A Parent's Guide

What is Title I?
Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides financial assistance to states and school districts to meet the needs of educationally at-risk students. The goal of Title I is to provide extra instructional services and activities which support students identified as failing or most at risk of failing the state’s challenging performance standards in mathematics, reading, and writing.

What will Title I do for my child?
The Title I program will provide your scholar with extra educational assistance beyond the regular classroom.

Which schools does Title I Serve?
The program serves students in elementary and secondary (middle and high) schools who have demonstrated that extra assistance is needed. Title I also serves students who attend private schools.

How does our school receive Title I money?
First, the federal government provides funding to each state. Then, each State Educational Agency sends money to its school districts. How much money each school receives is determined by the number of low-income students attending that school. Finally, Title I schools:

• Identify the students at their school who need the most educational assistance based on the criteria that school has chosen. Students do NOT have to be from low-income families to receive Title I services.

• Set goals for improving the skills of educationally disadvantaged students at their school.

• Measure student progress to determine the success of the Title I program for each student.

• Develop programs for each individual student in order to support/supplement regular classroom instruction.

   

What do Title I programs offer?
Title I programs generally offer:

• Smaller classes or special instructional spaces

• Additional teachers and aides

• Opportunities for professional development for school staff

• Extra time for teaching Title I students the skills they need

• A variety of supplementary teaching methods

• An individualized program for students

• Additional teaching materials which supplement a student’s regular instruction