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Literacy: Title I

The Ins and Outs of Title I

In 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) introduced the federal support program that would become known as Title I.  Title I, Part A provides financial assistance to local school systems and schools with high percentages of poor children to support the academic achievement of low-achieving students. Nearly all the school districts in New Hampshire receive Title I funds.

What makes a Title I school?
The identification of a school for Title I status is based upon the poverty level of the families and students who reside in the attendance area of the school. The designation as a Title I school has nothing to do with the academic level of the students in the school. It is strictly and solely based on the economics of the surrounding area. 
 
How are schools selected to be Title I?
The percentage of free-lunch students determines the poverty level which determines whether or not a school is eligible to receive the added resources of Title I funding.
 
Which Salem School District schools receive Title I funds?
Soule and Lancaster Schools qualify for Title I funds.
 
How are students selected to receive Title I Services?
Students who are below grade level in reading are identified through teacher referral and a review of data from the administration of assessments used regularly throughout the District: 


How is Title I Funding used in Salem’s Schools?
Adhering to Federal parameters for the use of Title I money, Salem uses the funds to:

  • Hire part-time teachers and highly qualified paraprofessionals who provide supplementary reading instruction to qualifying students at the elementary schools
  • Purchase additional instructional materials
  • Purchase support materials for students to take home
  • Provide professional development to Title I staff
  • Offer extended year and/or extended day programming when funding is available

What are the key concepts of Title I?

Supplemental -- Services must be in addition to reading instruction with the classroom teacher.

Coordination -- Supplementary instruction is coordinated with classroom instruction. It is designed to re-teach, reinforce, or remediate. Instruction may also be for the purpose of introducing or pre-teaching a skill, concept or vocabulary that will be presented in class.

Communication -- Communication between and among teachers and specialists. Communication with parents.

Parent Involvement -– Parents receive Progress Reports from Title I teachers, Monthly Newsletters with suggestions for helping their child, and are invited to school-based informational activities.  Materials are sent home for parents to use with their children. Title I teachers are also available for conferences with parents.