Title I Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Title I Program?
According to the PA Department of Education, "Title I is a 100% Federally funded supplemental education program that provides financial assistance to local educational agencies to improve educational opportunities for educationally deprived children. Title I programs are designed to help children meet the state content and performance standards in reading, language arts, and mathematics. In buildings with 40% or more poverty, school districts may use the funds to upgrade the entire curriculum of the school and are Schoolwide Programs. In buildings with less than 40% poverty, programs are designed to help specific children and are targeted assisted programs."
What kind of support is offered through Title I in Tuscarora School District?
Currently, two elementary schools have been identified as schoolwide programs under Title I. Funds received are used to provide intervention in Reading and Math by coaches and specialists designed to promote student growth and performance in those critical areas. Intervention and support can occur individually and in groups, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Why don't all schools receive Title I support in Tuscarora School District?
Title I funds are only provided to the schools that have the highest percentage of students who receive free and reduced lunches. This is an economic measure of the relative need in each building, and Federal requirements mean that not all schools can receive this funding assistance.
How do I know if my school is a Title I school?
At the beginning of every school year, parents with students in a Title I school are provided with a Parent Right to Know Letter. Additionally, parent meetings are conducted each fall to provide an an overview and explanation of Title I services available to students in Title I schools. Throughout the school year, multiple events are conducted at each school to promote parent engagement and student performance. Please refer to your child's school website calendar for more information.
Sometimes there are Paraprofessionals (Instructional Assistants) who work with my child. Are they qualified to do this?
All of our instructional assistants (and teachers, for that matter) working with students in the Title I program must meet the requirements specified in the Every Student Succeeds Act and must be considered "highly qualified". Instructional assistants receive direction from classroom teachers, interventionists or coaches, and reading or math specialists. This way, their efforts are coordinated with classroom teachers and specialists. Tuscarora School District is very fortunate to have dedicated paraprofessional staff who are committed to the academic growth of the children with whom they work.
What can we do as parents to help our child?
Parents have a very important role in the success of their children in both reading and math. Study after study demonstrates how important your support for your child's learning at home really is! Parents can support a positive attitude toward school, encourage their child to keep trying when they are being challenged, set aside time for homework and encourage children to read, read, read! Trips to the local library can be fun as well as asking your children about the library or classroom books they bring home. Taking an interest in and reading those books together is critical to your child's success. Feel free to contact your child's teacher for more ways to support your child's learning at home and remember that learning doesn't stop at the end of the school day for any of us!
What is Title IIA?
Title II, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 is intended to increase student academic achievement consistent with challenging State academic standards, improve the quality and effectiveness of educators, increase the number of educators who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools, and to provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective educators.
What is Title IVA?
The purpose of Title IV, Part A Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant is to provide funds to increase the capacity of schools to:
1) provide all students with access to a well-rounded education;
2) improve school conditions for student learning;
3) improve the use of technology in order to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students.