Title I Overview


  • In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act was signed into law, replacing No Child Left Behind, and reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 as the nation's main education law.  ESSA ensures that all students-- including low-income students, students of color, students with disabilities, English Learners, and other historically marginalized students – have access to a world-class education that prepares them for college, career, and life.

     

    Also known as "Title I" funds, these funds are targeted to high poverty schools and districts, and are used to help school districts meet the educational needs of their 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 seven district schools with the highest percentage of free and reduced lunch:  Beverly Hills, Bywood, Charles Kelly, Highland Park, Primos, Stonehurst Hills, and the Kindergarten Center.  Reading Specialists, classroom teachers, EL teachers and MTSS 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 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 the Title schools.


    Upper Darby's Title I program also has a strong family engagement 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 federally mandated and state testing, and whether they meet state targets for success. 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.