Federal Priority Schools are Title 1 schools that are performing in the lowest 5% of all schools within the state. SCDE identify underachieving schools annually by analyzing achievement on Annual Measurable objectives (AMOs) and calculating the total weighted composite index score for each school. Each school is ranked according to level (elementary, middle, and high) and the bottom 5% are identified as Federal Priority Schools.
Federal Priority Schools are required to submit a Challenge to Achieve Plan annually to SCDE which outlines the school’s plan to increase student achievement. Schools are provided with funding through 1003(a) to assist with implementing the improvement strategies outlined in the CTA.
Priority Schools will receive services for three consecutive years. In order to be removed from Federal Priority status, the school must perform higher than the lowest 5% of all Title 1 schools for two or more consecutive years.
Past Federal Priority Schools Meeting(s)
A Priority Schools meeting for Federal Priority Schools Principals and Title I Coordinators/Directors was held in Columbia, SC on March 8, 2017. Below are the materials from the meeting:
Helpful Links to Information on Programs Meeting ESSA's Evidence Standards
Evidence for ESSA
What Works Clearinghouse
Federal Priority Schools Listing
Resources
