Federal Programs

The Federal Programs Division supports K–12 schools through The Office of Title Services and the Office of Grant Development by managing federal funding, helping districts secure competitive grants, providing practical technical assistance, and ensuring accountability that drives student achievement.

The Office of Title Services (OTS) manages federal programs that support K–12 students and schools most in need by serving low-income students; those experiencing homelessness or migration; youth in neglected or delinquent settings; and English learners and immigrant students. OTS also strengthens educator effectiveness, promotes safe and healthy schools, supports well-rounded learning, and ensures rural districts have the resources to succeed through Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) programs.

The Office of Grant Development identifies funding opportunities to advance Oklahoma education and supports Oklahoma State Department of Education offices through every phase of the grant process from application and award to management and closeout.

The Educational Flexibility (Ed-Flex) program is authorized under the Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999 and was reauthorized by section 9207 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The Ed-Flex program allows the Secretary to authorize a State educational agency that serves an eligible State to waive statutory or regulatory requirements applicable to one or more the included programs for any local educational agency (LEAs), educational service agency, or school within the State.

The full text of the waiver request can be found here: ESEA Ed-Flex Application. 

Public comment will be open from May 7, 2026, through June 8, 2026. Those interested in submitting public comment may do so by email to kory.kile@sde.ok.gov. Written comments may also be hand-delivered to the agency during regular business hours or via regular mail at the following address:

Office of Legal Services
State Department of Education
Hodge Education Building
2500 North Lincoln Boulevard
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

In addition, a public hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, in Room 500 CR-2 at the Oliver Hodge Building, 2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, in Oklahoma City.