Compensatory Education - Title 1

Title 1 Overview

Title 1 was passed in 1965 under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It is the largest federal assistance program for our nation’s schools. The Title I program is designed to provide additional resources and support to schools with a high percentage of low-income students. The program's ultimate goal is to bridge the achievement gap, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to quality education and can meet academic proficiency standards.

 

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) continues the focus on providing federal funding to schools and districts to improve the educational opportunities for disadvantaged students, especially in schools identified for comprehensive support or those implementing targeted support strategies.

 

Here’s a breakdown of key aspects:

1. Grant Distribution: The State Educational Agency (SEA) awards grants to school districts based on the needs of schools within those districts.

2. Priority for High-Need Areas: The State Educational Agency prioritizes grants for school districts serving a high percentage of schools that require comprehensive support and improvement (CSI) or are implementing targeted support and improvement (TSI) plans. These schools are often those with significant achievement gaps or low-performing students.

3. Purpose: The main goal is to provide a fair and equal opportunity for all students, particularly those from low-income families, to reach proficiency in state academic standards. This includes targeting interventions and providing educational resources to improve performance.

4. Accountability: Title I emphasizes accountability by ensuring that districts and schools are taking action to address the educational challenges faced by disadvantaged students. Schools receiving Title I funds are required to meet certain standards and demonstrate progress toward closing achievement gaps.

Title 1 schools, like Chautauqua High School, receive Title 1 support for its school-wide programs through the school district for the following: 

 

Title 1 funds can be used for the following:

• Additional teachers and paraprofessionals

• Additional training for staff

• Extra time for instruction (before and/or after school programs)

• Parent and family engagement activities
• A variety of supplemental teaching materials, equipment, and technology