Title I is the nation’s oldest and largest federally funded program, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Annually, it provides over $14 billion to school systems across the country for students at risk of failure and living at or near poverty. Originally, the idea of Title I was enacted in 1965 under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This policy committed to closing the achievement gap between low-income students and other students. The policy was rewritten in 1994 to improve fundamental goals of helping at-risk students.

Stephenson Middle School is a Title I school. Title I, Part A is part of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, now known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). This act provides federal funds through the Georgia Department of Education to local educational agencies (LEAs)/school districts and public schools with a high percentage of low income children.

What is the purpose of Title I funding?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the purpose of Title I funding, "is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high quality education and reach, at minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments."

How are Title I funds used?

Stephenson Middle School uses Title I funds to improve curriculum, instructional activities, parental involvement, increase staff and program improvement. The funds assist the school in meeting the educational goals of all students. Title I funds support supplemental instruction in reading, math, science and social studies. This information is shared with parents in the annual Title I budget planning meeting and again in the Annual Title I meeting held in September of each calendar school year.

Title I, Part A, Section 1116 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that each school served under Title I, Part A, develop jointly with, agree on with, and distribute to parents and family members of participating children a written parent and family engagement policy/plan.  Please click 23-24 School Parent and Family Engagement Policy.pdf to view the FY23-24 SMS Family Engagement policy.

FY19 Stephenson School Parent and Family Engagement Policy  

FY20 Stephenson Middle School's Parent & Family Engagement Policy