Title 1 Program Overview
What is Title 1?
It’s the largest federal aid program for our nation’s schools. Every year each state receives a basic grant for the program. The state then sends the money to school districts based on the number of low income families.
What is the purpose of Title 1 Schools?
Title 1 funds remedial education programs for poor and disadvantaged children so all children can obtain a high quality education. The idea is to close the achievement gap between schools that have more and schools that have less.
- It provides extra help for struggling students
- Children living in a Title 1 school are eligible for extra assistance regardless of family income.
How is Title 1 funding determined?
Funding for this program is determined by poverty rate. The district uses a funding formula to determine how much each school receives.
- Target Assist Schools (with poverty rates of 20%-40%) - McLane Elementary, Jefferson Middle, Marshall Middle, Reeves Middle, and Avanti High: The children who are most at-risk academically are selected to participate.
- Schoolwide Schools (with a poverty rate of 40% or more) – Roosevelt Elementary, Garfield Elementary, Hansen Elementary, and Madison Elementary: All students participate in Title 1 services through a schoolwide model that focuses on whole school improvement.
What does Title 1 pay for?
Title 1 supports the regular classroom program at the elementary and secondary levels.
- Funding is used for “proven” teaching methods and programs like home visits, hiring specialized teachers and assistants, after-school programs, 1:1 tutoring, supplementary materials, computer assisted learning, parent involvement activities, or staff training, as well as preschool programs.
- Private schools in the district are eligible for funds as well. Currently St. Mike’s and Waldorf School receive district Title 1 money.
What is a Title 1 school and what does it have to do with No Child Left Behind?
A Title 1 school is a school that has received Title 1 money.
- Title 1 schools began with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, part of the War on Poverty.
- It has been reauthorized twice: first as the Improving America’s Schools Act of 1994 and then again as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB).
- The commitment has always been the same: to provide poor schools and districts with resources to help students at risk.
- Parents have every right to know the progress of their child, their school, staff qualifications, and their district.
The intent of NCLB is to improve the performance of America's elementary and secondary schools by four cornerstones:
- ensure that no child is trapped in a failing schools
- increase accountability for states, districts, and schools
- provide choices for parents and students, particularly those in low-performing schools
- strongly
emphasize reading, especially for our youngest children
What are the elements of No Child Left Behind?
1. Teachers and Paraprofessionals Must Be Highly Qualified
- Teachers: Teachers must be “highly qualified” by holding a bachelor’s degree and passing a state test by 2005-06.
- Paraprofessionals: Teacher Assistants in Title 1 schools must have completed two years of college or pass a test in reading, writing, and math by 2006.
2. All Students are Tested — All Schools Must Make Progress
- Annual Testing: All students in grades 3-8 must take a test in reading and math in 2006 and science in 2007. In addition, grade 10 students must pass the WASL as part of the graduation requirement.
- Adequate Yearly Progress: These test scores will determine if your school is making progress. The idea is to ensure that all groups of students continue to learn.
- School and District Report Cards: Reporting annual test scores will tell how successful your school has been in reaching all groups of students. You will also be able to compare your school with others.
3. More Choices for Parents
You will have more options if your child’s school is “failing” as determined by the state:
- You can transfer your child from a failing school
- Supplemental services will be offered such as tutoring, after school programs, and summer schools at no cost to families
4. Restructuring Failing Schools
A series of steps are taken each year if a failing school does not make Adequate Yearly Progress. These sanctions are progressive. The ultimate goal is for students to become successful.
How are parents involved in Title 1 Schools?
Every district has a family involvement policy that describes different ways that families can be involved in the Title 1 program:
- Parenting
- Communicating
- Volunteering
- Learning at Home
- Decision Making
- Collaborating with the community
A district Parent Advisory Committee meets throughout the year to plan, evaluate, and review the Title 1 Program. Representatives from each Title 1 building participate in this forum. Every attempt is made to reach to out to all parents and families.
In addition, the family, school, and students share in the responsibility of student learning by signing a school compact.
Summary
The goal of Title 1 is to provide funds so that each and every child has a high quality education. Title 1 gives that extra support to students and schools that need it the most.
Helpful Links
Contact Information
Gayle Mar-Chun
Title 1/LAP/Homeless Coordinator
(360) 596-7541 - gmarchun@osd.wednet.edu