Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides financial assistance through state education agencies (SEAs) to local education agencies (LEAs) and public schools with the highest percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. Public schools with poverty rates of at least 40 percent may use Title I funds, along with other federal, state, and local funds, to operate a schoolwide program to upgrade the entire educational program. The school designs, in consultation with parents, staff, and district staff, an instructional program to meet the needs of students. The programs must be based on effective means of improving student achievement and include strategies to support parent and family engagement.
The Tate County School District serves all our schools through a Schoolwide Program. This means that Title I funds may be utilized to affect all students and faculty members. These funds are used to purchase supplementary instructional supplies, Technology, and Professional Development. Our elementary schools utilize these funds with salary and benefits for paraprofessionals.