In simple terms, Title I is a federal program that supports students. The federal government distributes money to schools that serve a large number of students that qualify for free or reduced meals. These funds are used to “supplement,” not “supplant,” the general educational experience.

All students who attend a Title I school receive the services paid for by Title I money. If a school spends Title I money on providing additional intervention teachers, then all students are eligible to receive intervention from those teachers (not just those who qualify for free or reduced meals).

How did Title I start?

Title I was one of the cornerstones of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty in 1965. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Title I was developed to help reduce gaps in educational achievement between students who are and are not low-income. Since then it has been incorporated into education law, including NCLB (2001) and ESSA (2015). Title I is now the largest federally funded assistance program offered to schools.

How does a school become a Title I school?

A school gains Title I status based on the percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. When 40% of students in a school qualify for free and reduced lunch, then the school is eligible for Title I benefits.

In order to qualify for free or reduced lunch, parents must complete forms that report their income to the government. A family that has an income that is 130% above the federal poverty line or lower receives free lunch. A family that is living at up to 185% above the poverty line receives reduced-price lunch.

How are Title I schools funded?

Title I is under Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), most recently updated by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015. Title I funds are allocated through formulas that take into account the number of children eligible for free and reduced lunch and the state cost per student.

Are there benefits to being a Title I school?

The benefits to being a Title I school really depend on how the additional funds are spent.

Title I funds can be spent on anything that adds to the educational experience at a school, such as:

Enhancements to instructional programs
Additional staff to meet the needs of students and teachers
Certain teaching supplies or technology
Parental participation efforts
Pre-kindergarten activities
After-hour or summer programs

Eton Elementary School