Title I

Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged

What is Title I?

Title I, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, is the largest federal contribution to K–12 education. It consists of several funding streams for school districts and schools to supplement local educational programs and to help ensure that economically disadvantaged students are given the same opportunity to achieve state-defined academic standards as their peers.

In exchange for financial support, schools, districts, and states are held accountable for raising the academic performance of all students, narrowing the achievement gap between underachieving groups and their more advantaged peers, and enabling those most at risk to reach state academic standards.

The goal of Title I is a high-quality education for every child, so the program provides extra help to students who need it most. These children are the furthest from meeting the state's standards for all children.  Title I resources are directed to schools with high percentages of at-risk students.

Title I Documents