Five Great Things About Being a Title I School
- Schoolwide Assistance
- Funding Proportionate to Need
- Multiple Services and Resources
- Facilitates Parent Participation
- Raises Standards
Title I schools are schools that receive federal funding to assist with providing services and resources to students. Many people feel uncertain about being a Title I school and what it really means. Here are five benefits of being a Title I school to help educate those who seek more clarity.
Related resource: Top 20 Best Master’s in Reading and Literacy Online.
1. Schoolwide Assistance
Many times, funding provided to schools comes from a specific source, for specific issues, and targeting specific populations. This means that only certain groups or types of students receive the assistance provided by that funding. One advantage of being a Title I school is that schools receive a bit of funding that benefits all students at the school.
2. Funding Proportionate to Need
The amount of federal funding that each Title I school receives is calculated based on its number of students who qualify and sign up for free or reduced-cost lunches. This means that the amount of funding each school receives is directly proportionate to the number of needs of its students. It also puts some of the empowerment back with the parents. By signing their children up for the lunch program, parents are directly helping to provide their children with resources and services covered by the funds.
3. Multiple Services and Resources
Many sources of school funding are provided by specific organizations, and therefore must be allocated to very specific programs. Schools have a bit more freedom over the allocation of their Title I funds. These funds can be used for both teachers and tutors, after-school programs, books, supplies, and many other school and learning materials. This means that schools can use the funds to benefit the most students possible and to bolster the services and resources that they need most. The No Child Left Behind guide provides extensive information about the allowable and unallowable uses of Title I funds.
4. Facilitates Parent Participation
Most school professionals will say that strong relationships between school and home are essential for student success. Unfortunately, most schools do not have the resources to help facilitate this relationship. Title I provides schools and parents with opportunities to train parents on how to most effectively utilize their roles in their children’s schools and education. This creates a stronger support system for students and helps parents to feel more empowered and involved.
5. Raises Standards
When implemented most efficiently, Title I funding frees up school staff and administrators. The time that they used to have to spend fundraising and problem-solving just to provide the basics, they can now spend enhancing curriculum and extracurricular activities and focusing on students who need additional assistance. Disadvantaged schools and students that use to struggle to meet the minimum educational requirements can now stand proudly among the top.
The implementation of Title I has been a huge shift for the field of education. There is a lot to learn about the program before a school can decide whether or not to apply. These five benefits of being a Title I school provide excellent food for thought when making this decision.
