Title I, Part A COMPARABILITY

What is the purpose of Comparability? To ensure that participating Title I schools receive the same level of services from state and local funds as other non-Title I schools. To ensure that participating Title I schools receive the same level of services from state and local funds as other non-Title I schools.

How often should Comparability be monitored? An LEA must develop and implement procedures for compliance yearly. An LEA must develop and implement procedures for compliance yearly. An LEA must also file with PDE yearly. An LEA must also file with PDE yearly.

Meeting Comparability Requirements An LEA will meet Comparability requirements if it has submitted a written Comparability Assurances Form (PDE 3537) to DFP by November 15 th that verifies one of the following… An LEA will meet Comparability requirements if it has submitted a written Comparability Assurances Form (PDE 3537) to DFP by November 15 th that verifies one of the following…

Option #1 An LEA will meet Comparability requirements if it has indicated on the CAF that it has established and implemented a: An LEA will meet Comparability requirements if it has indicated on the CAF that it has established and implemented a: - District-wide salary schedule - District-wide salary schedule - Policy to ensure equivalence among schools with regard to staff - Policy to ensure equivalence among schools with regard to staff - Policy to ensure equivalence in curriculum materials and instructional supplies - Policy to ensure equivalence in curriculum materials and instructional supplies

Option #2 You may indicate on the Comparability Assurances Form that your LEA is exempt from Comparability requirements because it does not have more than one building per grade span. You may indicate on the Comparability Assurances Form that your LEA is exempt from Comparability requirements because it does not have more than one building per grade span. If you select this option you do not need to complete the Detailed School Data Sheet; but you must submit the CAF to DFP. If you select this option you do not need to complete the Detailed School Data Sheet; but you must submit the CAF to DFP.

Option #3 You may indicate on the CAF that your LEA does not meet the first two criteria and you have documented a comparable staff to pupil ratio in the district. You may indicate on the CAF that your LEA does not meet the first two criteria and you have documented a comparable staff to pupil ratio in the district. You must maintain this documentation at the district level, and you must submit the CAF to DFP. You must maintain this documentation at the district level, and you must submit the CAF to DFP.

Detailed School Data Sheet Detailed School Data Sheet This sheet is used to document equivalency among staff and must be maintained in LEA files, and is required if option #1 or #3 is selected on the CAF. This sheet is used to document equivalency among staff and must be maintained in LEA files, and is required if option #1 or #3 is selected on the CAF. An LEA may determine Comparability on a district-wide basis or on a grade-span basis. An LEA may determine Comparability on a district-wide basis or on a grade-span basis.

Detailed School Data Sheet For Comparability purposes, there are 3 classes of instructional staff… For Comparability purposes, there are 3 classes of instructional staff… - Direct Instruction - Direct Instruction -Administrative/Instructional Support -Administrative/Instructional Support -Auxiliary Staff -Auxiliary Staff Don’t forget…you are including FTE staff that are not federally paid. Don’t forget…you are including FTE staff that are not federally paid. FTE staff – Full-Time Equivalent staff FTE staff – Full-Time Equivalent staff

Detailed School Data Sheet Three comparison methods can be used when completing this form: Three comparison methods can be used when completing this form: 1) Non - Project Schools 1) Non - Project Schools 2)Project Schools 2)Project Schools 3)Size Split 3)Size Split Title I schools are equal to or greater than the staff to pupil ratios in the Non-Title I schools. Title I schools are equal to or greater than the staff to pupil ratios in the Non-Title I schools.

Summary Establish and implement policies that assure both Title I and non-Title I schools are providing comparable services to students. Establish and implement policies that assure both Title I and non-Title I schools are providing comparable services to students. Complete the Detailed School Data Sheet on E-Grants. Complete the Detailed School Data Sheet on E-Grants. Print off the Comparability Assurance Form, signed by the Superintendent, Business Manager, and Title I Coordinator. Send/Fax it to DFP by November 15th of each year. Print off the Comparability Assurance Form, signed by the Superintendent, Business Manager, and Title I Coordinator. Send/Fax it to DFP by November 15th of each year. A copy of this completed form must be maintained in your district files. A copy of this completed form must be maintained in your district files. NCLB Reauthorization: state and local funds for teacher salaries in Title I schools no less than 95% of that in non-Title I schools. NCLB Reauthorization: state and local funds for teacher salaries in Title I schools no less than 95% of that in non-Title I schools.

Additional Resources -USDE Non-Regulatory Guidance Title I Fiscal Issues on Comparability -USDE Non-Regulatory Guidance Title I Fiscal Issues on Comparability -Thompson’s Title I Monitor, March Thompson’s Title I Monitor, March OMB Circular A-133 -OMB Circular A-133