In 1965 President Lyndon Johnson declared war on poverty. This war was significant in targeting the nation’s poorest schools, children, and communities. President Johnson's war led to the passage of legislation, called the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was adopted in 1965. This was the first legislation enacted to assist economically and educationally disadvantaged children in achieving high academic standards. In 1994 the legislation was further reauthorized through the Improving America’s Schools Act (IASA) and provided broader provisions to schools, communities, and children. The act was further reauthorized on January 8, 2001, as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), which today provides more expanded opportunites for Title I children and youth than ever before.

   • Then
        Purpose: To help economically disadvantaged children meet high standards.

   • Now
        Purpose: To help economically disadvantaged children meet high standards.

Inquire Further

Title I, Part A