Title I

Title I is a federal program that provides funding to schools to help students from low-income families meet high academic standards. The program ensures that all children, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed in school.

There are two types of Title I programs:

1. Schoolwide Programs
2. Target Assistance Programs

All Title I schools within the MSD of Wayne Township are schoolwide programs. A Schoolwide Title I program is designed to improve the overall academic program in schools where at least 40% of the students are from low-income families. Instead of focusing only on individual students, the funding is used to benefit all students in the school.

All Title I schools within the MSD of Wayne Township are schoolwide programs. A Schoolwide Title I program is designed to improve the overall academic program in schools where at least 40% of the students are from low-income families. Instead of focusing only on individual students, the funding is used to benefit all students in the school.

The following schools are Title I schools:

• Chapel Glen Elementary
• Chapelwood Elementary
• Garden City Elementary
• Maplewood Elementary
• McClelland Elementary
• North Wayne Elementary
• Rhoades Elementary
• Stout Field Elementary
• Westlake Elementary
• Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center

Key Features of Schoolwide Programs:

Comprehensive Improvement Plan:
The school creates a plan to improve the overall quality of education and support for all students, not just those identified as needing extra help.

Flexibility in Use of Funds:
The school can use Title I funds to address any academic need across the entire school, rather than limiting it to specific students or programs.

Focus on Whole-School Improvement:
The goal is to elevate the quality of teaching, provide resources, and create a positive learning environment that supports all students’ success.

Schools qualify for Title I funding based on the percentage of low-income students enrolled. When at least 40% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, the school may implement a Schoolwide Program.

Schools with a smaller percentage of low-income students may operate a Targeted Assistance Program, which focuses resources on specific students identified as at-risk for academic failure.

In our Schoolwide Programs, Title I funds are to be used in a variety of ways to benefit all students, including:

1. Specialized Instructional Programs: Reading interventions are provided that address the needs of students who need extra help.
2. Professional Development: For teachers to improve their skills and implement effective teaching strategies.
3. Instructional Materials and Technology: To enhance classroom learning, such as new books, technology tools, and educational software.
4. Support Services for Students: After-school tutoring to ensure students stay on track.
5. Family Engagement Programs: Events and workshops that empower parents to support their child’s learning at home.

• All Students Benefit: Even though Title I funding is based on the percentage of low-income students, in a Schoolwide Program, the funds are used to improve the overall learning environment for every student.
• Holistic Approach to School Improvement: The focus is on improving the quality of teaching, learning, and support services across the entire school, ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education.
• Parental Involvement: Schoolwide programs encourage active participation from parents, who play a vital role in supporting school initiatives and providing feedback.

The purpose of Title I funding is to ensure that all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have the support they need to succeed academically. In a Schoolwide Program, Title I funds help improve the overall learning environment, so that every child has access to the tools and resources they need.

If your child attends a Schoolwide Title I school, they will benefit from:

• Access to additional teachers or tutors
• Supplemental learning resources and programs
• A more supportive learning environment
• Opportunities to participate in after-school or summer learning programs

Parents are a vital part of Title I programs, and schools encourage parent participation. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Attend Parent Meetings: Schools share information regarding Title I at different meetings to inform parents about how the funds are being used and how they can contribute. These meetings may include:
  • Back to school nights, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Title I Planning (TIP) meetings
• Volunteer: Schools often have opportunities for parents to volunteer in classrooms, special programs, or events.
• Support Learning at Home: Participate in school-hosted workshops to learn how to reinforce learning at home.

1. How do I know if my child’s school operates a Schoolwide Title I program? Schools will inform parents if they operate a Schoolwide program. This information is typically shared at the beginning of the school year or available on the school's website.
2. Does a Schoolwide Program mean only low-income students benefit? No. In a Schoolwide Title I program, all students benefit from the additional resources and support made possible through Title I funding.
3. Can parents provide input on how Title I funds are used? Yes! Schools are required to include parents in the planning and decision-making process. Schools often hold meetings to discuss the use of Title I funds and welcome parent feedback. These meetings occur towards the end of the year as schools plan for the next school year. These meetings are called TIP (Title I Planning) meetings.

For more information about the Schoolwide Title I program at your child’s school, reach out to:

• School Principal
• District Title I Coordinator, Mr. Stephen Gardner