i3 funds are competitive grants (Development,
Validation and Scale - up) given to LEAs and nonprofit organizations that have significantly closed the achievement gaps between economically disadvantaged students, students from major racial and ethnic groups, students with limited English proficiency, students with disabilities; or have demonstrated
success in significantly increasing student
academic achievement for all groups
of students; or have made significant improvements in other areas such as graduate rates or increased recruitment and placement
of high - quality teachers and principals.