Did you know that according to the U.S. Government, over 50% of all public schools in the United States qualify as Title I schools? But what does that mean and what is the purpose of Title I (more specifically Title I, Part A)?
The purpose of Title I, Part A is to provide funding to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with large numbers of students from low income families. This number is determined by the families that complete forms for free and reduced lunches. Title I is designed to close the achievement gap between these low income students and their peers. This is done by ensuring that all students meet the challenging state academic standards by having access to a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education.
In order to meet the educational goals of low income students, Title I funds can be used to improve and provide curriculum, instructional activities, counseling, parental involvement, programs, and the necessary staff. Science4Us is an example of a program that can be purchased using Title I funding to provide kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade students high quality foundational science skills while weaving in literacy and math concepts.
Title III, Part A (English Language Acquisition)
In 2012-2013, an estimated 4.4 million students qualified for English language assistance programs according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Title III, Part A grants were created to assist these students.
Title III, Part A provides grants to English Language Learners (ELLs), immigrant students and youth for language instruction. The purpose of Title III funds is to ensure that students with limited English language skills develop English proficiency and meet the same academic content and academic achievement standards that other students are expected to meet. Schools may use Title III funds to implement educational programs designed to help ELLs achieve these standards.
The Science4Us curriculum for kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade students provides not only science content, but also focuses on literacy skills such as fluency, creative writing, word analysis, main idea, reviewing supporting details, cause and effect and grade level vocabulary. Helpful tools like voice-over-word function, directions that are read aloud and multiple depicted images of vocabulary help not only the early English learner, but all early learners!