What is Title 1?
Most educators, parents and community members have heard the term Title 1 School. Title 1 is the nation’s oldest and largest federally funded program, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Originally, the idea of Title 1 was enacted in 1965 under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This policy committed to closing the achievement gap between low-income students and other student.
What is the Purpose of Title 1 Funding?
The purpose of Title 1 funding, “is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high quality education and reach, at minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments.”
The basic principles of Title 1 state that schools with large concentrations of low-income students will receive supplemental funds to assist in meeting student’s educational goals. Low-income students are determined by the number of students enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program. For an entire school to qualify for Title 1 funds, at least 40% of students must enroll in the free and reduced lunch program.
How are Title 1 Funds Used?
How to use Title 1 funds rests with each school. Title 1 funds can be used to improve curriculum, instructional activities, counseling, parental involvement, increase staff and program improvement. The funding should assist schools in meeting the educational goals of low-income students. Title 1 funds typically support supplemental instruction in reading and math.
PROGRAM DEFINITION
Title 1 is a Federal aid program through which most Ohio school districts receive funding to provide supplemental instruction for those students who qualify. The allocation of funds for each school district is based on a legislative formula dependent upon the distribution of low-income children and state per-pupil expenditures. However, Title 1 services are provided for all children who qualify as needing assistance in language arts or mathematics regardless of income. The SEL Title 1 Program is conducted during the regular school year, and our extended school year Summer Intervention Academy. Our programs are dedicated to serving students in grades K-8.
Beginning with the primary grades, service is directed to students meeting specific selection criteria. Focused assessment throughout the school year provides an ongoing record of student progress, which enables our teachers to tailor instruction to meet the specific needs of each child.
BENEFITS
Children are expected to achieve at a faster rate with the help and support of Title 1 instruction. This type of supplemental instruction helps over 100,000 Ohio students annually to improve their basic reading and mathematic skills. Research indicates that about nine of every ten students participating in Title 1 programs make gains in their academic achievement.
PROGRAM DESIGN
The Title 1 Program focuses on reading, math and/or language arts intervention and is designed to supplement services to students using a variety of models:
• Limited pullout, in which children are removed from their classrooms (usually on a daily basis) for a limited period of time for intensive instruction;
• In-class, in which Title 1 children receive extra assistance in the same setting and time period as their regular class.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Selection for participation in our Title 1 program is based on the following criteria:
• Teacher recommendation
• Parental input
• Class rank
• Performance on Standardized Tests
• Title 1 Reading/Math Tests
SERVICE DELIVERY
In our district, services are focused on the youngest learners. Adrian and Rowland Elementary Schools qualify for federal funds through the Title One Program. Sunview Elementary School does not qualify, however, the Board of Education provides a Reading Intervention Program at this school to ensure continuity of services.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Every Title 1 teacher in the SEL District is a certificated/licensed teacher.
Teachers participate in professional development activities throughout the school year designed according to specific standards, which include:
• Tied to state content and student performance standards,
• Reflects current research on teaching and learning,
• Designed to have a positive impact on the teacher’s performance in the classroom.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
SEL Schools seek the active participation of all Title 1 students’ parents in
improving their children’s academic achievement. Parents are encouraged to communicate regularly with the Title 1 teachers to discuss the progress of
their child. Parents are welcome to volunteer in the classroom to assist children as they sharpen their reading and math skills. We encourage your help and assistance in a variety of ways:
• Participation in parent/teacher conference days scheduled throughout the school year
• Letters and notes to and from home
• Telephone conversations between parents and teachers
• Classroom helpers/ aides
• Activities for families
Experts agree that reading is the basis for school success. Parents play a key role in that success, especially in building necessary reading skills.
Parents provide the strong foundation through encouragement, practice and appropriate setting which are all vital in student success.
We thank you in advance for all of your help and assistance in working together with your child to help him/her succeed in school.