Title 1

Title I is a cornerstone of federal education policy in the United States, designed to provide financial assistance to schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families. Its primary goal is to ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Key Points about Title I:

1. Purpose: Title I aims to bridge the educational achievement gap between students from low-income families and their peers by providing additional resources and support.

2. Funding: Title I funds are allocated based on the number of low-income students in each school or district. Schools with a higher percentage of such students receive more funds.

3. Programs and Services: The funding can be used for a variety of programs, including supplemental instruction in reading and math, additional teachers, extended learning time, and other interventions aimed at improving academic outcomes.

4. History: Established as part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, Title I has been reauthorized and revised through subsequent legislation, including the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015.

5. Accountability: Under the NCLB, schools were required to meet specific academic benchmarks or face sanctions. The ESSA, while maintaining accountability, provides states with more flexibility in how they use Title I funds and measure school performance.

6. Impact: Title I is the largest federal aid program for K-12 education, serving millions of students across the country and playing a vital role in improving educational equity.

This program is instrumental in helping schools address the needs of disadvantaged students and work towards closing the achievement gap.

For more information please contact Gwyn Whittington: gwhittington@ndschool.org