Title I is a federally funded program through the Elementary & Secondary Act (ESEA) designed to provide support to students who are performing below grade level in reading and/or math. The goal is to emphasize high academic standards in an effort to help students succeed in the regular classroom and reach grade level performance.

What are some typical Title I Services?

At Minneapolis Public Schools, we offer a Title I program that meets the needs of the children at individual schools. At some buildings, this may mean that selected students receive assistance during the regular school day either in their classrooms or in another location within the school. Generally, students work individually or in small groups with a teacher or a trained instructional assistant.

Do All schools have a Title I program?

No. Federal guidelines require that Title I programs are available in schools with the greatest concentration level of low-income families. Once a school qualifies, academic need - not economic status - determines whether students are eligible to receive extra instruction. Each school site determines which grades will be served.

Who are Title I students?

Title I students are students who will succeed when given some extra instruction. The students are identified by their classroom teachers as needing additional help in reading and/or math based on their test scores and academic performance. Those who show the greatest educational need and are not receiving special education services areserved first.

How are parents involved?

• Parents are notified of their child's eligibility for and participation in Title I. 
• Parents, teachers and students sign a compact that spells our the goals and shared responsibilities of the child, school and parents for student success.
  
• Parents are encouraged to particpate in Title I meeting and learning opportunities
• Parents are provided with information about Title 1 via newsletters and/or handouts from Title 1 staff
• Parents are invited to be a part of the Title Parent Advisory Council.

As a parent, you have the right...

• to know the qualifications of your child's teacher.
• to know when your child has a substitute teacher for more than four weeks and the qualification of the substitute teacher
• to know how your child's school is rated on its state test scores.
• to expect regular communication with your school in a language that you can understand.
• to work with other parents and staff to develop a school-level parent agreement between the school and its families.
• to help plan how money for parent involvement should be spent.
• to work with teachers, parents and the school principal to develop a parent involvement plan.
• to ask for a meeting with your school principal or your child's teacher.