What is Title I ?

What Is Title I?
Title I funding began as a part of the Great Society Program of President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. currently known as NO Child Left Behind.  The intent of the law is a high-quality education for EVERY child especially to provide services to students who are at risk of not meeting the state academic standards.  Title I funds are directed to schools with high poverty levels, which in Buncombe County are elementary schools with more than 40% free and reduced lunch participants.
How Does Title I Work?
The Federal government provides funding to states each year for Title I programs.  To receive funding a local school district must submit a plan to the State that describes how the district will address the 10 components of the NCLB Law.  Each eligible school submits a plan to the district that outlines instructional priorities, and how those priorities will be aligned with the components of the law.
 
The School Plan is designed each year with input from all stakeholders:  administrators, teachers and parents.  Input is received through various ways including surveys, School Advisory and/or PTA/PTO boards, Continuous Improvement Teams, and focus groups.
 
How Can Parents Be Involved?
 
Federal law requires each school to have Home/School Compacts that state the responsibilities of parents, students, and the school.  Every family is asked to sign a compact for each child.  The content of the compacts are reviewed by staff and parents each year and revised if needed.
 
Home/School Compacts
  • Required by No Child Left  Behind
  • States responsibilities of parents, students and the school
  • Signed by all
  • Reviewed annually
Right to Know:
As a parent of a student in a Title I school, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers and assistants who instruct your child.  The Federal Law, No Child Left Behind, allows you to ask for this information from the school's principal.  Contact the principal in writing if you would like to receive this information.  The information will be provided within one week of your written request.
 
As a parent you may be asked to serve on the School Advisory Board, the Leadership/School Improvement Team, School Committees, and focus groups.  In addition there may be opportunities to complete surveys during the year in order to share your input on the Title I program.  Written comments are welcomed at any time.
 
Your School Needs You to Help:
  • Determine priorities and goals
  • Plan and evaluate programs
  • Support learning
You may be asked:
  • To serve on an advisory board or school committee
  • To complete surveys
  • To be part of a focus group
  • Work with your child at home
  • Volunteer in classrooms or other school activities

Buncombe County also has a District Level Parent Advisory Board and your participation is welcomed.  For information on meetings please contact the District Office at 255-5965.