What is Title I?
Title I is a federal education program housed under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 which was reauthorized under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) in 2001.Title I funding is an allocation of federal money designed to help schools whose families are affected by poverty. Using Title I funding, supplemental education services are provided that allow schools to meet the needs of economically disadvantaged students.
The focus of Title I schools is to help students achieve proficiency on core standards, closing academic gaps that may exist. These efforts include providing targeted supports to at-risk students, building teachers’ capacity through professional development, and strengthening parents’ abilities in helping their children succeed.
Why is my child’s school a Title I school?
Based on the percent of students enrolled in your child’s school, at least 40% of students qualify for free lunch (identified by the free/reduced-price lunch application).
How are Title I funds used in Granite School District?
Title I funds are used in Granite School District for parent engagement initiatives, implementing evidence-based strategies, funding district preschool programs, class size reduction, staffing schools with paraprofessionals who are highly-qualified, extended day programming, extended year programs, providing services for students experiencing homelessness, providing targeted interventions to students who need additional help, providing professional development to Title I teachers, and other strategies and interventions that provide help to students and their families.
What are my rights as a parent of a student attending a Title I school?
- Timely information about Title I programs
- A description and explanation of the curriculum and assessments used to measure student progress
- Information on the level of achievement and academic growth of the student
- The right to know what assessments are mandated and to opt out of mandated assessments
- If requested, opportunities for regular meetings to provide suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children
- The opportunity to be involved in the planning, review, and improvement of the engagement policy and school-wide program unless the school already has a process in place for involving parents (with adequate representation)
- If the school plan is not satisfactory to parents, the school will submit any comments to the LEA (district Title I director)
- Timely notice if their child has been assigned to, or taught, for 4 or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet applicable State certification or licensure requirements for the grade level or subject area taught.
Who should I contact in Granite School District with questions about Title I funding?
Please contact Dr. Aaron Wilson at awilson@graniteschools.org.