Title 1 Information
Title I – Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged
On January 8, 2002, President George W. Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 [P.L. 107-110]. This Act redefines the federal role in K–12 education and is the most sweeping reform of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) since 1965. It is based on four core principles:
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Stronger accountability for results -
Expanded options for parents
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Increased flexibility and local control
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Emphasis on teaching methods proven to work
The goal of NCLB is to close the achievement gap between disadvantaged and minority students and their peers.
Title I shifted from a remedial track to a high-performance program aimed at helping all eligible children meet the same challenging academic standards set by the state.
Major Changes and Requirements Under NCLB
The NCLB Act requires each state to demonstrate that academic achievement standards:
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Align with the state’s academic content standards
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Describe two levels of high achievement
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Include a third level showing progress of lower-achieving students
Other major changes include:
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Strong emphasis on Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for all students
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Focus on teacher certification and paraprofessional qualifications
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State and LEA report cards to track school performance
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More authority for schools to design their own programs
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Focus on school safety and increased parental choice
District Title I Integration Efforts
The Title I Program continues to focus on integrating Title I support into regular classroom instruction. The district provides direct assistance to schools to support these efforts.
The Title I Handbook outlines the goals, expectations, and implementation framework of the program.
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 – Key Title I Sections
Section 1114. Schoolwide Programs
Schools may combine Title I funds with other federal, state, and local funds to upgrade the entire educational program. However, Title I funds must remain dedicated to Title I purposes.
Eligibility: Schools with at least 40% of students from low-income families.
Section 1114. Schoolwide Programs
Applies to schools that do not qualify or choose not to operate as schoolwide programs.
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Provide extended learning time (before/after school, summer)
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Minimize classroom removal
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Use effective instructional strategies
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Increase parental involvement (e.g., family literacy programs)
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Provide an accelerated curriculum
Section 1116. Assessment and School Improvement
Each LEA must use state assessments and other local indicators to annually review Title I school progres
If a school fails to meet AYP for two consecutive years:
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Provide an accelerated curriculum
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Students must be offered transfer to another public or charter school by the start of the next school year
Section 1117. Assistance for School Support and Improvement
State Education Agencies (SEAs) must establish a statewide system of support for LEAs and schools receiving Title I funds. This includes both schoolwide and targeted programs needing improvement to raise student achievement and meet state standards.
SAC
Student Advisory Council
The School Advisory Council (SAC) is a team of people representing various segments of the community–parents, teachers, administrators, support staff, and other interested community members. The purpose of a SAC is to assist in the preparation and evaluation (developing and evaluating) of the results of the school improvement plan and to assist the principal with the annual school budget.