Schoolwide Programs
Schoolwide Title I schools are those schools with 40% or more of their students receiving free or reduced lunch. The schoolwide program is built upon school-based reform strategies with Local Education Agency (LEA) support. Title I funds supplement local and state resources to help students who are most at risk of not meeting state academic standards.
What advantages do schoolwide programs offer?
The key advantage of the schoolwide program is flexibility in educational planning at individual school sites. Any strategy or activity implemented at a school site must be identified from the school's Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA).
Title I funds provide a variety of services, which may include: hiring additional teachers and support staff, offering tutoring services, creating and maintaining learning labs, offering opportunities for parental involvement, planning and providing evidence-based professional development, purchasing materials and supplies, and supporting pre-kindergarten programs.
Ten Components of Schoolwide Planning
1. A comprehensive needs assessment of the entire school based on information that includes the performance of children in relation to the state academic content and achievement standards.
2. Schoolwide reform strategies that provide opportunities for all children to meet the advanced and proficient levels of student achievement; use effective and instructional strategies based on scientifically based research; address the needs of all children in the school; address who at the school will determine if the needs have been met; and are consistent with the state and local plans.
3. High quality Instruction must be provided by highly qualified staff.
4. High quality and ongoing professional development must be provided for teachers and assistants (and, where appropriate, student services personnel, parents, principals, and other staff).
5. Strategies to attract high-quality, highly qualified teachers must be implemented in high need schools.
6. Strategies to increase parental involvement must be implemented.
7. Plans for assisting preschool children in the transition from early childhood programs to local elementary programs must be offered.
8. School administrators must provide measures to include teachers in making school-based decisions including assessments.
9. Activities to identify and ensure effective, timely assistance must be provided to students who experience difficulties.
10. Coordination and integration of federal, state, and local services and programs are needed to support all students and increase student achievement.