What is Title I?
Title I is the federal program that provides funding to local school districts to improve the academic achievement of struggling students. It is part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, passed in 1965. School districts do not have to apply for Title I funding as they would have to for a competitive grant; the State allocates funds to schools that qualify. The District must submit to the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) a plan reflecting how it will use the funds to improve achievement. Once approved, NHED releases the funds and monitors the program.
There are two models of programs to support Title I – the Targeted Assistance model and the Schoolwide model. Both Canaan Elementary School and Indian River School are Targeted Assistance Schools. Our Title I program serves students in grades K-8.
Schools operating targeted assistance programs may only use Title I funds to provide services to children who are identified as having the greatest need for educational assistance - that is, children who are failing or at risk of failing to meet standards. These services are available to all students identified according to the criteria, including children identified as having a disabling condition, children who are experiencing homelessness, children who are recent migrants, and children with limited English proficiency. Title I funds are supplemental to services that would otherwise be provided and are used to support only the intended beneficiaries under Title I guidelines.
Who Pays for Title I?
Federal taxes pay for the Title I program. The New Hampshire Department of Education uses a formula that includes census and free and reduced lunch statistics to determine district allocations. Families need to return these forms to school so that our Title I programs can receive the appropriate amount of funding in order to continue to help all students grow and succeed.
What can parents do?
Read with your child every night, for at least 20 minutes.
Talk to your child’s regular classroom teacher to gain specific information about your
child’s academic progress.
Ask your child’s Title I teacher for a list of great games to play with your child.
Attend a Title I school event to learn more about your school’s Title I program and gain
insight on various topics related to your child’s growth, development, and education.
Review your school’s Title I Plan, available on this website.
Tell us what you think your school’s Title I grant should include. Contact information is
below!
Who Can I Contact for More Information?
Families can contact the Title I Teacher, Title I Family Liaison or your child's principal at any time. We welcome suggestions about how to continue to improve our programs. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about the ways we can support your child, how we use Title I funds or other information you would like about reading, writing, and math support for your K-8 student.