School Improvement Grants (SIGs) are authorized under section 1003(g) of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The grants are made to state education agencies (SEAs), and the SEAs award competitive subgrants to local education agencies (LEAs) that demonstrate: (1) the greatest need for the funds; and (2) the strongest commitment to use the funds in ways that will substantially raise the achievement of students in the lowest-performing schools. The funds are to be used to improve student achievement in eligible schools. The purpose of this guide is to provide states, districts, and schools with information and support to prepare applications for 2015-2016 School Improvement Grants (SIGs). The guide includes tools, checklists, and questions for SEAs and LEAs aligned with the revised SIG requirements, primarily focused on how to leverage the "planning year" to build a foundation of success for SIG schools. The following are appended: (1) Plan-Do-Study-Act; and (2) Essential School Functions .