Title V

Title V – Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) is a part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) that provides financial assistance to rural school districts to help them improve student academic achievement and overcome unique challenges faced by small and rural schools.

Here’s a clear breakdown 👇

🏫 Purpose

Title V aims to help rural districts that often have:

  • Limited financial and human resources,
  • Difficulty in recruiting and retaining teachers, and
  • Fewer opportunities for students compared to urban or suburban districts.

💡 Two Key Components of Title V

1. Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) Program

  • Directly awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to small, rural local education agencies (LEAs).
  • Funds can be used flexibly for activities under Titles I–IV, such as:
    • Teacher recruitment and retention
    • Educational technology
    • Professional development
    • Parent and family engagement
    • Activities to improve academic achievement

Eligibility:

  • Based on enrollment size (small district) and rural location (as defined by NCES locale codes).

2. Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) Program

  • Funds are awarded by the State Education Agency (SEA) and passed to eligible LEAs.
  • Targets rural districts with high poverty rates.
  • Funds can support:
    • Teacher training
    • Title I supplemental academic support
    • Educational technology
    • Parental involvement activities

💰 How Funds Can Be Used

Districts may use Title V funds to:

  • Support teacher and principal professional development
  • Enhance STEM or literacy initiatives
  • Improve student access to technology
  • Fund extended learning opportunities
  • Strengthen parent and community partnerships

📈 Why It Matters

Title V gives rural schools greater flexibility and autonomy to direct funds where they are most needed — helping them provide equitable educational opportunities and improve outcomes for all students.