Title I
Academic Resource Team - Title I Coordinator: Heather Wakefield
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What is Title I?
Title I is a federally funded program which allows students, who are experiencing academic difficulty, to receive extra help and individual attention during the school day with no cost to the parents. The federal funding is based on the free and reduced lunch program within the school. However, students are not required to be on free or reduced lunch to be eligible for Title I services.
Targeted Title I
In a targeted Title I program, all students within the school are given multiple assessments to identify student eligibility for Title I services. These test results determine which students need help and rank them in order of need. The students who need the most help are put on the list first.
School-Wide Title I
Sometimes schools qualify for school-wide Title I programs where the funds and resources can benefit all students attending that school. Often, in these schools, the Title I teachers go into the regular classroom or work with flexible groups of students as the need arises.
How does Title I work with the regular school program?
Title I teachers work very closely with the regular classroom teachers. Conferences between these teachers are held to ensure that the classroom teaching is being assisted and complimented. Student needs are discussed in order to meet the academic goals for each child.
How are teaching priorities set within the Title I Program?
Each building has a site-based planning committee. This committee is made up of parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, and Title I staff members. After reviewing test scores for the building, this committee decides which academic area is in the most need of improvement (Reading, Language, or Mathematics). The site based committee at each school has determined the area of reading to be our area of greatest need at this time.
What are the Qualifications of the Title I Staff?
Each Title I teacher has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Many Title I teachers are also Reading Specialists; holding a Master’s Degree in Reading.
Is there anything I can do at home to help my child become a better reader?
Yes! Surround your child with books and opportunities to read! Require your child to read for at least 15 minutes before going to bed each night. Discuss books that you are reading and ask your child to tell you about books he or she is reading. Take family trips to book stores and libraries. Reading is fun and the love of reading is contagious!
What are the opportunities for parent involvement in the Title I Program?
There are many opportunities for parents to become involved in their child’s education through our Title I Program. There are activities throughout the year at your school and at district meetings. A few opportunities include:
~ Parent Receptions
~ Guest Speakers & Authors
~ Luncheons
~ Make & Take Workshops for Parents
~ Classroom Visits
~ Site-Based Planning Meetings
* And Many More!!! Ask your child’s Title I teacher or principal for more information on these activities!
Who do I contact with other questions about this program?
Please feel free to contact your Title I teacher at your home school anytime. They will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.