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    Title I — Improving The Academic Achievement Of The Disadvantaged

    Title I, part of the  Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA),  is the largest federal aid program for elementary and secondary schools. The program was created over 40 years ago as part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Under Title I, school districts receive federal funds to distribute to schools with above-average percentage of low-income children. Funds are allocated to schools according to the number of low-income children. Title I funds are supplemental to state and local funds and can only be used to pay the cost of programs that give extra help to qualifying students and schools.

     Purpose:
     
    The purpose of Title I is to provide extra help and instruction for students so that they can be successful in the regular reading and math programs of the school district. The goal is to enable Title I students to meet the state’s high content and performance standards that are set for all children.

     Qualifying for Title I Funds:

    A school qualifies for Title I funding when the required percentage of children attending the school meets specified income standards. Schools with at least 40% poverty may be eligible to become a schoolwide Title I program. 
     
    Becoming a Schoolwide Program:
    There are many steps to becoming a schoolwide Title I program. Prior to becoming a Title I Schoolwide Program a school must take the following steps:
    ·Needs assessment- School administrators, teachers and parents conduct a year-long study to see what is needed for all students to meet the state’s standards.
     
    ·Planning- The schoolwide planning team decides which programs best meet the identified needs on the assessment.
     
    ·Professional development- All school staff, teachers and administrators receive training in the programs used at their school.
     
     ·Getting resources in place- These may include Reading Recovery and Academic Assistance teachers, Instructional Specialists, Technology Coaches and assistants, teaching assistants, computers, and instructional supplies/materials.
     
    ·Yearly reviews- The schoolwide planning team meets to evaluate the plan. Changes may be made, based on the improvement in students’ skills
    Parents Right to Know:

    As a parent, you have the right to request information about the qualifications of your child’s teacher.
    Parents also have the right to see yearly “report cards” showing how their child and the school are  performing under the schoolwide Title I program.

     

    Anderson School District Five Schoolwide Programs

    Calhoun, Homeland Park, Nevitt Forest, New Prospect, Varennes and Whitehall elementary schools,  and Robert Anderson middle school all qualify for schoolwide programs. Title I funds are used to upgrade the school’s instructional program and all students benefit from the services that Title I provides. Examples of funding include Reading Recovery, Instructional Facilitators, extended day academic programs, professional development for faculty, staff, and administrators, Academic Interventionists, computer-assisted instruction, parent involvement materials, and supplies and materials needed to support the English/Language Arts and Mathematics programs. 

     

    Parent Involvement

    Parent involvement is an important part of the Title I program in Anderson School District Five. Parents of Title I students are encouraged to become involved in their child’s educational program. Parents may call the school to schedule conferences and visits to their child’s class. Materials, strategies, and help from teachers are available to all parents within a Title I school. Opportunities for active parent participation include, but are not limited to open house, parent workshops, school-parent compacts, home visitation, parent-teacher organizations, conferences, class/school newsletters, and more.