What happens if a school is identified to become a Title I school based on an increased percentage of students who receive FARMs?
There is a 1-year lag in eligibility for Title I funding, so if a school attains a higher FARMs population, that school couldn’t receive Title I funds until at least the following year. During that lag year, we would work with the principal, staff and parents to identify specific needs and plan how the funding will be used. Title I is among several federal grants HCPSS receives to provide supplemental support for students and schools with higher needs.
What happens to the Title I funds and associated supports when a school falls below 40% FARMs?
If a current Title I school falls below 40% FARMs, the Maryland State Department of Education can grant a waiver if it determines that a Schoolwide program will best meet the needs of students in the school who are failing, or at risk of failing, to meet challenging State academic standards. However, if a school is below the 40% threshold for two or more years, then it should be transitioned from a Schoolwide program to a Targeted Assistance program.
Does Title I funding follow a child if they move to a different school?
Title I funds are allocated to an entire school, so they do not move with students if they attend another school.
How are Title I funds used?
Title I funds are used to improve outcomes for low-achieving students through activities and strategies identified in a school’s needs assessment and articulated in the school’s comprehensive schoolwide plan.
Why are only elementary schools designated as Title I schools?
HCPSS serves the elementary grade span for Title I funding, as ESSA’s focus on early intervention and family programming lend well to elementary grades. Additionally, implementing and monitoring Title I programming with similar schools is helpful.
How are schools selected as receiving a Title I designation?
HCPSS determines at which levels Title I funds are distributed within the district. HCPSS has chosen to serve only the elementary grade span. Within that grade span, HCPSS must serve schools in order of the highest percentage of students in need based on Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) participation. HCPSS has chosen to serve 13 elementary schools where at least 40% of students receive FARMs.
How is the amount of Title I funding that HCPSS receives determined?
HCPSS Title I funding is based on county census data.
How can an organization partner with a community school?
The Howard County Public Schools Partnerships Office unites business and community organizations with schools to build rewarding, sustainable partnerships in support of the school system’s 2024—2029 Strategic Plan - Together we will BE GREAT!