What is Title 1?

Anderson School District Five Title I Program

What is Title I?

Title I is the largest federal aid program for elementary and secondary schools. The program was created over 40 years ago as part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Under Title I, school districts receive federal funds to distribute to schools with above-average percentage of low-income children. Funds are allocated to schools according to the number of low-income children. Title I funds are supplemental to state and local funds and can only be used to pay the cost of programs that give extra help to qualifying students and schools.

What is the Purpose of Title I?

The purpose of Title I is to provide extra help and instruction for students so that they can be successful in the regular reading and math programs of the school district. The goal is to enable Title I students to meet the state’s high content and performance standards that are set for all children.

How do Schools and Students Qualify for Title I?

A school qualifies for Title I when the required percentage of children attending the school meets specified income standards. Schools with 40 percent of the children qualifying for free and reduced lunch may receive Title I funds to upgrade the entire school’s instructional program as a part of a schoolwide program.

How does a Qualifying School Become a Schoolwide Program?

  • A needs assessment- School administrators, teachers and parents conduct a year-       long study to see what is needed for all students to meet the state’s standards.
  • Planning- The schoolwide planning team decides which programs best meet the identified needs on the assessment.
  • Professional development- All school staff, teachers and administrators receive training in the programs used at their school. As a parent, you have the right to request information about the qualifications of your child’s teacher.
  • Getting resources in place- These may include Reading Recovery and Academic Assistance teachers, Instructional Specialists, Technology Coaches and assistants, teaching assistants, computers, and instructional supplies/materials, parenting resources, and other similar resources.
  •  Yearly reviews- The schoolwide planning team meets to evaluate the plan. Changes may be made, based on the improvement in students’ skills.
Parents have the right to see yearly “report cards” showing how their child and the school are performing under the schoolwide Title I program.

 

Anderson School District Five Schoolwide Programs

Calhoun Academy of the Arts, Homeland Park Primary School, Centerville, Nevitt Forest, New Prospect, Varennes and Whitehall Elementary Schools all qualify for schoolwide programs. Title I funds are used to upgrade the entire school’s instructional program and all students benefit from the services that Title I provides. Examples of funding include: Reading Recovery, instructional facilitators, behavioral interventionists, extended day/year academic programs, professional development for faculty, staff, and administrators, academic Interventionists, computer-assisted instruction, parent involvement events, materials, and supplies, and materials needed to support the English/Language Arts, Mathematics, and STEAM programs. Contact the school principal if you would like to view the Title I plan for your school.

Parent and Family Engagement

Parent and family engagement is an important part of the Title I program in Anderson School District Five. Parents and family members of Title I students are encouraged to become involved in their child’s educational program. Parents may call the school to schedule conferences and visits to their child’s class. Materials, strategies, and help from teachers are available to all families within a Title I school. Opportunities for active parent and family participation include, but are not limited to open house, parent workshops, school-parent compacts, home visitation, parent-teacher organizations, conferences, class/school newsletters, School Improvement Council, and more.

For additional information about the Title I program in Anderson School District Five, contact: Kim Morgan, Director of Federal/State Program 864-260-5000 or [email protected]