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Title IV, Part A - Capacity Building Initiative

Well-Rounded Education Home

Well-Rounded Education

Under ESSA, the term well-rounded education replaces the old "core academic subjects" terminology to promote access for all students to a broad range of discipline areas. Approved activities and subject areas typically include: STEM & computer science; arts & music; accelerated learning & college readiness; foreign languages; civics & social studies; college & career counseling; and environmental & hands-on learning.

For an LEA that receives at least $30,000, use no less than 20% of funds to develop and implement programs and activities that support access to a well-rounded education and that—

  • are coordinated with other schools and community-based services and programs;
  • may be conducted in partnership with an institution of higher education, business, nonprofit organization, community-based organization, or other public or private entity with a demonstrated record of success in implementing activities; and
  • may include one or more activities or programs that provide well-rounded educational opportunities to all students. 

 

Title IV-A funds must supplement (add to) and not supplant (replace) state or local tax dollars. For example, a district cannot use Title IV-A funds to pay for a mandatory state-required music teacher that local funds used to pay for the previous year. 

Every expenditure under Title IV-A must tie directly back to the district’s comprehensive needs assessment. A district cannot simply purchase a music curriculum; it must have local data showing a documented need for that supplemental intervention.

Four people tending to a rooftop garden on a sunny day.

A group of students are gathered around tables, working on art projects.
A young boy plays the violin in a music class, with other students in the background.
Students are seated at desks, writing in notebooks during a class.
A group of people in teal shirts are interacting outdoors, with one person giving a high five.
Two young women are engaged in a conversation, seated in front of a bookshelf.
A graduate in a cap and gown hugs a person outdoors.

Examples of Title IV, Part A activities include:

  • Integrated Arts & Humanities: Support visual arts, music, dance, theater, and media arts with funding for instruments, sheet music, specialized instruction, foreign languages, and interdisciplinary/experiential learning in history, government, economics, and geography.

  • STEM & Tech Engagement: Expand science, technology, engineering, and math programs—particularly for underrepresented groups—through field-based learning, robotics, and coding competitions.

  • Accelerated Pathways & Credit: Raise achievement by expanding AP, IB, dual/concurrent enrollment, and Early College High Schools; cover or reimburse AP/IB exam fees for low-income students.

  • College & Career Readiness: Offer guidance and exploration starting as early as middle school, including college entrance test prep, FAFSA completion assistance, and career pathway planning.

  • Whole-Student & Civic Growth: Foster student engagement through social-emotional learning (SEL), active citizenship, environmental education, and volunteerism.

State Requirements with Potential Supplant Implications

19 TAC Chapter 74

19 TAC Chapter 74 outlines the curriculum and graduation requirements for Texas public schools. Managed by the Texas Education Agency, it mandates the essential knowledge and skills students must master, establishes the Foundation High School Program, and defines college and career readiness standards.

  • Subchapter A (Required Curriculum)
  • Subchapter B (Graduation Requirements)
  • Subchapters C, F & G (Other Provisions & Graduation Scales)
  • Subchapters AA - DD (Commissioner's Rules)

 

View 19 TAC Chapter 74

 

 

State requirements define the baseline mandates so LEAs can strategically use Title IV, Part A funds to build beyond them. 

 

Many of the program examples (listed above) are all or partly state-mandated. To procceed with using T4PA funds, an LEA must: 

  1. Document how they met the state requirement with state or local funds. 
  2. Use T4PA funds to supplement the mandate or requirement by expanding, adding to, or enhancing the original mandate.  

TEA Required Curriculum

Texas law mandates that school districts use state or local funds to provide the Foundation (ELA, math, science, social studies) and Enrichment (fine arts, health, physical education, LOTE, CTE, and technology applications) required curriculum.

Because these baseline subjects are already required, using federal Title IV, Part A funds for basic course delivery constitutes supplanting. Consequently, districts must use Title IV, Part A funds strictly to supplement, expand, or enhance well-rounded educational opportunities beyond state minimums.

 

TEA Subject Areas webpage

 

Potentially Allowable Expenses

Title IV-A funds in this category can cover a wide range of operational costs:

  • Personnel & Staffing: Stipends for teachers, counselors, or specialists to facilitate these programs.

  • Professional Development: Training educators to deliver high-quality instruction in music, STEM, computer science, or AP/IB courses.

  • Curriculum & Materials: Books, software, instruments, lab equipment, and specialized instructional tools.

  • Student Experiences: Subsidizing college campus visits, field trips, or competition entrance fees.