Title I, Part A

OVERVIEW:

TITLE I, Part A is designed to improve the academic achievement of disadvantaged students in low-income schools. The program provides federal funding to state educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) to help ensure that all students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, meet state academic standards.

 All schools in the Marshall County School district receive Title I assistance, and all are classified at "school-wide" which means that all students enrolled in the school may receive the benefits of Title I services. The Marshall County School district maintains a Consolidated Plan outlining our plan of action.

Eligibility for Title I services is primarily determined by economic need. Schools with a significant percentage of students from families meeting the poverty threshold, over 40% eligible for free or reduced lunch, are eligible to receive Title I funds. These funds are allocated based on the number of low-income students in each school (i.e. Per Pupil Allocation (PPA)). The goal is to ensure that these students receive an education that meets the same rigorous standards as their peers in higher-income areas.

At its core, Title I, Part A aims is to eliminate achievement gaps by providing supplemental educational resources and supports. The focus is on improving core academic subjects like reading, mathematics, and science, and helping students catch up with grade-level expectations.

Title I, Part A mandates that schools implement a variety of strategies to improve educational outcomes, such as research-based instructional practices, parent involvement, and data-driven decision-making. Schools are required annually to develop a Continuous Improvement Plans (ACIP) based on student performance data, which is reviewed regularly to ensure that Title I interventions are effective in raising academic achievement. 

A key component of Title I, Part A is its emphasis on parental involvement. Schools are required to engage parents in the education process through activities like parent-teacher conferences, workshops, and providing parents with information about how they can support their children's learning at home. Parent involvement is seen as a critical factor in improving student success, and Title I funding supports initiatives that foster strong partnerships between parents and schools.

In addition to direct support to students and schools, Title I funds are also used for professional development for teachers and school leaders. This ensures that educators are well-prepared to meet the needs of disadvantaged students, particularly in high-needs schools. Teachers may receive training on differentiated instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and other strategies that support diverse learners.

Title I, Part A also includes provisions for accountability. Schools and districts must regularly assess student progress through standardized testing, and performance data must be publicly reported. 

Overall, Title I, Part A is a central element of the federal government's strategy to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students, especially those in low-income communities. By directing funding and resources to schools with high concentrations of disadvantaged students, Title I works to level the playing field and provide all students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in life.

PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT:

Research overwhelmingly supports that parents play a key role in the academic success of their children. Parent and family engagement in the educational process is vital to increased student achievement. All Title I schools have a Parent and Family Engagement plan which explains how the school plans to involve parents as partners in the student's success. The district also maintains a plan for increasing parental engagement. You will find this plan within the Consolidated Plan under the Important Document(s) section of this page.

PARENT'S RIGHT-TO-KNOW:

The Marshall County School district receives federal funds for the Title I programs that are part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). We strive to employ the most qualified teachers for the students in our system. Parents at Title I funded schools, in accordance with the law, have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child's classroom teacher(s). 

If you request this information, the district will provide you with the following as soon as possible:

1. If the teacher has met state qualification and licensing requirements for the grade level and subjects in which the teacher is providing instruction;
2. If the teacher is under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualifications or licensing criteria have been waived;
3. If the teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher; and
4. If your child is receiving Title I services from paraprofessionals and, if so, his/her qualifications.

If you would like to receive this information, please contact your local school principal and ask for the form "Parents Right-to-Know". You can also find the form under the Important Document(s) section of this page. Your request will be processed as soon as possible. 

If you have questions or would like additional information regarding the Title I, Part A program in Marshall County Schools, you may email Trevor Mitchell (mitchellt@marshallk12.org).