Federal Programs

Title I is one of the nation’s oldest and largest federal programs supporting elementary and secondary education. More than 90 percent of the school systems in the United States receive some sort of Title I funding.

Through Title I, the federal government disburses money to school districts based on the number of low-income families in each district as determined by census data. Each district uses its Title I money to supplement and improve regular education programs offered to help students meet state standards.

Title I is based on three important ideas:

1. All students should have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and to reach, at minimum, proficiency on state academic standards and assessments.
2. Local districts, schools, and parents know best what their students need to succeed. The Title I program allows them to decide how to use these funds to implement research-based proven practices to help students who are failing or who are at risk of failing in school.
3. Parents are partners in helping all students achieve. They have the right to be involved in the design and operation of their school's Title I program, and, at the same time, a responsibility to help their children succeed in school.

Students served by Title I funds include migrant children and youth; children and youth with limited English proficiency; children and youth who are homeless; children and youth who have disabilities; children and youth who are neglected, delinquent or at-risk; children in preschool activities; and any child or youth who is in academic need. Additional information for some of these programs is available at the US Department of Education website.