Title I was established by the United States Department of Education to distribute funding to schools and school districts with a high percentage of students from low-income families.  The federally funded educational program was reauthorized under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001.  NCLB stresses accountability for student academic achievement, utilization of practices that have been shown to work through scientific research, increased flexibility and local control, and expanded options for parents (school choice and supplemental services).  Title I's focus is on helping disadvantaged students meet the same high standards expected of all children.

Guilford County School’s Title I schools are identified as schoolwide programs.  A Title I schoolwide program uses Title I funds to upgrade the entire education program of the school in order to raise academic achievement for all students at the school. Title I funds are used to supplement existing programs within the school. 

Each Guilford County Title I school develops a Title I Plan in collaboration with administrators, faculty, parents, and community members.  Each plan addresses the 10 Required Components of Schoolwide Planning:

1. A comprehensive needs assessment of the entire school based state content and performance standards.
2. Schoolwide reform strategies that provide opportunities for all children to meet the advanced and proficient levels of student performance; use effective instructional strategies; address the needs of all children in the school; and are consistent with the state and local plans.
3. Instruction by highly qualified professional staff.
4. Professional development for teachers.
5. Strategies to increase parental involvement, such as family literacy services.
6. Transition plans for preschool children into Kindergarten, 5th graders to middle school, and 8th graders to high school.
7. Measures to include teachers in making decisions about assessments.
8. Activities to identify, and ensure timely assistance to students experiencing difficulties.
9. Strategies to attract high-quality, highly qualified teachers to high need schools.
10. Coordination and integration of Federal, State, and local services and programs.

Title I, as the cornerstone of NCLB, is intended to ensure that all children, whatever their backgrounds and whatever schools they attend, can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. 

Title I Personnel

J. Donald Hare, Ed.D., Executive Director of Federal and Special Programs

Kelly Hales, Director of Title I

Kerrie Douglas, Title I Program Specialist

Jenny Johnson, Title I Program Specialist

Linda Mendenhall, Title I Program Specialist

Abbey Windsor, Title I Program Specialist

Pat Lamont, Title I Office Support

Bonnie Ham, Title I Office Support

Ronda Robb, Office Support for Federal and Special Programs