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Public School Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is public school choice?

The purpose of public school choice is to offer a student enrolled in a Title I school that is in need of improvement an opportunity to attend another school, even as his/her school is undergoing improvement, so that he/she doesn't fall further behind while the school is improving. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that receive Title I funds must offer all students enrolled in a Title I school identified as high priority the option to transfer to another public school within the LEA that has not been identified as High Priority.

 

Where may a student transfer as provided under public school choice?

The school a student chooses to attend under this provision cannot be a high priority school. The regulations add that the school of choice cannot include a school that has been identified by the state as persistently dangerous under Title IX of NCLB . Transfer options may include public charter schools. Schools of choice are not required to be schools that receive Title I funds.

 

When did the requirement to offer public school choice go into effect?

Public school choice was first required to be provided to students in identified schools during the 2002-2003 school year. The state is required to report annually on the number of students and schools involved in choice.

                                

What students are eligible for public school choice?

All students enrolled in a high priority Title I school must be offered the opportunity to transfer to a school that is performing adequately (if there are other schools available). The statue states that in providing students the option to transfer to another public school, the LEA “shall give priority to the lowest achieving children from low-income families.” This priority requirement applies when honoring the choices of parents for the schools to which they wish to transfer their child and to receiving transportation. Priority is established on availability of funds and given to the lowest achieving children from low-income families.

 

How will parents know if their child may be eligible to transfer to a new school under public school choice?

It is the responsibility of the LEA to notify parents if their child's school is identified as high priority and which schools of choice are available for transfer as soon as the school is identified by the state. If more than one school in the LEA meets the requirement for receiving students, parents should be offered at least two choices, and the LEA should take into consideration the parent's preference. However, the final assignment of a choice school is made by the LEA.

 

What are some considerations for receiving schools?

Once enrolled, a student must be eligible for participation in all aspects of the school, including enrollment in classes and participation in co- or extracurricular activities. Athletic participation of students who transfer under public school choice provisions would comply with the same policies as those in place for any other transfer. If specialty or magnet schools are a choice option, the school need not disregard the entrance requirements. For students with disabilities who have an individualized education plan (IEP), the new school may use the previous IEP or write a new one. Moving to a choice school does not constitute a change in placement per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guidelines.

 

How long must public school choice be offered?

The LEA must offer public school choice to all students in an eligible Title I school until that school is no longer identified as a high priority school. Once a student transfers, he/she must be permitted to remain at the school of choice until he/she completes the highest grade there. However, the LEA is no longer obligated to provide transportation when the student's school of origin is no longer identified as high priority.

 

What funds are available for offering public school choice?

Unless a lesser amount is needed, the LEA can spend up to an amount equal to 20 percent of its Title I, Part A NCLB allocation on:

  • 5 percent choice-related transportation
  • 5 percent supplemental educational service
  • 10 percent of a combination of the above