Title I Reading Program
TITLE I SCHOOLWIDE PROGRAM
The purpose of a Schoolwide Title I Program is to ensure that ALL children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. Title I (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) is a federally funded program designed to meet the academic needs of students in schools with a high percentage of free and reduced lunch. Our job is to provide your child with reading strategies and instruction to help him/her to be more successful in the classroom.
Title I FAQs
What is a Schoolwide Title I Program?
Schools with at least 40% free and reduced lunch can develop a Schoolwide Title I Plan. This plan offers special programs and services to address the needs of struggling students. Frequent progress monitoring and assessment data is used to make instructional decisions. High quality instruction and interventions that use proven and appropriate methods and materials are implemented. The plan is revised and evaluated each year with the input from parents, teachers, and administration.
Who is responsible for maintaining the schoolwide program?
In target assisted programs, Title I teachers have a long list of requirements that they must follow. Schoolwide programs involve a number of requirements; however, it is the responsibility of ALL school staff.
How are students selected to receive services?
Assessments given throughout the year (PALS, AIMSweb, etc…) determine which students may be “at risk” and would benefit most. Grade level expectations and performance data are analyzed to determine the type of intervention that is necessary for the student to master grade level skills.
Which children are Title I children?
There is a common misconception that a Title I child is a child eligible for free or reduced price meals, but this is false. The Title I program in this district operates at the school level, there are technically no Title I children in the district; only Title I schools. The children within each Title I school have no designation related to Title I.
Do Title I Funds follow the child if he moves to another school?
As indicated in the Act, the intended purpose of these funds is to improve the school. This is why funds are allocated to schools not to children. As a result, if a child leaves a Title I school and transfers to another school, there is no transfer of Title I funds to the receiving school.
What are reading interventions?
Reading interventions are proven and appropriate programs and methods designed to address the needs to struggling readers. The goal of an intervention is to stop reading failure so that grade level skills can be mastered. This is accomplished by direct and explicit instruction in addition to the regular classroom reading program.
When and where does instruction take place?
Title I students receive extra, intensive, small group, pull out instruction from a highly qualified teacher, paraprofessional, or tutor during the regular school day. Struggling readers are given more time for intensive instruction in order to close the achievement gap.
What is a Parent Involvement Policy?
Each Title I school in Warren County has a Parent Involvement Policy. This policy explains how each school will involve parents in their child’s education. It is reviewed and updated annually.
What is a Parent-School Compact?
The parent-school compact states the goals and responsibilities of the parent, student, and school that are necessary in order to provide a quality education for all students. Each Title I school in the district has a parent-school compact that was distributed to parents at the beginning of the year.
How are Title I funds used?
· To hire highly qualified staff
· Purchase materials
· For parent involvement activities throughout the year
· Staff professional development and training