What is Title I?

Title I, Part A is part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and is the foundation of the amendment known as No Child Left Behind. Title I funding is used to improving basic programs operated by states and local school districts across the nation. The funding is supplemental funding to and is used for resources to help schools with high concentrations of students from low-income families provide a high-quality education that will enable all children to meet the state's rigorous student performance standards. Title I, Part A supports schools in implementing either a school-wide program or a targeted assistance program. These programs must use effective methods and instructional strategies that are grounded in scientifically based research. Currently the Title I campuses in Weatherford ISD operate school-wide programs which enable the Title I resources to be used to upgrade the entire educational program on each campus.

How does my district receive Title I dollars?

The United States Department of Education targets states, districts, schools, and students with the “greatest need”. Funds flow to the Texas Education Agency through a formula based upon the most recent Census count of poverty families residing in the state. Funds then flow from the state to school districts in Texas and then from districts to campuses based primarily on free and reduced lunch participation counts or other poverty measures. Schools served with Title I funds have higher than the district’s average of poverty students. Intended beneficiaries of the funds are children who are academically disadvantaged, not necessarily economically disadvantaged.

How does Weatherford ISD use Title I funds?

This supplemental funding is typically used for additional instructional staff, research-based instructional materials, extended learning opportunities and professional development, enhancing parental involvement, providing extended learning time and for other activities designed to enable every student to succeed at the highest levels of performance. Weatherford ISD uses it’s Title I funds on five elementary campuses that are designated as school-wide campuses which allow the supplemental resources to upgrade the entire educational program on these campuses.