The U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued a “Dear Colleague” guidance letter yesterday. The letter itself notes that it highlights existing flexibility within Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and follows letters released on Direct Student Services and Unsafe School Choice. It is designed to provide additional information on ways in which schools and districts can promote school choice or transfers as an option for students.
The letter reiterates the requirements for support and improvement plans under ESEA, noting the option to provide school choice for students in Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools as well as what requirements would apply if districts choose to exercise that option. The letter also notes ways in which a State or district may use federal funds to promote school choice, including by notifying parents that it may be an option and providing school choice and transfers to other public schools.
The letter on school choice is available here.
