OVERVIEW:

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law in December 2015, which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Newly authorized under subpart 1 of Title IV, Part A of the ESEA, the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program is intended to improve students’ academic achievement by increasing the capacity of State educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, and local communities to: 1) provide all students with access to a well-rounded education; 2) improve school conditions for student learning; and 3) improve the use of technology in order to improve academic achievement and digital literacy of all students.

Title IV, Part A is for improving student academic achievement through activities and programs in three areas:

1. Well-Rounded Educational Opportunities (Section 4107)
2. Safe and Healthy Students (Section 4108)
3. Support the Effective Use of Technology (Section 4109)

See the Title IV, Part A Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants Fact Sheet below for more details, including special rules that apply to the award amount, spending in the three areas, and technology.

On June 25, 2022, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which provides $1 billion in funding to State educational agencies (SEAs) to be distributed under Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). The BSCA specifies that SEAs must make competitive subgrants to high-need local educational agencies (LEAs), as determined by the SEA, for activities to support safe and healthy students under section 4108 of the ESEA. The Department has designated BSCA section 4108 funds as the Stronger Connections grant program to distinguish it from the regular Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants program, which funds a broader range of activities, including activities to support well-rounded educational opportunities and the effective use of educational technology.

Purpose of the Stronger Connections Grant (SCG) is to:

• Implement comprehensive, evidence-based strategies that meet each student’s social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being needs; create positive, inclusive, and supportive school environments; and increase access to place-based interventions and services.
• Engage students, families, educators, staff, and community organizations in the selection and implementation of strategies and interventions to create safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments.
• Design and implement policies and practices that advance equity and are responsive to underserved students, protect student rights, and demonstrate respect for student dignity and potential.

Email strongerconnections@ksde.gov for grant specific questions.

The Stronger Connections Grant competition is now completed. There will not be another application window as all funding has been awarded for the entirety of the 3 year time frame of the grant.

Stronger Connections Grantees (PDF)

Title IV Part A Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants Fact Sheet (PDF)
Title IV, Part A Non-Regulatory guidance (external PDF)
Title IVA Public Reporting Requirements and Guidance (PDF)
Community Resource Guide (PDF) / (Excel)

Expenditure Reports
Title IV, Part A Expenditure Report FFY2018 (PDF)
Title IV, Part A Expenditure Report FFY2019 (PDF)
Title IV, Part A Expenditure Report FFY2020 (PDF)
Title IV, Part A Expenditure Report FFY2021 (PDF)
Title IV, Part A Expenditure Report FFY2022 (PDF)

Performance Reports

Title IV, Part A FY23 Outcomes Report (PDF)
Title IV, Part A FY24 Outcomes Report (PDF)

Kansas Definition of Persistently Dangerous Schools (PDF)

Kansas Persistently Dangerous Schools Statements:

• 2022-2023 (PDF)
• 2021-2022 (PDF)
• 2020-2021 (PDF)
• 2019-2020 (PDF)
• 2018-2019 (PDF)
• 2017-2018 (PDF)
• 2016-2017 (PDF)
• 2015-2016 (PDF)
• 2014-2015 (PDF)
• 2013-2014 (PDF)
• 2012-2013 (PDF)
• 2011-2012 (PDF)
• 2010-2011 (PDF)
• 2009-2010 (PDF)
• 2008-2009 (PDF)
• 2007-2008 (PDF)
• 2006-2007 (PDF)

K.S.A. 72-6131 through 72-6134 – Student Safety and Discipline