Title I/Core Waiver

Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides federal funding to states and school districts to support the academic success of students who are most at risk of not meeting state standards. The purpose of Title I is to offer additional instructional services and educational opportunities in subjects like reading, writing, and mathematics for students who are struggling or at risk of falling behind, helping them meet grade-level expectations and achieve long-term success.

 

The Title I program provides your child with additional academic support and resources beyond the regular classroom setting. This may include personalized instruction, tutoring, small-group interventions, or access to specialized learning materials—all designed to help your child meet grade-level standards and succeed in school.

 

Qualifying for Title I can provide your student with valuable academic and financial support. One key benefit is eligibility for fee waivers—this includes waived or reduced fees for SAT and AP exams, as well as college application fee waivers, making higher education more accessible. Additionally, your student may receive extra academic support, tutoring, access to educational resources, and participation in programs that promote college and career readiness.

 

Title I funding begins with the federal government, which allocates funds to each state. The State Educational Agency (SEA) then distributes the funds to local school districts based on the number of low-income students they serve. Each school’s share is determined by the percentage of low-income students enrolled.

 

Once a school qualifies as a Title I school, it follows a structured process to ensure the funding directly supports students who need it most:

• Identify students who require additional academic assistance, based on criteria established by the school. Note: Students do not need to come from low-income families to receive Title I services.

• Set measurable goals to improve the academic skills of educationally disadvantaged students.

• Monitor student progress to evaluate the effectiveness of Title I support and make adjustments as needed.

• Design and implement targeted instructional programs that supplement regular classroom learning and provide individualized support.

 

This process ensures that Title I funds are used purposefully to close achievement gaps and support student success.

 

Title I programs provide a wide range of supports designed to help students meet academic standards and reach their full potential. These may include:

• Smaller class sizes or specially designed instructional spaces to support focused learning

• Additional teachers and instructional aides to provide more personalized attention

• Professional development opportunities for school staff to enhance instructional practices

• Extended learning time, allowing students to receive extra help in key subject areas

• A variety of supplemental teaching strategies tailored to different learning styles

• Individualized instruction plans to meet each student’s unique academic needs

• Additional learning materials and resources that enrich and reinforce core instruction

 

These supports work together to ensure students receive the targeted help they need to succeed in school and beyond.

 

As a parent, you have the greatest influence on your child’s educational success—more than any teacher or federal program. By actively participating in your school’s Title I Parent Involvement Plan, you play a vital role in shaping your student’s academic journey. When you get involved, you:

• Serve as a positive role model, showing your child that you value and support their education.

• Stay informed about your child’s academic progress, reinforcing the importance of learning and achievement.

• Demonstrate your partnership with the school, letting your child see that their education is a shared effort between home and school.

• Encourage a culture of involvement, helping your child understand that your voice matters and that you support the school's mission.

 

Your engagement not only boosts your student’s confidence and motivation, but also strengthens the overall school community.

 

Research consistently shows that parent involvement is one of the most significant factors in a child’s academic success. Students whose families actively engage in their education are more likely to earn higher grades, attend school regularly, and develop better social skills.

You can strengthen your involvement and positively impact your child’s education by:

 

• Joining school and parent organizations, both locally and nationally

• Supporting school-sponsored extracurricular activities, such as performances, athletics, or academic competitions

• Volunteering at the school, whether in classrooms, at events, or during special projects

• Attending parent-teacher conferences to stay informed and build strong partnerships with educators

• Maintaining regular communication with your child’s teacher through notes, phone calls, emails, or scheduled meetings

• Informing teachers of personal or family events that might influence your child’s emotional or academic performance

• Collaborating with teachers and parent groups to explore new ideas and opportunities for meaningful parent involvement

 

Your engagement sends a clear message to your child: education matters, and they are not alone in their journey.