Title I funds are federal dollars that aim to bridge the gap between low-income students and their more affluent peers. Research has shown conclusively that poverty is the leading indicator of low student achievement, and Title I funds are intended to provide the additional resources required to bring low-income students to a higher level of achievement. These funds may be used to improve curriculum, instructional activities, counseling, and parental involvement.
Students who live at or near the poverty level are eligible for enrollment in the free and reduced school lunch program. Schools receive Title I funding based upon the number of students in the school who are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program. A school must have at least 40% of its students enrolled in this program to qualify as a “Title I school.”
