The Federal Programs Department operates under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which ensures protections for the most vulnerable students by directing federal funding toward supplemental resources that work in helping all students learn. Tennessee's federally funded Title I, Part A supports local school districts as they improve teaching and learning for students in high-poverty schools so that these students meet the state's challenging content and performance standards. Title II, Part A is to increase the academic achievement of all students by helping schools and districts improve teacher and principal quality through professional development and to develop and implement programs to effectively recruit and retain highly effective teachers in core academic areas. Title III is to serve students who have a primary language other than English, by providing instruction in English in a specialized setting.