School Improvement Grant (SIG)

Definition: School Improvement Grants are given by the U.S. Department of Education for the purpose of helping states and districts turn around the nation’s lowest-performing schools. Since the program began in the 2010-11 school year, more than 1,500 schools have implemented comprehensive turnaround interventions aimed at drastically improving achievement. Despite historically difficult learning environments, SIG schools have increased proficiency rates in math and reading, demonstrating the importance of targeted investments over time. (U.S. Department of Education, http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-releases-school-improvement-grant-sig-data-analysis)

What it Means: States are responsible for ensuring the quality of schools and improvements in schools that are given SIGs.

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