Title I Q&A

What is title I?

The purpose of a Title I is to provide all children a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high quality education, and to close the educational achievement gaps. Title I is a federally funded program. Title I generates more additional funding support for districts that qualify than any other federal funding legislation. The program serves millions of children in schools across the country each year. 

How is Title I funded?

A school district qualifies based on the number of free and reduced lunch students in the district. Each school receives its Title I funds by meeting the district's criteria for determining the low income families served within a school's attendance area. The money generated will serve students in the most need of assistance, not always those receiving free and reduced lunch. 

What does it mean that we are a "targeted Title I district?"

A targeted assistance school services specific, identified students. A student is eligible to receive Title I services in a targeted assistance school if the school identifies the child at risk of not meeting the challenging State academics standards. A child is eligible based on criteria established by the district and the school. 

How do students qualify for Title i assistance?

All K-8 students are universally screened in the area of reading three times a year using the NWEA MAP tests. Students that fall below set grade level benchmarks on this test may have additional diagnostic assessments given to them to determine their need for intensive intervention. Teacher and staff recommendations also play a role in the identification process. 

What is the goal of title i?

The goal it so provide extra help and instruction for the students who need it most. These are children who are not performing at the expected benchmark level. As a result of these funds, extra help can be provided for children in the necessary areas of the curriculum. 

what does the title I program offer?

Title I provides additional help with core subjects using highly qualified staff and a variety of research-based, intensive interventions. Depending on the availability of funds, schools may hold family engagement events to support their Title I learners as well. 

why do I need to know about title i?

You should know about Title I because it is a program that greatly benefits your child. In grades K-5 Reading Interventionists and Resource Room teachers are working with your children in the classroom or pulled out in small groups for extra reinforcement. We have the Response to Intervention program fully implemented in K-9 classrooms throughout the district. 

Multiple research-based, intensive interventions are used to tailor direct instruction to students' specific reading needs and deepen their processing and understanding of a wide variety of texts. 

The reading staff also guides teachers of Title I students with strategies specifically designed for students who need additional literacy support. Some Title I schools have enough funds for math intervention as well, depending on the individual school budgets and decisions for spending their funds. 

who are the personnel working with my child?

Highly qualified and certified Resource Room teachers and Reading Interventionists perform intensive and research-based interventions. Title I Reading Staff, building instructional coaches, and classroom teachers work closely together to meet the needs of Title I students. 

how will i know if the interventions are working with my child?

Title I students are progress monitored weekly or bi-weekly depending on their need. Their overall progress will be shared with you at conferences and with progress reports three times a year. You are welcome to contact your child's teacher for feedback any time during the process as well. 

how can parents be engaged with title i?

As a parent, you are part of the Title I team. You influence your child's education more than anyone else! Your involvement can boost your child's achievement. By taking an active role in your child's learning will show your child how important academics are, how important education is to you, and that you work at a team with your school to help your child succeed!

what can I do as a parent to support Title I?

Parent Involvement is essential in order for a district to receive Title I funding. Our parents evaluate the program and make recommendations for improving current programs to meet the needs of the children. We welcome parent input on our Parent/School compacts, Family Engagement Plans, Title I building budgets, and more! Your input is welcome on parent surveys and we hope you can join us for parent nights in the fall and throughout the year. Your building principal can provide you with additional opportunities for input as well. 

how does Title I fit with school Improvement Plans?

Every school district has a District Improvement Plan and every building has strategies and goals based on that plan. Title I funds are spent on programming and resources that are directly related to the needs of the building and the district plan. 

what is a family/school compact?

A family/school compact is an agreement to work together as a team to meet the literacy needs of a student. It is provided to parents prior to students beginning Title I services and is signed by the parents and teacher. This is reviewed at parent conferences. 

who do I contact if I have questions? 

You can always contact your building principal or the district Director of Literacy, Sharon Wells. 

Her email is: swells@rockfordschools.org and her office number is: 616-863-6320