What does it mean to be a Title I school?
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 academically 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 students with extra educational assistance.
Which students does Title I Serve?
The program serves students who have demonstrated that extra assistance is needed.
How does our school receive Title I money?
First, the federal government provides funding to each state. Then, each State Educational Agency (Texas Education Agency) sends money to its school districts.
The amount of 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 the 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 academically at-risk students at their school.
- Measure student progress to determine the success of the Title I program for each student.
- Develop programs for students in order to support/supplement regular classroom instruction. These programs may include, but are not limited to, after-school tutoring and student activity clubs..
What do Title I programs offer?
Title I programs generally offer:
- Additional teachers and/or paraprofessionals
- Opportunities for professional development for school staff
- Extra time for teaching Title I students the skills they need (after-school tutoring, Jumpstart, etc.)
- A variety of supplementary teaching methods
- Special programs to support student learning
- Additional teaching materials which supplement a student’s regular instruction
- A variety of opportunities for parents to stay informed and be involved with their child’s educational experience (Parent Academy, Site Based Decision Making Team, PTO, & other academic events)
Common Misconceptions
It is falsely believed that only students from low-income families benefit from Title I services. While a Title I program will benefit disadvantaged students, it positively affects an entire school. For example, a teacher’s aide inside the regular classroom can be used to support the entire room. All students in a Title I school can take advantage of additional teacher support and classroom materials.
How can you support a Title I school?
The easiest way is to get involved.
- Ask to become a volunteer in the classroom or donate extra school supplies that the students need.
- Participate in regular meetings and give out information in regards to Title I status.
- Keep yourself informed about what is occurring in your child’s school.
Every student in the American education system deserves a chance to receive a high-quality education. Title I schools across the country work to improve education for all of our students. If you are a teacher or parent in a Title I school, you can take action to be a part of the process.
Get Involved Today!
