Illini West’s Schoolwide Title I Program
Illini West’s Schoolwide Title I Program
Title I is a Federally Funded Program
Qualifications
A Title I school is eligible to become a Title I Schoolwide Program when the poverty level, (determined by free and reduced meal counts, Aid for Dependent Children [AFDC], census, or Medicaid) is at or above 40%.
Definition
Schoolwide programs have great latitude to determine how to organize their operations and allocate the multiple funding sources available to them. They do not have to identify particular children as eligible for services or separately track federal dollars. Instead, Schoolwide programs can use all allocated funds to increase the amount and quality of learning time. In this way, they can embrace a high-quality curriculum, according to a comprehensive plan that ensures all children meet the state's challenging academic standards.
Schoolwide programs serve all children in a school. All staff, resources, and classes are part of the overall Schoolwide program. The purpose is to generate high levels of academic achievement in core subject areas for all students, especially those students most in need. This purpose is achieved through:
- High quality instruction
- Comprehensive reform strategies and methods that are based on the use of scientifically based research
- Strategies and methods to improve teacher quality and professional development
- Consolidated use of funds
Staff qualifications
All staff in a Schoolwide school, including teachers and paraprofessionals, must be highly qualified.
Annual Evaluation & Planning Process
A Schoolwide school must annually develop a Schoolwide plan and evaluate the impact of services on student achievement. The planning process must involve all staff, parents and community members in the implementation and evaluation of the Title I Schoolwide program.