It’s the largest federal aid program for the nation’s schools. The goal of Title I is a high-quality education for every child, so the program provides additional assistance with reading and math to students who need it most.

Who Does the Title I Program Serve?

Title I resources are directed to schools with qualifying family income levels. The program serves millions of children in elementary and secondary schools across the nation each year. Most school districts participate.

WDMCS has Title I reading and/or math services at Crestview Elementary School, Hillside Elementary School and Phenix Elementary Early Childhood Center.

How Does Title I Work?

The Federal Government provides funding to states each year. State educational agencies send the money to school districts based on the numbers of qualifying families. The West Des Moines Community School District identifies eligible schools and provides Title I resources and services.

The Title I school works to:

• Identify students most in need of educational help. (Students do not have to be from qualifying-income families to receive assistance in reading and math.)
• Set goals for improvement
• Develop programs that supplement regular classroom instruction and measure student progress

Title I programs generally offer:

• Small group instruction and practice
• Additional reading and math teachers
• Extra time for instruction, reteaching and practice
• A variety of teaching methods and materials
• Additional training for school staff

Title I teachers and other school staff work closely together.

Parents Are a Part of the Title I Team

The district recognizes that parents influence their child’s education more than any teacher or school. Parent involvement is critical to the success of the Title I program. There are many things parents can do to boost their child’s achievement.

Set a good example by letting your child see you read newspapers, magazines or books. Let your child help you use math when shopping and also at home – sorting, counting, comparing and cooking.

Take advantage of resources by visiting the public library. Help your child pick out books to read just for fun.

Read! Read! Read! Read to your child and ask your child to read to you.

Show interest in your child’s school day. Ask questions, review schoolwork and praise effort and improvement, no matter how small it may seem to you.

Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences and Title I Parent Nights. Contact your child’s Title I teacher(s) at any time during the school year if you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s progress in reading or math.