Q: What is Title I?
- A: Title I of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is the largest federally funded educational program. The goal of Title I is to provide a high quality education for every child.
Q: What is the purpose of the Title I program?
- A: The purpose of the Title I program is to provide extra support to students who attend Title I schools, and to focus on assisting students in meeting the standards and benchmarks the state has set for all children.
Q: How is Title I used at Black River Public School?
- A: The Title I program at Black River Public School typically serves students K-5 specifically in the core areas of reading (literacy), math, and cultural. It’s evaluated by Title I staff, classroom teachers, administrators, and parents throughout the year.
Q: How do students qualify for the extra support from the Title I program?
- A: There are many factors that can qualify a student for extra support in a Title I program, but there are strict federal and state guidelines that go along with them.
Q: How does it work?
- A: First, we identify students most in need following the Federal and State guidelines. Black River Public School uses Renaissance - Star Math and Star Reading Assessments, Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessments, along with a variety of other assessments to determine if a child is working at or below state benchmarks (grade level). Montessori teacher observations are also important to determine if a child’s working or below state benchmarks (grade level). If a child meets the criteria, they are then assigned to the Title I program (with parental/guardian advisement and knowledge). The classroom teacher and the Title I teacher then develop a personalized plan of action to assist each student in their effort to meet the state’s standard. The plan of action is determined by setting goals for improvement, determining the trajectory or path of progress, and then monitoring student progress along the way.
Q: What does a personalized plan look like?
- A: Every student is given extra time for instruction targeting the academic(s) where he/she might struggle. Research-based intervention programs are used in addition to the regular instruction given in the classroom, and monthly monitoring is done to measure progress.
Q: Who develops the plan for each child?
- A: The personalized plan for each child is developed with input from the classroom teacher and the Title I team. It may also include input from parents, speech pathologist, school psychologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and/or social worker.
Q: Does Title I replace regular classroom instruction?
- A: No. All students receive their regular classroom instruction as well as Tier I classroom interventions. Title I (Tier II instruction) is extra support above and beyond all regularly scheduled instructional times.
Q: Is Title I part of special education?
- A: Title I is NOT part of special education.
Q: Does a student receive Title I services all year?
- A: Not typically, Title I is a "fluid" program. Students who are in the Title I program are monitored bi-monthly. Students can move in and out of the program based on their needs.