Understanding program organization

Support innovative learning and augment the standard curriculum or enhance student academic performance.

Supplement educational services. These programs are available after regular school hours and do not fall into the Academic Enhancement program category. For example: community work programs; student volunteer programs; or other educational programs with a social component.

Promote physical education and sports activities that are not part of the standard course curriculum, e.g., school sports teams, cheerleading, and so on.

Enhance school readiness of children. Includes programs such as HeadStart or Title 1. These programs focus on basic skills such as color recognition, number recognition, and basic language skills.

Support students with limited English skills. These programs focus on increasing the student's level of proficiency so they are not hindered in the classroom.

Provide economically or socially challenged students with access to free or reduced meal programs. Depending on the student's situation, these programs can include other meals and snacks, as well as lunch. These programs monitor USDA meal services. Free and Reduced Meal programs usually require sessions for each school to allow students using the program to be tracked.

Provide an accelerated and enriched curriculum. Students may need to be enrolled in this program before they can be registered for Gifted/Talented classes.

Support students unable to attend classes at the physical school location. For example, a student who is hospitalized for an extended time might have a teacher come to their hospital to assist with their schoolwork.

Ensure equal access to education for homeless students. Students who are homeless can be given additional learning and support opportunities to help them keep up with their studies.

Provide opportunities for students who qualify for migrant programs to help them keep up with their studies.

Support programs for students requiring non-district services. For example, students with severe disabilities may require access to programs or services which are not available in their home district.

Note: Generally, students are only placed outside their district after the district has tried all available forms of instructional settings (from least restrictive environment to most restrictive) and the results are not effective. Students may also be placed outside the district if the student is deemed dangerous to themselves or others.

Track IEP and 504 status students. These programs support students with physical or learning disabilities who require specialized learning environments, such as braille.