Frequently Asked Questions

Which schools are Title I schools for 2008 - 2009?

See link for Title I Schools.

Why are Title I funds allocated exclusively to high poverty schools?

Research studies conducted over the past 30 years show conclusively that schools with high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students generally demonstrate lower levels of achievement than do schools with lower concentrations of economically disadvantaged students.  As a result, Congress, in the reauthorization of Title I under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, requires school districts to allocate Title I funds to those schools with the highest concentrations of such students, particularly to those schools falling above 75%.  Districts may extend Title I benefits to schools lower than 75%, yet not below the district average percentage of free/reduced price meals.   

Which children receive the Title I services?

Because the Title I Program in this district operates schoolwide programs, there technically are no Title I students in the district; only Title I schools. 

How can Title I funds be used at school sites?

Title I funds must be used to promote student achievement.

Do Title I funds follow the child if he/she moves to another district?

As indicated in the NCLB Act, the intended purpose of these funds is to improve the school.  That is why funds are allocated to schools not to children.  As a result, if a child leaves a Title I school and transfers to another school, there is no transfer of Title I funds to the receiving school. 

Do private schools also receive Title I assistance?

Federal regulations require that school districts provide access to academic support services in private schools that qualify to receive Title I funds.  Assistance includes remedial reading and/or mathematics tutorial services that support the regular instructional program for certain students in qualifying private schools.  

How does each school plan their Title I Program?

The School Improvement Plan guides the activities to improve student performance and the quality of services provided by the school.  Schools engage in a comprehensive needs assessment process that helps them prioritize program services and assists them in the development of the School Improvement Plan.  The needs assessment is based on academic information about all students in the school, including economically disadvantaged students, students from major racial and ethnic groups, students with disabilities, English Language Learners and migrant students.  This assessment helps schools understand the subjects and skills for which teaching and learning need to be improved.  In addition, it assists schools in identifying the specific academic needs of students and groups of students who are not yet achieving Georgia's academic proficiency standards.   

How are the school Title I allocations determined?

Funds allocated to the schools are determined by the percentage of students eligible to receive free or reduced price meals. Schools are ranked according to the percentage of low income students based on the previous year's October FTE. A per pupil expenditure is determined based on the ranking of each school.

Why is my Title I allocation more/less than the previous school year's allocation?

As a school's percentage of poverty and enrollment change from year to year, the allocation will change. Allocations may increase or decrease based on these variables.

Why must parents be involved in so many aspects of the school program?

Title I guidelines require a comprehensive parent involvement program to promote student achievement and academic success. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 strengthened and expanded the requirements for involving parents in every aspect of their child's education. Parents must form effective partnerships with schools. Parents are required to serve on the Title I School Improvement Plan/Budget Committee, sign a parent compact, help to write parent policies and attend parent meetings.