ESSA funding and the many questions surrounding it

“Is Clicker ESSA-approved?”

This was one of many federal funding questions raised during a recent education conference.

ESSA funding is complex, and its requirements are interpreted differently across districts and states. There is ample confusion about what counts, what qualifies, and which funds are being dispersed.

While school leaders try to plan ahead, this uncertainty makes it hard to commit to the tools and programs they know students need.

If you’ve ever hesitated to fund tools like Clicker with federal dollars, this guide is for you. In the following sections, we’ll break down what ESSA says, how Clicker qualifies, and how to frame it in your next Title I, III, or IV request.

How ESSA funding works (and why “ESSA-approved” is a myth)

ESSA funding has clear parameters for how dollars can be allocated. But there's a myth that districts can only qualify for funding with "ESSA-endorsed" products.

ESSA does not approve or reject technology products.

Districts use ESSA funds for specific activities. For example, they may invest in teacher PD, literacy intervention, or support for multilingual learners.

If a product is being used to carry out one of those activities, it’s an allowable expense.

ESSA Evidence Tiers: How districts can evaluate technology tools

The Department of Education outlines four tiers of evidence to guide purchasing decisions. Local educational districts (LEAs) approve what qualifies. But, as long as the tool fits one of these tiers and helps student outcomes, it's usually accepted.

Tier	Definition
I	Strong evidence from 1+ randomized control trials
II	Moderate evidence from quasi-experimental studies
III	Promising evidence from correlational studies with controls
IV	Shows a rationale + logic model + plan for evaluation

Tier IV is the most flexible. If your district can show:

• a strong research-based rationale for using a tool, and
  
  
• a plan for tracking its impact,

...you can fund it.

How to use Title I, III, and IV-A funds to support tools like Clicker

• Title I: Literacy, access, intervention. Clicker supports writing for struggling readers, ELLs, and students with IEPs.
  
  
• Title III:  Language instruction and access for English learners. Clicker supports vocabulary development, sentence construction, and academic writing.
  
  
• Title IV-A: EdTech, student support, well-rounded education. Clicker helps with writing, language access, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

How to frame Clicker (and other supports) for ESSA funding success

Districts don’t need federal “approval” to fund a tool like Clicker. All you need is a clear rationale that aligns with ESSA’s evidence standards and your district’s instructional goals.

1. Start with a simple logic model

A logic model is simply a clear plan that shows how a tool will help students succeed. For example, the logic model for Clicker might look like this:

• Inputs: Clicker, devices, teacher onboarding
  
  
• Activities: Students use sentence scaffolds, picture support, and text-to-speech support
  
  
• Outputs: More writing, less adult prompting and scribing, increased engagement
  
  
• Outcomes: Students write more fluently, meet IEP goals, and participate in general ed instruction
  
  
• Impact: Equity in writing, independence, and improved literacy outcomes

This meets the ESSA requirement for a “research-based rationale” (Tier IV) and can be adapted to justify Title I, III, or IV-A funding.

2. Show the research

Clicker really works in supporting student writing. Here’s the classroom evidence:

• UK Study (Angus Council): Students wrote 2.8× more words, made fewer errors, and required less adult support.
  
  
• Spokane Public Schools Pilot Program (WA): Students who needed scribes were able to write independently in 90 days. Analytics showed measurable growth in output and a reduction in prompting.
  
  
• Berkeley USD & Palo Alto USD (CA): Clicker helps students with significant needs to participate in general education classes. Teachers noticed increased student participation and confidence.

Together, these examples provide a documented rationale for use and a foundation for ongoing evaluation.

3. Make it fit your funding narrative

You also need to show how Clicker supports your existing goals and aligns with allowable uses under ESSA funding:

ESSA title	Goal	Clicker alignment
Title I, Part A	Improve literacy and outcomes for at-risk students	Clicker supports struggling writers, students with IEPs, and below-grade level writers
Title III	Support English learners’ language development and access to academic content	Clicker supports English learners by building vocabulary, sentence structure, and written expression across content areas
Title IV-A	Use of technology to support academic achievement	Clicker meets inclusion, accessibility, and literacy goals via educational and assistive technology

Then add:

“Clicker demonstrates a research-based rationale for improving writing outcomes and includes plans for ongoing evaluation via built-in analytics and sample work reviews.”

ESSA funding that supports student growth in writing.

ESSA funds give schools more choices when their own budgets can’t.They support students, improve instruction, and remove barriers to learning.

When used intentionally, Clicker supports literacy, language development, and access for diverse learners across classrooms. When funding streams are clear and aligned, students get better support.

Explore more Clicker success stories now.

Sample rationale and logic model for using ESSA funds for Clicker

The following sample language you can adapt to fit your district’s context and state ESSA plan.

Purpose: To support funding requests under Title I, III, or IV-A using Clicker.

We are selecting Clicker as an evidence-based literacy tool that supports improved writing outcomes for students with diverse learning needs. Clicker is grounded in research on Universal Design for Learning, assistive technology, and literacy instruction. It provides writing support for students with learning disabilities, multilingual learners, and developing and emerging writers to build fluency and independence.

Clicker fits within ESSA’s Tier IV evidence framework because it has a clear, research-informed rationale for supporting student writing. In our district, we are using Clicker as one part of a broader literacy approach, alongside core instruction already in place.

Funding will support our goals under [insert Title I, III, or IV objective], specifically [e.g., increasing inclusive writing instruction, providing supplemental support for struggling writers, or embedding UDL-aligned tools in general education classrooms].

You can tweak this depending on which funding stream you're applying under:

• Title I: Focus on struggling writers, supplemental instruction, equity
  
  
• Title III: Focus on language acquisition and accessibility for English learners
  
  
• Title IV-A: Focus on well-rounded education, edtech, or accessibility

Logic model for Clicker: ESSA funding justification

Component	Clicker
Inputs	Clicker software; student devices (iPads, Chromebooks); teacher onboarding/training
Activities	Students use Clicker for sentence building, speech-supported word banks, writing journals, and feedback
Outputs	Increased writing frequency; reduced adult prompting; more engagement
Short-term outcomes	Students write independently, complete assignments, and meet IEP goals
Long-term outcomes	More students included in general education writing; yields improved literacy, self-confidence, and independence
Impact	Equity in writing access; greater autonomy for students with disabilities; scalable instructional support

ESSA and Clicker: frequently asked questions

Can I use ESSA funds to buy Clicker?

Yes. If Clicker helps meet your school’s learning goals and you document how you will use it, you can use ESSA funds like Title I, III, and IV-A.

Is Clicker ESSA-approved?

ESSA does not officially "approve" programs. The law doesn’t give out stamps of approval. Instead, it says schools must choose tools based on research and student needs.

What does “ESSA-aligned” mean?

It means a program or tool is supported by research and has a plan to track how it helps students. ESSA provides four levels of evidence. Tier 1 is the strongest. Tier 4 is for programs that show promise and are backed by good reasoning.

What evidence level is Clicker?

Clicker fits Tier 4 and Tier 3 in most cases. That means:

• It’s based on solid research about writing, reading, and student support.
  
  
• Schools that use Clicker keep track of how students progress over time.
  
  
• The company and schools are building more evidence as they go.

Is Tier 3 or Tier 4 enough to use ESSA funds like Title I, Title III, and Title IV?

Yes - you just need to show why the tool makes sense for your students and how you will check that it works.

Do other schools use Clicker with Title I or IV funding?

Yes. Many schools use Clicker for writing support, especially with English learners, students with IEPs, and struggling writers. They include it in Title I literacy plans or Title IV tech and inclusion goals.

If you want to explore how you could Clicker to support writing and inclusion in your school or district, you can schedule a free discovery call with our team.

When federal funding is more gray than black and white, it’s frustrating. There's no cut-and-dry way to define acceptable uses. And while that murkiness lends itself to more creativity, it also leaves schools vulnerable to audits and large bills.

So, what can districts do? 

• Ignore these underused funding sources only to disservice their students?
• Or, apply those funds and hope the way they're used is deemed acceptable?

School budgeting is grim. Now that ESSER funds are no longer, districts nationwide are experiencing unprecedented shortfalls. Having another funding source to tap into gives schools respite and relief.

Schools can use Medicaid funding for Student Health Services

Medicaid can reimburse schools for certain student health services. But eligibility varies by state. Generally, services provided to Medicaid-enrolled students—especially those with IEPs—qualify for reimbursement.

In some states, schools can receive reimbursement for services not just for students with IEPs but for any student on Medicaid. 

These services might include things like:

• Nursing care (e.g., helping with medications or health conditions at school)
• Speech and occupational therapy (e.g., helping students with speech or communication challenges)
• Mental health services (e.g., counseling or therapy for emotional well-being)

It's a way for schools to get financial help to provide healthcare-related services to qualified students.

States using Medicaid to fund Special Education

Twenty-six states use Medicaid as a funding source for special education services. Idaho recently joined the list, and West Fargo Public Schools is taking full advantage. Director of Special Education Rachel Kjonaas shares: 

"It's an easy grab at some money that helps us to sustain the good work that's happening behind the scenes: the work of our social workers, our mental health therapists, our school counselors."

But Idaho isn’t the only state that’s felt relief with Medicaid funding options.

Louisiana led the way by first expanding Medicaid to cover school nursing services, increasing federal revenue by 35%. The success led to a second expansion to cover all eligible providers and services.

Colorado piloted an expansion by adding Medicaid-eligible providers, including school behavioral health staff. Despite pandemic challenges, the first phase brought in $2.75 million in new federal funds in 2020-2021, with further increases expected as school psychologist billing went live in 2022.

Georgia estimated that expanding Medicaid billing to include school nurses alone could generate $48.6 million in federal revenue.

Michigan expanded Medicaid to all enrolled students and additional providers, securing $12 million for services provided to students without IEPs and increasing IEP-related reimbursements by $20 million.

These states found a way to bring in sustainable funding. Unfortunately, many states relied on ESSER funds to cover staff salaries. Now that those funds have run out, districts wonder how to maintain their programs. Medicaid expansion offers a long-term solution to fund essential services without relying on temporary relief money. But there is a catch.

Medicaid’s impact on schools & why staying informed matters

Medicaid is a powerful funding source, but schools need to stay proactive. Regulations and reimbursement policies change, sometimes overnight. And the conversations surrounding federal funding as of late, have been confusing.

Take, for example, recent cases where school districts were unexpectedly asked to repay Medicaid funds due to administrative errors made years earlier. The districts had rightfully used the funding to support students, but due to coding issues outside their control, they were later required to return money. The financial strain on their budgets was immediate and significant.

Situations like these serve as a reminder that Medicaid funding isn’t set in stone. With Medicaid funding up for debate at the federal level, schools must prepare for whatever comes next. It’s hard to imagine and plan for more funding shifts, especially when resources are already stretched thin, but thinking ahead helps districts avoid tough financial decisions before they happen. While a sudden cutoff is unlikely, gradual changes or phase-outs could impact future budgets, so it’s best to be prepared.

Staying ahead starts with:

• Maintaining proper documentation
• Building strong state partnerships to ensure schools receive the funding they’re entitled to.
• Advocating for clear, sustainable Medicaid policies protects student services in the long term.

Schools that stay informed, document services properly, and build strong Medicaid partnerships can continue using Medicaid to support students without financial risk.

How to use Medicaid for Special Education

Administrators can take these steps to receive Medicaid funding for tools and services:

1. Understand state rules:
   • Use the School Medicaid Expansion Map to see what your state allows.
   • Check whether non-IEP services are eligible in your state.
2. Involve licensed providers:
   • Partner with staff to incorporate assistive tools into IEPs and care plans.
3. Ensure proper documentation:
   • Track how tools meet educational and therapeutic goals. Documentation maintains compliance and eligibility for reimbursement.
4. Advocate for expansion:
   • If your state hasn’t broadened Medicaid to include non-IEP services, consider advocating for a policy update.
5. Collaborate with state agencies:
   • Partner with your state Medicaid agency to streamline billing and avoid administrative errors.

Make Medicaid work for your school with Clicker

Clicker is an assistive technology tool for students with learning and writing challenges. It aligns with Medicaid's goal of improving access to essential services. 

Here's how Clicker fits in:

1. Supports documented services
   Clicker can be part of a speech or occupational therapy plan, making it eligible for Medicaid reimbursement in many states.

2. Builds measurable learning outcomes
   Clicker defeats writing barriers for students. When barriers are broken, every student can fully participate in classroom activities.

3. Promotes compliance
   Its measurable impact helps schools track and prove why it should be covered by Medicaid.

Medicaid funding helps schools support special education and inclusive learning environments. Challenges exist, but aligned use cases and resources provide attainable, documentable benefits. Districts are strategic planners, so with that comes compliance. In that way, schools can feel confident they're applying funding to resources that serve their students well.

Don't let the complexities of Medicaid funding deter you. With the right plan, it can support more students, remove obstacles, and make education accessible for everyone.

Want to learn more about how Clicker can help your school tap into Medicaid funding?

What a fantastic start to 2020! My team and I spent a very busy week at the ATIA Conference in Orlando, where we showcased Clicker 8 and Clicker Writer to hundreds of attendees!

There was a hugely positive response to Clicker 8 and Clicker Writer – both were specifically recommended extensively in sessions at ATIA, and we had many booth visitors telling us they had been told to come and check out the new products! Here are some of our most significant takeaways:

Clicker 8

Many visitors to the booth were very excited about Clicker Analytics – commenting how long they had been waiting for something like this and how it was going to transform their use of Clicker.

A lot of the long-term fans we spoke to at ATIA were also interested in Clicker Cloze. Since they all remembered and loved ClozePro, they were very pleased to have the Cloze functionality integrated into Clicker 8. 

With many of our fans working with students with special needs, there are a lot of picture and symbol-supported Clicker Sets being made. They anticipate being able to Picturize straight from the CrickPix library and their own custom libraries is going to be a huge time saver for them.

Clicker Writer

So many people were impressed with Clicker Writer as soon as they saw it in action, with many commenting the app would be great for providing a continuum of support as their students’ writing developed. This ultimately would make their – and their students’ lives significantly easier as they would no longer have to work out which app would best fit their students’ needs.

Our visitors were also impressed they could download and trial the iPad app – something that was impossible with the previous apps. Many suggested this would make it a lot easier to gather data of Clicker’s efficacy in a trial run in order to secure funding.

Finally, lots of people were pleased about only having to manage one universal license subscription instead of three individual apps – definitely avoiding a huge headache for administrators!

If you want to find out how Clicker 8 and Clicker Writer could benefit students in your school or district, get in touch by email at usinfo@cricksoft.com or by phone at 203 221 2697.