Title I
Title I is the largest federal program of funding in education. The block grant was first signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended (ESEA) provides financial assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. Federal funds are currently allocated through four statutory formulas that are based primarily on census poverty estimates and the cost of education in each state. Funding is utilized to help ensure that all children are afforded the opportunity to meet challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards. Additionally, monies are annually dedicated to strengthen training and professional development for staff, and parent engagement opportunities throughout the school district.
Title I schools with percentages of low-income students of at least 40 percent may use Title I funds, along with other federal, state, and local funds, to operate a "schoolwide program" to upgrade the instructional program for the whole school. Title I schools with less than 40 percent low-income students or that choose not to operate a schoolwide program offer a "targeted assistance program" in which the school identifies students who are failing, or most at risk of failing, to meet the state's challenging academic achievement standards. Targeted assistance schools design, in consultation with parents, staff, and district staff, an instructional program to meet the needs of those students. Both schoolwide and targeted assistance programs must use instructional strategies based on scientifically based research and implement parental engagement activities. Title I serves children throughout the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District.