Ask an Expert: Judy Goddess
Using California School Law To Advocate For Your Kids

TITLE 1 FUNDING

Both of my children are slower learners. When my older child entered the school, he was able to use a special computer; he was also able to go on a four-day science field trip — all because he was in a program called Title I. Although my daughter now attends the same school, she's not receiving any of this help. When I asked what was going on, they told me that Title I funds now pay for "whole school change efforts." What does that mean?

It means that the school has decided to use these funds to benefit all students, rather than directing funding to any one group. Title I is the largest federal aid program for elementary and secondary schools. Title I funds are provided to school districts based on the number of low-income families in the district. Each school district uses its Title I funds to pay for extra educational services for children who are behind in school. Title I's purpose is to help low-income students meet the state educational standards that have been adopted for all students. In states like California, where standards have not yet been adopted, Title I funds must be used to ensure that eligible students are taught the same knowledge and skills as all other students, not a watered-down curriculum.

Under the 1994 reauthorization of Title I, schools are allowed to use these funds for a "whole school change effort" if more than half the students in the school are low income and score below grade level in reading and math. Schools where fewer than half the students are from low-income families must continue to target services to economically disadvantaged students who are not yet achieving at grade level Ñ the earlier model with which you are familiar.

The 1994 revision places greater emphasis on school accountability. While decades of Title I funding succeeded in narrowing the achievement gap between students in high-poverty and low-poverty schools, the legislation acknowledges that "a sizable gap remains, and many segments of our society [still] lack the opportunity to become well educated." By 2001, schools receiving Title I funding must demonstrate increased scores in reading/language arts and math. The federal government allows each state to establish its own performance goals. Districts may withhold funds or take over the governance of schools that fail to demonstrate adequate progress toward meeting them.

As you may know, Title I programs demand parent involvement in program design and evaluation. Schools without a developed parent involvement component may lose their funding. If you are concerned about how your school's funds are being used, you might want to join your school's Title I committee or call the state group advising parents on their Title I rights.

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