An Overview of Title I
Understanding Title I Funding
Title I schools receive funding based on a formula prioritizing those with the greatest needs. Here’s how it works:
Funding Distribution: The U.S. Department of Education allocates funds to states and then distributes them to school districts based on poverty criteria.
Eligibility Criteria: Districts determine funding based on:
- The number of children eligible for free or reduced-price lunch
- The state cost per student
Types of Programs: Title I supports two program types:
- Schoolwide Title I Schools: These serve all students and focus on overall school improvement.
- Targeted Assistance Title I Schools: These provide support specifically for academically at-risk students.
Title I is part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), initially enacted in 1965 to improve education for disadvantaged children, and was updated by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015.
Key Components of Title I
Allowable Costs: Foster School District offers services to empower parents to support their children’s success. Parent and Family Engagement (PFE) activities focus on training, meetings, and removing participation barriers.
Annual Evaluation: The district evaluates the effectiveness of the PFE plan, program, and policy each year.
Best Practices: The district reviews PFE best practices to enhance monitoring and support strategies for families.
Communication: Parents have the right to receive information about their child's education in a language they understand, ensuring effective communication.
Funding: Parents are essential in decision-making regarding the PFE policy and activities. Title I schools must comply with PFE requirements, regardless of funding levels.
Policy and Plan: Each Local Education Agency (LEA) receiving Title I, Part A funds must develop a written PFE policy outlining parental involvement components. Schools also create specific PFE plans to guide engagement efforts.
Parent Involvement Policy
Title I acknowledges parents, guardians, and the community's vital role in their children's education. Research shows that students with engaged parents are more likely to succeed. Under ESEA, the Foster School District's Federal Programs Title I office has developed a comprehensive parent/community involvement program. This policy is available under school committee policies and is reviewed with parents yearly and updated as needed.
Six Requirements to Support Parent Involvement:
- Help parents understand state academic content and achievement standards.
- Provide materials and training to assist parents in supporting their children’s learning, including literacy and technology training.
- Educate school staff on the importance of parent contributions and effective communication.
- Coordinate parent involvement programs with organizations like Head Start and Parents as Teachers.
- Ensure school and parent program information is provided in an understandable format and language.
- Offer reasonable support for parent involvement activities upon request.
Annual Title I Meeting for Parents
Each year, the Captain Isaac Paine Title I program hosts a meeting to explain the program and how Title I students will be assessed. Parents have the right to participate, and their involvement is encouraged. This meeting is documented with a sign-in list, flyers, and agendas. For more information, contact Rebecca Payette at [email protected].
Right to Know
ESSA requires all schools receiving federal funds to notify parents of their right to know the qualifications of staff who teach and work with their children. Our school qualifies for federal funds through Title I, which we use to provide personnel, programs, and materials.
We are notifying you of your right to request information about the professional qualifications of the teachers and/or teacher aides who teach your child.