Title I

What is Title I?

Title I, Part A is a federally funded program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Title I provides financial assistance to school districts and schools with higher percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all students meet challenging academic standards.

The goal of Title I is to provide additional support and learning opportunities to improve student achievement, particularly in reading and mathematics.

Title I funds in Richmond Community Schools may be used for:

• Additional instructional support for students
• Supplemental academic programs and interventions
• Instructional materials and resources
• Professional development for educators
• Parent and family engagement activities
• Extended learning opportunities for students

Schoolwide Title I Programs

Schools may operate a Schoolwide Title I Program when at least 40% of students come from low-income families. Schoolwide programs allow schools to use Title I funds to improve the overall educational program of the school in order to raise academic achievement for all students.

In Richmond Community Schools, the following schools operate as Title I Schoolwide Programs:

• Charles Elementary School
• Crestdale Elementary School
• Fairview Elementary School
• Starr Elementary School
• Vaile Elementary School
• Westview Elementary School
• Dennis Middle School
• Test Intermediate School

Academic Standards and Assessments

Indiana has adopted challenging academic standards that outline what students are expected to know and be able to do at each grade level. Students participate in statewide assessments aligned to these standards to measure academic progress and school performance.

These assessments help schools and districts evaluate student learning and guide instructional improvement.

Parent and Family Engagement

Richmond Community Schools recognizes that family involvement is essential to student success. The district and its Title I schools work to build strong partnerships with parents and guardians to support student learning.

Parents have the right to:

• Be involved in the development and review of the District Parent and Family Engagement Policy
• Participate in the development of the School–Parent Compact
• Receive information about their child’s academic progress
• Attend the Annual Title I Parent Meeting
• Provide input on how Title I funds are used to support student achievement

Parent Right to Know

Parents have the right to request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teacher and paraprofessionals working with their child. Upon request, the district will provide information regarding:

• Whether the teacher has met Indiana licensing requirements
• Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status
• The teacher’s area of licensure
• Whether paraprofessionals provide services to the child and their qualifications

If a child is taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not properly licensed for the assignment, parents will be notified.

Parent Concerns and Complaints

Richmond Community Schools strives to meet the needs of all families and students served through Title I. If you believe the district has violated federal or state law related to Title I programs, you may file a complaint in writing.

Complaints should include a description of the concern and the requested resolution.

Please contact:

Title I Program Administrator

Public Notice: Title I Ed-Flex Waiver

Richmond Community Schools provides public notice of its intent to request an Education Flexibility (Ed-Flex) Waiver through the Indiana Department of Education. This waiver allows the district flexibility in implementing certain Title I requirements while continuing to support improved academic outcomes for students.