Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 is the largest federally funded education program for both elementary and secondary schools. These funds, which are administered by the state, are targeted to high poverty schools and districts, and are used to help school districts meet the educational needs of its children.  In addition, a portion of the Title I grant supports educational services for nonpublic students who reside in a district’s geographic area. 

Upper Darby School District’s Title I funds are used to finance supplemental educational services, in reading/language arts and math, to students in the six district schools with the highest percentage of free and reduced lunch:  Beverly Hills, Bywood, Charles Kelly, Highland Park, Senkow, Stonehurst Hills, Westbrook Park and the Kindergarten Center.  Reading Specialists, classroom teachers, ELL teachers and RtII Specialists work with students in the regular classroom to ensure that they meet state academic standards. All instruction is aligned to district curriculum and local and state standards.

Title I and II funding also assists the district in meeting the needs of its professional and paraprofessional staff members. Title funds finance a portion of the professional development, technology, instructional materials, supplies, and educational opportunities provided to its staff members.

Upper Darby's Title I program also has a strong parent involvement component. Workshops and resources are provided throughout the year to help parents take an active role in helping their children achieve high academic standards. Parents are included in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the educational planning for their children.  Parents are notified of their school’s progress on the School Performance Profile (SPP)  and any related consequences. In addition, parents may request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child's teacher(s) and of paraprofessionals who provide instructional services to their children.