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Understanding School Serving Low-Income Students [Education]: A Legal Perspective
Definition & Meaning
A school serving low-income students, often referred to as a low-income school, is defined as an elementary or secondary school that meets specific criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education. These criteria include:
The school is located in a school district that qualifies for assistance under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
More than 30 percent of the school's total enrollment consists of children who are eligible for Title I services.
The school is included in the Department's Annual Directory of Designated Low-Income Schools for Teacher Cancellation Benefits.
Additionally, schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education or on Indian reservations are also considered low-income schools.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The term "school serving low-income students" is primarily used in the context of educational funding and teacher assistance programs. It plays a significant role in:
Determining eligibility for federal funding under Title I of the ESEA.
Identifying schools that qualify for teacher cancellation benefits under the TEACH Grant Program.
Users can utilize resources like US Legal Forms to access templates and forms related to educational funding applications and teacher assistance programs.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A public elementary school in a low-income neighborhood qualifies for Title I funding because over 40 percent of its students come from families that meet the income eligibility criteria.
Example 2: A secondary school located on a Native American reservation is recognized as a low-income school due to its operation under the Bureau of Indian Education, thus qualifying for additional federal support.
Relevant laws & statutes
Key statutes related to schools serving low-income students include:
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
TEACH Grant Program regulations under Title 34 CFR 686
State-by-state differences
State
Criteria Variations
California
Has additional state-specific funding programs for low-income schools.
Texas
Offers different eligibility criteria for Title I funding based on local income levels.
New York
Includes additional support services for low-income students beyond federal requirements.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Low-Income School
An elementary or secondary school with a significant percentage of low-income students.
Title I School
A school that receives federal funding to support educational programs for low-income students.
Charter School
A publicly funded school that operates independently of the local school district and may serve low-income students.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are involved with a school that may qualify as a low-income school, consider the following steps:
Verify the school's eligibility based on the criteria outlined above.
Explore funding opportunities available through Title I and other federal programs.
Utilize US Legal Forms to access necessary legal documents and templates for funding applications.
If your situation is complex, seek guidance from a legal professional experienced in education law.
Find the legal form that fits your case
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