Funding guide › Title IV, Part A
Federal formula funds
Title IV, Part A: technology, safe schools and a well-rounded education
Title IV, Part A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment, or SSAE) funds three areas: a well-rounded education, safe and healthy students, and the effective use of technology. Congress kept it at about $1.38 billion for 2026.
This guide is general information, last reviewed October 2026, not legal or grant advice. Your state education agency and your district’s federal programs director decide what’s allowable, and rules vary by state. We’re a software company, and we sell the apps this guide mentions.
The technology rules to know
- The 15% cap. Of what a district spends on effective use of technology, no more than 15% can go to technology infrastructure: devices, equipment, software, platforms and similar purchases (ESEA section 4109(b)). Several states say the cap also applies to infrastructure bought under the other two areas.
- Paired with professional learning. The rest of the technology money goes mostly to helping educators use technology well, and states expect software to come with training.
- Spread across areas. Districts receiving $30,000 or more must spend at least 20% on well-rounded education, at least 20% on safe and healthy students, and some on technology. Smaller allocations can focus on one area, but the 15% cap still applies.
Where our apps can fit
| App | Fit | How it connects |
|---|---|---|
| Weaverbird Help Desk | Can fit | Device tracking, checkout and technology support that keep instructional technology working, within the 15% infrastructure cap and alongside professional learning on your technology plan. |
| Other apps | Unlikely | HR, substitute, finance and facilities tools don’t usually serve Title IV-A’s purposes. See Title II, Part A for hiring and teacher support. |
Districts can also transfer some Title II-A and IV-A funds into other ESEA programs (transferability). Your state can tell you how it works there.
What to check before you budget it
- It’s in your needs assessment and Title IV-A plan.
- It stays within 15% of your technology spending, counting other software and devices you buy with these funds.
- It supplements, not supplants: Texas, for example, doesn’t allow Title IV-A to pay for technology that state law already requires.
- It’s reasonable, necessary and bought under your procurement procedures (2 CFR 200).
Sources
Want us to map this out for your district?
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