In a significant move to prioritize students’ needs and empower families, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education has released new guidance that gives states the green light to use federal funds in more flexible and student-focused ways. The aim: to turn around low-performing schools while offering students better options—immediately.For the millions of students enrolled in schools identified as needing Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), or Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI), this guidance brings fresh hope—and real opportunities.
Choice-driven school reform
Under the new guidance, local education agencies (LEAs) can now design school improvement plans that do more than fix broken systems. These plans can—and are encouraged to—include choices for parents and students that reflect their unique educational needs. From academic tutoring and dual enrollment to career and technical education pathways, LEAs can offer a menu of evidence-based options.Importantly, LEAs are not alone. States are expected to support and assist local teams in developing these plans by providing templates and guidance, and ensuring parents are meaningfully involved. The Department urges all stakeholders to treat parents not just as participants, but as partners in choosing what’s best for their children.
Transfer options for students in struggling schools
Perhaps most transformative is the renewed focus on public school choice. Students in CSI-designated schools may now be eligible to transfer to higher-performing public schools within the same district, if allowed by state law. LEAs can use up to 5% of their Title I, Part A allocation to cover transportation costs—making the option not just available, but accessible.In return, states have the discretion to prioritize funding applications from districts that not only show strong need and commitment but also demonstrate a real focus on student empowerment. That includes offering direct choices to parents and students through flexible learning programs and transparent information on available opportunities.
What this means for families
For families who’ve long felt trapped in low-performing schools, this shift is more than bureaucratic—it’s personal. Parents can now be part of the decision-making process. Students can move to better schools or access specialized programs that match their ambitions and learning styles.As Acting Assistant Secretary Hayley Sanon stated, “Every year that a child spends in school is precious and cannot be wasted.” This new approach delivers on that urgency—giving families not just hope for future improvement, but access to better options today.
