TITLE I

WHAT IS TITLE I?

The Title I Program is the largest federal aid program for our nation’s schools. “Title I” is short for Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as reauthorized in 2015. The goal of the program is to help participating children meet the State Student Performance Standards expected for all children. 

The District receives Title I funds to meet the educational needs of eligible students in our elementary schools in the area of English Language Arts. Students become eligible for additional instruction based on set criteria involving their performance on various assessments and other measures. Teachers provide supplemental instruction to these students and support these students within their regular classroom settings.

Staff and parents of eligible students jointly agree on a program that best meets the needs of the eligible students annually. Parents meet with Title I teachers periodically throughout the year to learn about their child’s progress and offer their input regarding the program through a survey that is conducted annually. Ultimately, the Parent Advisory Council at each eligible school makes recommendations for the Title I Program. Additionally, there are opportunities for parent training to enable them to assist their child at home with his/her academic needs.

Specific information regarding parent involvement in Title I schools and other related policies can be found in District Policies # 918, #917, and #906 located on the district’s website (www.sgasd.org). Additional questions involving Title I or any concerns involving federal programs can be directed to the Assistant Superintendent at 717-225-4731, ext. 3023.

EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT  

Some of our schools receive Title I funding and are included under the regulations of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) that was signed into law in 2015. We are very proud of our teachers and feel they are ready for the coming school year and are prepared to give your child a high-quality education. As a Title I school, we must meet federal regulations related to teacher qualifications as defined in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA.) These regulations allow you to learn more about your child’s teachers’ training and credentials. We are happy to provide this information to you. At any time, you may ask:

• Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level and subject he/she is teaching,
• Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state qualifications were waived, and
• What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.

You may also ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional.  If your child receives this assistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessional’s qualifications. 

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) includes additional right to know requests.  At any time, parents can request:

• Information on policies regarding student participation in assessments and procedures for opting out, and
• Information on required assessments that include
• subject matter tested,
• purpose of the test,
• source of the requirement (if applicable),
• amount of time it takes students to complete the test, and
• time and format of disseminating results.

If you would like to receive specific information about your child’s teacher or paraprofessional, please contact your school’s principal.

Specific information regarding parent involvement in Title I schools and other related policies can be found in District Policies # 918, #917, and #906 located on the district’s website (www.sgasd.org). Additional questions involving Title I or any concerns involving federal programs, in general, can be directed to the Federal Programs Coordinator at 717-225-4731, ext. 3023.