Title I - About
What is Title I?
"Title I" is the federal program that provides funding to local school districts to improve the academic achievement of struggling students. It is part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act first passed in 1965. School districts do not have to apply for Title I funding as they would have to for a competitive grant, if a school district qualifies for funding, it is entitled to the money. The District must submit to the state department of education (DOE) a plan for how it will use the funds to improve academic achievement. Once approved, the DOE releases the funds and monitors the program.
There are two models of programs schools may use to support Title I – the Targeted Assist model and Schoolwide model. Below is a brief description of each.
Definition of Schoolwide Model
Schools operating a schoolwide program can use their Title I funds to benefit all children in the school. Each schoolwide program must include a number of specific components. A schoolwide program must:
- Implement schoolwide reform strategies that are based on research, have been proven effective in improving student achievement, and address the needs of all children in the school in an integrated way
- Use effective instructional strategies that increase the amount and quality of learning time, such as extended school year, before- and after-school, and summer school programs
- Help provide an enriched and accelerated curriculum
- Meet the educational needs of historically underserved populations
- Use highly qualified professional staff and provide professional development for teachers and other staff.
- Implement strategies to increase parental involvement.
Definition of a Targeted Assistance Model
Schools operating targeted-assistance programs may only use Title I funds to provide services to children who are identified as having the greatest need for educational assistance, (children who are failing or at risk of failing to meet standards). Children with disabilities, children who are homeless, children who are neglected or delinquent, and children with limited English proficiency, may be eligible to receive Title I services. Title I funds are supplemental to services that would otherwise be provided and are used to benefit only the intended beneficiaries.
Who Pays for Title I?
Your federal taxes pay for the Title I program. The New Hampshire Department of Education uses a formula that includes census and free and reduced lunch statistics to determine district allocations. It is important for all families to return these forms to school so that the Claremont and Unity Title I programs can receive the maximum amount of funding to continue to help all students grow into successful readers.
Who Can I Contact for More Information?
Families can contact the Title I Corrdinator or your child's principal at any time. We welcome suggestions about how to continue to improve our programs.
Please contact us if you are interested in talking more about ways we can support your child, how we use Title I funds, or other information you would like about reading, writing and math ideas you can use to support your child.
For additional information regarding Title I services in the Kearsarge Regional School District, please contact:
Michael Bessette, (603) 526-2051
Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Title I Coordinator