2025-2026 Program and Budget Handbook

Title I School Level Decision Making Resource

Step 1 Data

Did you use data to identify your students’ areas of need?

Yes

No

Step 2 Needs Assessment

Is the expenditure based on the needs of students, with priority given to low-achieving students?

Consider using other funding.

Yes

No

Is the activity evidence-based and specifically described in the plan and linked to student needs identified in the plan?

Consider using other funding.

Yes

No

Do you have a plan to monitor the implementation of the SPSA/activities and evaluate the effectiveness of the selected expenditures/activities? Is the cost reasonable?

Consider using other funding.

Step 3 Evaluation

Yes

No

Step 4 Approval

Congratulations...you might have a legal, sound, expenditure! When in doubt, contact your Regional Title I Coordinator.

Consider using other funding.

Adapted from a LACOE document

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