Title I At Risk
Title I, Part A is a federal program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)—now known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Its main goal is to provide financial assistance to schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families.
The purpose is to ensure all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on challenging academic standards.
🔹 Key Points
- Who Gets the Funds
- Title I, Part A funds are distributed to districts and schools based on poverty rates—usually using free or reduced lunch data or another poverty indicator.
- Schools that meet certain poverty thresholds are designated as Title I schools.
- How Schools Use the Funds
- Schools use Title I funds to supplement (not replace) state and local funding.
- Common uses include:
- Hiring intervention teachers or paraprofessionals
- Providing professional development for teachers
- Purchasing instructional materials or technology
- Funding parent and family engagement activities
- Supporting after-school or summer programs
- Two Types of Title I Programs
- Schoolwide Program:
- For schools with 40% or more low-income students.
- Funds can be used to improve the entire educational program of the school.
- Targeted Assistance Program:
- For schools that do not meet the 40% threshold.
- Funds must be used specifically to support identified students most at risk of failing.
- Schoolwide Program:
- Accountability & Requirements
- Schools must show how Title I funds align with their Schoolwide Plan and Comprehensive Improvement Plan (CIP).
- They must also involve parents and families in the planning and evaluation process.
- Districts must monitor spending to ensure funds are used effectively and expeditiously.
🔹 In Summary
Title I, Part A is the largest federal K–12 education program. It exists to close achievement gaps by directing extra resources to schools serving students who need the most academic support.