Title I (pronounced Title One) is one of the nation’s oldest federal programs supporting elementary and secondary education with the goal of improving the academic achievement of students who are at a disadvantage.
Through Title I, the federal government disburses money to school districts based on the number of low-income families in each district as determined by census data. Each district uses its Title I money for extra, supplemental educational services for children who are behind in school.
Title I is based on three important ideas:
- All students should have a fair, equal and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and to reach, at minimum, proficiency on state academic standards and assessments.
- Local districts, schools, and parents know best what their students need to succeed. The Title I program allows them to decide how to use these funds to implement research-based proven practices to help students who are failing or who are at risk of failing in school.
- Parents are partners in helping all students achieve. They have the right to be involved in the design and operation of their school's Title I program, and, at the same time, a responsibility to help their children succeed in school.