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 to help all children meet challenging state academic standards. Title I funds are allocated on a per pupil model. The higher percentage of students navigating poverty, the higher the per student funds. The program serves students in elementary schools. In our district, Title I schools are:
All funds must be spent as supplemental to support struggling students and the staff that work with them. If Title I funds were eliminated, the Title I school operations must be similar to other non-title schools. Examples of current uses of Title I dollars include conferences and professional development to enhance instruction, homeless liaisons, coordination, parent information nights, parenting classes, intervention specialists, and behavior support.
Parent involvement is vital to achieve maximum educational growth for students participating in the district’s Title I program. In compliance with federal law and Oregon Department of Education guidelines, the district meets with parents to provide information regarding their school’s participation in the Title I program and its requirements. Meetings are held annually and all parents of participating students are invited to attend.