Title I

What is Title I?

The federal government through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides school districts with funds to support programs for students at-risk of not meeting state standards in reading, mathematics, science and social studies. These funds are called Title I funds and are a significant source of funding for K-12 schools. The purpose of the funding is to ensure that all students have a chance to receive a high quality education.

How is funding calculated?

The NYS Department of Education distributes Title I funds to local school districts. The amount of funding a district receives is determined by a formula that includes wealth ratios, census information, and poverty numbers for the school district. A school is designated as a Title I school if its poverty percentage is above the district average. Students do not have to be of low income to participate in Title I programs.

What are Title I programs?

Title I funds may be used for:

  • Academic intervention services (AIS) or remedial services in reading, math, science and/social studies
  • Health related supports
  • Supplemental supplies
  • Parental involvement activities

Title I districts must:

  • Develop programs to support student progress towards meeting state standards
  • Monitor student progress towards meeting state standards
  • Give parents information on their child’s progress
  • Involve parents in the Title I decision-making process
  • Hold annual Title I meetings
  • Annually review Title I programs and policies

What do Title I services look like?

  • Small group instruction
  • Pull-out programs for reading and/or math
  • After school remediation programs
  • Targeted academic interventions based on student need
  • Programs are in addition to regular classroom instruction

How are students identified for Title I services?

  • Students can be identified for Title I services through any of the following:
  • Parent recommendation
  • Teacher recommendation
  • Classroom performance
  • Falling below proficiency on a NYS ELA/math assessment

What are parents’ rights in Title I programs?

  • Parents must be given information about Title I in a timely manner and in a language they understand
  • Parents have the right to request the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher
  • Parent must be informed if their child is taught by a teacher that is not highly qualified for 4 or more consecutive weeks
  • Parents must be informed of their child’s progress in reading and math, as well as their child’s results on NYS assessments
  • Parents have the right to be a part of the development, review and improvement of Title I programs
  • Parents are encouraged to attend parent involvement workshops
  • Parents are encouraged to ask questions about their children’s education