Note: You must be approved ANNUALLY by the state agency to use one of the alternate sampling methods. Special procedures may be required by your state agency to use the alternate sampling method. Contact your state agency for more detailed information.
If you are in any of the following situations, you may be able to use the Alternate Sampling methods.
Low Non-Response Rate
Any LEA may use an alternate sample size for any school year when its non-response rate for the preceding school year is less than 20%.
During a past school year, if a percentage of the households selected for verification did not reply, you may be qualified to use an Alternate Sampling method for verification in the current school year.
Improved Non-Response Rate
An LEA with more than 20,000 children approved by application as eligible for free or reduced price meals as of October 1 of the current school year may use an alternate sample size for any school year when its non-response rate for the preceding school year is at least 10% below the non-response rate for the second preceding school year. Consult your state agency to see if your non-response rate improved by 10% last year.
The LEA must determine annually if it is eligible to use one of the alternate sample sizes. If the LEA determines it is eligible, it must contact its state agency in accordance with any procedures established by the state agency for approval prior to use of alternate sample sizes.