How to Maximize Funding for Test Prep Programs
by Hadley Blangy
Investing in the right test preparation can give your students an advantage on test day. With state and national assessment scores consistently an area of focus for district leaders, you’re no doubt driven to ensure students succeed on their exams and truly show what they know.
Locating the right funding source for test prep programs can sometimes be confusing, however. There are not always dedicated state or federal funding streams designed for this use, but schools and districts can leverage broader funding categories related to intervention, proficiency support, and school improvement to finance these programs.
Funding Test Prep: Intervention and Proficiency Dollars
Many states mandate subject-specific interventions, such as math and reading support, for students struggling on state assessments. These interventions often include additional instructional time, summer or after-school learning, and high-impact tutoring—all of which can address test preparation.
Here are some examples of state-related funding programs that, while not explicitly labeled as test prep funding, can be used to support related initiatives:
- : Distributes weighted funding and classroom-based reading and mental health supports for low-income students and English learners.
- : Provides formula funding for K-5 students struggling in math and literacy.
- : Supports teachers and administrators in religious and independent schools serving students who score at levels one or two on state exams. Eligible expenses include textbooks, course materials, professional development, and curriculum software.
- : A state-funded formula program that provides supplemental academic and nonacademic support for students below academic standards.
What to do: Review funding allocations for targeted intervention programs in your state and consider integrating test prep into these initiatives.
Funding Test Prep: Accountability and School Improvement Grants
Under the , schools are evaluated annually to identify those in greatest need of intervention based on their state's accountability plan. Schools identified for intervention must develop and implement improvement plans to enhance instruction, leadership, and student support systems. Those that fail to make adequate progress on these plans face the risk of increased state supervision, which can result in a state takeover, decreased autonomy, or students leaving the district. As a result, schools are strongly incentivized to perform well on their state's performance metrics to avoid such consequences.
For those schools identified as needing improvement, states are required to provide supplemental funding via . Additional eligibility requirements and distribution processes vary by state; qualifying schools will receive a notification from the state with application information.
What to do: If your school is identified as needing improvement, conduct a needs assessment to determine if and how test prep can fit into your broader school improvement strategy.
Funding Test Prep: Leveraging Federal Funding Streams
Several federal funding streams can apply to test preparation initiatives. These include:
- ESSA Title I, Part A: Funds targeted interventions, credit recovery, and academic acceleration.
- ESSA Title II: Supports teacher and administrator training, including assessment implementation.
- ESSA Title III: Allows funding for English learners to receive tutoring and intensified instruction.
- ESSA Title IV, Part A: Supports personalized, technology-driven learning experiences.
- ESSA Title IV, Part B (21st Century Community Learning Centers): Funds academic enrichment and tutoring services.
- ESSA Title V, Part B (Rural Education Program): Allows for flexible use of funds across ESSA programs.
- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act): Provides resources for individualized educational services, including academic support for students with disabilities.
What to do: Review Edmentum’s Federal Funding Crosswalk for help navigating allowable uses of these streams.
4 Steps to Maximize Test Prep Funding Opportunities
Schools looking to finance test preparation should take the following steps:
- Review state and federal formula funding streams: Take stock of broader academic support initiatives and dollars you may already be receiving that can incorporate test prep.
- Assess school improvement plans: Review current accountability and intervention plans to see how test prep can fit in.
- Apply for competitive grants: Seek state-level grant opportunities for tutoring and intervention programs.
- Collaborate with district leaders: Work with administrators to prioritize test prep funding in budget planning.
By strategically leveraging available funding sources, schools can ensure students receive the necessary test preparation support while maintaining compliance with state and federal requirements. Schools should actively explore diverse funding opportunities and integrate test prep into broader intervention efforts to enhance student achievement.
Take Action on Test Prep
Check out Edmentum’s Funding Toolkit to find detailed resources that support your efforts to implement high-quality test prep and other programs. Once you’re ready to move forward, learn more about test readiness solutions that increase teacher impact and solidify students’ content knowledge and test-taking strategies.
About the author
Hadley Blangy is Director of Policy and Advocacy for Edmentum. She leads strategic policy development and advocacy initiatives to shape national K-12 education policy. Her work focuses on career-connected learning, accountability, online and blended education, and optimizing funding frameworks. With experience from The College Board and the Council of Chief State School Officers, Hadley specializes in translating complex policy landscapes into actionable strategies.