§1451 Purpose; Definition of Personnel; Program Authority

Summary

Helps State education agencies improve how they train and support people who work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or children with disabilities so those kids get better results. "Personnel" means special ed and regular teachers, principals, administrators, related services staff, paraprofessionals, and early intervention workers. When available funds (after a required reserve) are less than $100,000,000 for a year, the Secretary must run a competition and award grants to States to do the work in their state plans. The Secretary can give priority to States with the biggest staff shortages or the biggest trouble meeting section 1412(a)(14). Grants to the 50 States, DC, and Puerto Rico must be at least $500,000 and no more than $4,000,000; outlying areas must get at least $80,000. The Secretary can raise amounts for inflation. Grant amounts are set based on money available, State population, the kinds of activities proposed, how those activities match federal requirements and State plans, and whether they use research-based methods. If the available funds are $100,000,000 or more, the Secretary must allot money to each State in proportion to what they received under section 1411(d). States that have unexpired multi-year competitive grants must get at least the amount promised for that year and must use it for the approved activities unless the Secretary agrees to a change. Each State’s allotment for a year cannot be less than the greater of $500,000 or 0.5% of the total (or $80,000 for outlying areas). States must use the money in ways that directly help local school districts. The Secretary must also reserve enough funds to continue older multi-year awards at a State’s request, and a State getting such a continuation cannot get another award for that year.