- Be supplemental to the district’s required core EL services.
- Be part of a language instruction educational program that is designed to increase English proficiency and academic achievement.
- Not replace technology or instructional resources that the district is otherwise required to provide with state or local funds.
Justification for Purchasing Instant Language Assistant (ILA)
The purchase of the Instant Language Assistant (ILA) devices and/or software site license packages is an allowable Title III expense. This is due to the fact that the technology provides supplemental support for English Learners and their families by facilitating multilingual communication between school staff, students, and parents/guardians. The hardware/software reduces language barriers, increases meaningful family engagement, improves access to educational services, and supports participation in language instruction educational programs. The use of the translation and interpretation technology aligns with Title III’s desired achievement of supporting English Learners and promoting effective and efficient communication with multilingual students and families.
Key Takeaways
Title I
Part A & Parent and Family Engagement (PFE)
Supplemental Instructional Support
Title I, Part A funds may be used to provide supplemental instructional support and services that help students meet challenging academic standards. Translation and communication technology that improves access to instruction, educational resources, and academic interventions may be allowable when it supports the educational needs of Title I students and supplements the school’s core instructional program.
Reasonable, Allocable, and Necessary (RAN)
- Improve academic achievement of students served by Title I.
- Provide supplemental educational support and intervention services.
- Increase access to instruction and learning opportunities.
- Remove barriers that may impede participation in academic programs.
- Support equitable access to educational resources and services.
- Strengthen communication that contributes to improved student outcomes.
Parent and Family Engagement (PFE)
Title I, Part A funds may also be used to support parent and family engagement activities that build the capacity of parents to participate meaningfully in their children’s education. Translation, interpretation, and multilingual communication tools that increase access to school information, educational programs, and family engagement opportunities are allowable when they help schools engage families of Title I students and improve home-school partnerships.
Reasonable, Allocable, and Necessary (RAN)
- Increase meaningful parent/guardian and family participation in education.
- Build the capacity of parents to improve student academic achievement.
- Improve communication between schools and families.
- Provide information to parents in a language they can understand.
- Remove communication barriers that limit family participation.
- Support school to home initiatives.
- Promote equitable access to Title I programs, services, and activities.
Justification for Purchasing Instant Language Assistant (ILA)
The purchase of Instant Language Assistant (ILA) devices, software licenses, and bundles is an allowable Title I, Part A expenditure because the technology provides supplemental support that improves student access to instruction, academic interventions, and educational services. The devices reduce communication barriers that may impede participation in learning activities, enable effective communication between educators and students, and support the delivery of supplemental instructional services designed to improve academic achievement.
Instant Language Assistant (ILA) is a real-time translation and accessibility platform that removes communication barriers between schools and families. By providing immediate multilingual communication and access to educational information, ILA supports meaningful family engagement, increases access to academic programs and services, strengthens school-family partnerships, and helps families actively support their children’s educational achievements.
Title IV
Part A – Student Support & Academic Enrichment
Overview
Title IV, Part A funds may be used to improve students’ access to education opportunities, support safe and healthy learning environments, and enhance the effective use of technology. Translation and communication support services may be an allowable use of Title IV, Part A funds when it supports equitable participation in school programs and services.
Reasonable, Allocable, and Necessary (RAN)
- Improve the effective use of technology to enhance educational access and engagement.
- Increase equitable access to academic and enrichment opportunities.
- Support safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environments.
- Improve communication between schools, students, and families.
- Enhance access to counseling, intervention, and student support services.
- Increase participation in STEM, college and career readiness, after-school, and other enrichment programs.
- Reduce barriers that may limit student success and family engagement.
Justification for Purchasing Instant Language Assistant (ILA)
The purchase of Instant Language Assistant (ILA) devices and associated software licenses is an allowable Title IV, Part A expenditure because the technology supports the effective use of technology, improves access to student support services, and promotes equitable access in educational programs and enrichment activities. The devices provide real-time multilingual communication capabilities that reduce communication barriers between students, families, and school personnel which increases engagement in academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and enrichment programs. The technology supports inclusive learning environments and helps ensure that multilingual students and families can effectively access school programs, resources, and services.
IDEA Part B
Individual with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA Part B funds may be used for supplemental tools, supports, and services that assist in the identification, evaluation, educational planning, and provision of special education and related services for children with disabilities. Translation and communication technology may be used to facilitate meaningful participation of parents and students and to support access to special education services when communication barriers exist.
Reasonable, Allocable, and Necessary (RAN)
- Ensure meaningful parent participation in special education decision-making
- Provide information to parents in a language they can understand whenever feasible.
- Support collaboration between schools and families regarding special education services.
- Increase family support and access to educational planning and related services for students with disabilities.
- Reduce communication barriers that may impede parental involvement in the special education process.
Justification for Purchasing Instant Language Assistant (ILA)
The purchase of Instant Language Assistant (ILA) devices and associated software licenses is an allowable IDEA Part B expenditure because the technology supports effective communication with parents and students involved in special education programs when communication barriers exist. The devices facilitate meaningful parent participation in their child’s special education services, progress reviews,planning, and promote equitable access to services for students with disabilities.
Funding Options Specifically for Florida
Approximately 30 counties in Florida participate in local referendum funds for education. Each county has their own rules on how the money can be spent, as it is local funding voted on by residents. The amount or percentage of the funds to be spent on the various categories also differs from county to county. Due to state law, this funding must also be shared with charter schools in each of these areas.
The following counties allow for monies to be spent of technology
- Brevard
- Broward
- Charlotte
- Franklin
- Hernando
- Indian River
- Manate
- Martin
- Orange
- Pasco
- Pinellas
- Walton
- Miami-Dade
- Gulf
- Seminole
- St. Johns
