Technical Assistance and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Title I?
Answer: Title I is a federally funded education initiative for students that are economically and educationally disadvantaged. It is designed to provide assistance to improve the academic performance of low-performing students in the areas of language arts literacy and mathematics.
How is Title I funded?
Answer: The State receives a grant from the federal government. The State then provides Title I funds to districts through a statutory formula based primarily on the number of children ages 5 through 17 from low-income families, foster homes, or institutions for neglected or delinquent children. Districts then must determine which schools are eligible. A school is considered Title I eligible if the school attendance area has a defined poverty rate that is at least equal to the district average rate, or is 35 percent or higher.
What is the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001?
Answer: The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is the newly reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Formerly called the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994, the Act provides greater flexibility and options for Title I schools than ever before. Yet at the same time, the law calls for higher levels of school accountability.
To access the full version of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 visit the website at http://www.ed.gov/legislation/ESEA02/
Is there a difference between Schoolwide Programs and Whole School reform (WSR) ?
Answer: Schoolwide programs address the varied educational needs of children living in impoverished communities with comprehensive strategies for improving the entire school's academic performance. Schoolwide programs integrate Whole School Reform (WSR) strategies into the school. At least 40 percent or greater of the children enrolled in the school or residing in the school attendance area must be from low-income families.
The decision of New Jersey Supreme Court in Abbott vs. Burke on May 21, 1998 required thirty of the poorest school districts to implement a Whole School Reform (WSR) model. The purposes are consistent, therefore most Abbott schools also have a schoolwide status under Title I.
Should Title I services be provided for private school students?
Answer: Yes. School districts are required to provide Title I services for private school children. These services are equitable in comparison to the services and other benefits provided for public school participants.
For further information visit the website at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OIIA/NonPublic/faqs.html.
There is also a handbook that can be download at the following location http://www.ed.gov/pubs/ServPrivate/.
What is an achievement gap?
Answer: Title I requires schools to close all achievement gaps across subgroups of students, assuring that each group meets the same benchmarks as they move toward meeting the federal Title I goal of 100 percent proficiency in language arts literacy, mathematics and science by 2014. To meet this federal goal, schools and districts must assure that they 1) use scientifically based programs; 2) employ highly qualified teachers and paraprofessionals; 3) assure full parent involvement; and 4) focus on early reading in grades K-3.
Visit the Virtual Academy (NJ Professional Education Port) Web site for ongoing information and resources
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