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Program Improvement

All Title I funded schools and local educational agencies (LEAs) that do not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) are identified for Program Improvement (PI) under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

The ESEA requires all states to implement statewide accountability systems based on challenging state standards and annual statewide progress objectives ensuring that all groups of students reach proficiency. Assessment results are disaggregated by socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, disability, and limited English proficiency to ensure that no group is left behind.

Title I LEAs and schools that fail to make AYP toward statewide proficiency goals are subject to improvement and corrective action measures. In California, PI is the formal designation for Title I-funded schools and LEAs that fail to make AYP for two consecutive reporting cycles.

Once in PI, a school or LEA that fails to make AYP will advance further in PI status. See Data Files Listing Schools and LEAs in PI or At Risk of Entering PI.

PI Status Determinations

Determinations are made using two reporting cycles of data for schools and LEAs that receive Title I funds. Information on PI status determinations (identification, advancement, and exit criteria) at both the school and LEA level can be found at Title I PI Status Determinations.

See also Accountability Progress Reporting which provides links to PI Reports by school and LEA.

2015–16 PI Requirements

Under ESEA, PI schools and LEAs are responsible for implementing certain federal and state requirements during each year that they are in PI. These vary, based on the PI year and whether the entity is a school or LEA.

Title I Program Improvement School Requirements
Requirements for schools in PI Years 1 through 5, including summary outline and detailed requirements.

Title I Program Improvement LEA Requirements
Requirements for LEAs in PI, including summary outline and detailed requirements.

PI Resources

Statewide System of School Support
The Statewide System of School Support (S4) provides intensive and sustained support and improvement for LEAs and schools receiving Title I funds to increase the opportunity for all students to meet the state's academic content and achievement standards.

Parent Notification Letter Templates for PI Schools and LEAs
Sample letters (with available translations) notifying parents of a school's and/or LEA's PI status.

State Program Assessment Tools
California schools and LEAs that are not meeting academic achievement goals are frequently required or recommended to administer state program self-assessment tools. These tools include the Academic Program Survey (APS) at the school level and the following district-level tools: the District Assistance Survey (DAS), the English Learner Subgroup Self Assessment (ELSSA), and the Inventory of Services and Supports (ISS) for Students with Disabilities.

Program Improvement Overview - CalEdFacts
Part of the CDE's information and media guide about education in the State of California. For similar information on other topics, visit the full CalEdFacts.

PI Funding

LEAs identified as PI Corrective Action, may receive funding to implement provisions of the federal ESEA and California Education Code Section 52055.57. Funding is provided with the goal to improve student achievement while meeting the state's standards that will allow identified districts and county offices to exit from PI status.

Funding Profiles and Results
Funding profiles and results for both PI LEAs and Non-PI LEAs with PI schools.

Questions: District Innovation & Improvement Office | DIIO@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0836 
Last Reviewed: Friday, April 29, 2016
Related Content
  • 2015–16 Program Improvement LEA Requirements
    Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), local educational agencies (LEAs) are responsible for implementing specific federal and state requirements during year that they are in Program Improvement (PI) status.
  • 2015–16 Program Improvement School Requirements
    Under Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), when a school is in Program Improvement (PI) both the school and LEA are responsible for implementing certain federal and state requirements. The requirements vary based on the PI year.
  • Parental Notification Templates
    Available below is a sample parental notification letter that can be used for the 2016–17 transition year.
  • Quality Schooling Framework
    The Quality Schooling Framework (QSF) is the California educator’s destination for timely tools and practices to guide effective planning, policy, expenditure, and instructional decisions at all schools and districts.
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