Title I

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 first passed in 1965. School districts do not have to apply for Title I funding as they would have to for a competitive grant, if a school district qualifies for funding, it is entitled to the money. The District must submit to the state department of education (DOE) a plan for how it will use the funds to improve academic achievement. Once approved, the DOE releases the funds and monitors the program. 

There are two models of programs schools may use to support Title I – the Targeted Assist model and Schoolwide model. Below is a brief description of each.

Definition of Schoolwide Model
Schools operating a schoolwide program can use their Title I funds to benefit all children in the school. Each schoolwide program must include a number of specific components. A schoolwide program must:

  • Implement schoolwide reform strategies that are based on research, have been proven effective in improving student achievement, and address the needs of all children in the school in an integrated way

  • Use effective instructional strategies that increase the amount and quality of learning time, such as extended school year, before- and after-school, and summer school programs

  • Help provide an enriched and accelerated curriculum 

  • Meet the educational needs of historically underserved populations

  • Use highly qualified professional staff and provide professional development for teachers and other staff.

  • Implement strategies to increase parental involvement.

Claremont Middle School, Bluff Elementary, Disnard Elementary, and Maple Avenue Elementary Schools use the Schoolwide Model.

Definition of a Targeted Assistance Model
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, (children who are failing or at risk of failing to meet standards). Children with disabilities, children who are homeless, children who are neglected or delinquent, and children with limited English proficiency, may be eligible to receive Title I services. Title I funds are supplemental to services that would otherwise be provided and are used to benefit only the intended beneficiaries.

Unity School District uses the Targeted Assistance Model.

Who Pays for Title I?
Your 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. It is important for all families to return these forms to school so that the Claremont and Unity Title I programs can receive the maximum amount of funding to continue to help all students grow into successful readers.

How can families be involved in Title I?
Families can contact Jennifer Guess (543-4200, extension 6015 ) at any time. We welcome suggestions about how to continue to improve our programs.
Please contact us if you are interested in talking more about ways we can support your child, how we use Title I funds, or other information you would like about reading, writing and math ideas you can use to support your child.

Parent's Right to Know (Section 1111(h)(6)(A-C)
Dear Parent/Guardian,
At the beginning of each school year, a Local Education Agency (LEA) that receives Title I funding must notify parents of every student in a Title I school within the district of their parental Right to Know. Parents may request and the school must provide information regarding the professional qualifications of classroom teachers. We will provide the following information at any time:

  • Whether the teacher has met State qualifications for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction

  • Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other professional status that the State has waived

  • The degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher and the field of discipline of the certification or degree

  • Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so their qualifications

Additionally, a school that receives Title I funds must provide to each individual parent/guardian:

  • Information on the level of achievement their child has made on all state assessments

  • Timely notice that their child has been assigned or taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified

SAU #6 is committed to helping your child develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking he/she needs to succeed in school and beyond. That commitment includes ensuring that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals are highly skilled.
If you have questions about your child’s assignment to a teacher or paraprofessional, please contact the appropriate administrator listed below: