Federal Programs

 What is a Title I Program? 

According to the PA Department of Education, "Title I is a 100% federally funded supplemental education program that provides financial assistance to local educational agencies to improve educational opportunities for educationally deprived children. Title I programs are designed to help children meet the state content and performance standards in reading, language arts, and mathematics. In buildings where 40% or more of students live in poverty, school districts may use the funds to upgrade the entire curriculum and implement Schoolwide Programs. In buildings with less than 40% poverty, programs are designed to help specific children and are targeted, assisted programs." 

What kind of support is offered through Title I in Tuscarora School District? 

Currently, two elementary schools have been identified as schoolwide programs under Title I. Funds received are used to provide intervention in Reading and Math by coaches and specialists designed to promote student growth and performance in those critical areas. Intervention and support can occur individually and in groups, both inside and outside of the classroom. 

Why don't all schools receive Title I support in Tuscarora School District?

Title I funds are provided only to schools with the highest percentage of students receiving free and reduced-price lunches. This is an economic measure of the relative need in each building, and Federal requirements mean that not all schools can receive this funding assistance. 

How do I know if my school is a Title I school? 

At the beginning of every school year, parents of students in a Title I school receive a Parent Right-to-Know Letter. Additionally, parent meetings are conducted each fall to provide an overview and explanation of Title I services available to students in Title I schools. Throughout the school year, multiple events are conducted at each school to promote parent engagement and student performance. Please refer to your child's school website calendar for more information. 

Sometimes there are Paraprofessionals (Instructional Assistants) who work with my child. Are they qualified to do this? 

All of our instructional assistants (and teachers, for that matter) working with students in the Title I program must meet the requirements specified in the Every Student Succeeds Act and must be considered "highly qualified". Instructional assistants receive direction from classroom teachers, interventionists or coaches, and reading or math specialists. This way, their efforts are coordinated with classroom teachers and specialists. Tuscarora School District is very fortunate to have dedicated paraprofessional staff who are committed to the academic growth of the children they work with. 

What can we do as parents to help our child?

Parents play a very important role in their children's success in both reading and math. Study after study demonstrates how important your support for your child's learning at home really is! Parents can support a positive attitude toward school by encouraging their child to keep trying when they are challenged, setting aside time for homework, and encouraging children to read, read, read! Trips to the local library can be fun, as well as asking your children about the library or classroom books they bring home. Taking an interest in and reading those books together is critical to your child's success. Feel free to contact your child's teacher for more ways to support your child's learning at home, and remember that learning doesn't stop at the end of the school day for any of us! 

What is Title IIA?

Title II, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 is intended to increase student academic achievement consistent with challenging State academic standards, improve the quality and effectiveness of educators, increase the number of educators who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools, and provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective educators. 

Title III - Language Instruction for English Learners

Title III is a 100% federally funded supplemental program that focuses on delivering language instruction and educational programs to students whose primary language is not English. This program is designed to improve the education of limited English proficient (LEP) children and youths by helping them learn English and meet challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards. The program also provides enhanced instructional opportunities for immigrant children and youths. 

Tuscarora School District's Title III funds are used to finance supplemental educational services through the Lincoln Intermediate Unit. This consortium assists the district in meeting the staffing, resource, and professional development needs of our English Language Learners. TSD currently employs one LIEP Teacher who coordinates accommodations, instruction, and assessment of students who have a primary language other than English

What is Title IVA?

The purpose of Title IV, Part A Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant is to provide funds to increase the capacity of schools to:

1) provide all students with access to a well-rounded education;

2) improve school conditions for student learning;

3) improve the use of technology in order to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students.