What is the primary purpose of Title I funding?

The primary purpose of Title I funding is to improve academic achievement of disadvantaged students. Title I, a component of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, provides federal funds to schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families. The goal is to ensure that all children, particularly those who are disadvantaged, have access to a high-quality education and the necessary resources to achieve academic success. This funding is utilized by schools to implement programs and services aimed at enhancing instructional quality, providing additional educational support, and addressing the specific challenges faced by these students.

While enhancing parental involvement and supporting after-school programs are important elements of a well-rounded educational approach, the core objective of Title I is focused on bridging the achievement gap for students who come from low-income backgrounds. Thus, the emphasis is primarily on academic improvement rather than on sports, extracurricular activities, or other non-academic initiatives.