Title I is a federal aid program for schools. The goal of Title 1 is to ensure a high-quality education for every child, by providing extra help to students who need it most. Title I has three primary objectives:

• to improve student achievement for all participating children
• to improve staff development
• to improve parental and community involvement

Title 1 funds are distributed to districts and individual school based on the number of low-income families served. However, once a school qualifies for Title 1 funds, academic need, not economic status, determines which students receive extra services. Title 1 funds are intended to supplement (add to), not replace, state and federal funds.

Title 1 is different from Special Education programs. Title 1 does not address student needs based on disability or special needs, but rather on the basis of student performance, achievement and progress.