The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) is a federal statute which funds primary and secondary education. Funds in this act are authorized for professional development, instructional materials as well as resources to support educational programs and parental involvement. The ESEA has been reauthorized a number of times since 1965, and the most recent re-authorization is the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Title I is a part of the overall ESEA. Its main aim is to give lower performing students an opportunity to improve to a proficient level on the CAASPP assessments.

For the Department of Education’s Title I “Statement of Purpose” go to www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg1.html.

To achieve this aim, Title I policy asks for parents, students, and the school to work together to increase the student’s ability, especially in math and English. Every year Title 1 parents are asked to meet and discuss the School Parental Involvement Policy and to sign the School-Parent Compact.  Students at Title 1 schools who are performing below standard may be entitled to additional services to increase their academic achievement. 

Each school site sets the criteria for eligibility.  Below are some common eligibility requirements:

• Students who score below standard on the CAASPP.
• Students who are failing one or more subjects.
• Students who have poor attendance.
• English Language Learners.