Title I
Part A (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) Section 1003a
The goal of Title I, Part A is to ensure that all children have meaningful access to a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to reduce gaps in academic achievement. Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as revised by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), provides financial support to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families. This funding helps ensure that all students can meet rigorous academic standards. Title I funds support social-emotional learning, supplemental instruction in reading and math, additional teaching staff, instructional materials, and extended learning opportunities such as after-school and summer programs to enhance and reinforce the regular school curriculum.
Parent School Compact
The Parent School Compact is developed by each school with input from parents. It outlines expectations for teachers, parents, and students in order to focus on increasing the academic achievement of all students. Teachers review the compact with students and parents during the school year.
Types of Programs
2025-2026 Title I Schools
The following elementary schools with Free and Reduced Meal rates have been identified to receive Title I supplemental funds and operate a Title I program:
- John Humbird Elementary School - 87.19%
- South Penn Elementary School - 80.04%
- West Side Elementary School - 73.83%
- Westernport Elementary School - 70.56%
- George's Creek Elementary School - 70.22%
- Cash Valley Elementary School - 62.78%
- Beall Elementary School - 61.20%
2025-2026 ATSI Schools (Additional Targeted Support and Improvement)
- Beall Elementary School
- Braddock Middle School
- Cresaptown Elementary School
- Fort Hill High School
- John Humbird Elementary School
- Washington Middle School
- Westmar Middle School
- West Side Elementary School
MSDE Additional Targeted Support and Improvement Schools
Schoolwide Title I Program
Criteria
- At least 40% of the student population is eligible for Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS)
- Title I funds are used to upgrade the educational program so that the education for ALL children is improved
- All children are eligible for Title I services
Program Components
- Comprehensive needs assessment of the entire school, which focuses on the achievement of students on the state academic content and achievement standards
- Schoolwide reform strategies that are evidence based and are designed to address the needs of all students and especially the low achieving students
- Strategies to increase parent/family/stakeholder engagement
- Plans to assist preschool children in their transition from early childhood programs to elementary school
- Coordination and integration of federal, state, and local services and programs including violence prevention, nutrition, housing, Head Start, adult education, vocational and technical education, and job training
Each Title I school develops a Title I plan which has all of the Title I components and may be viewed on each school's website. Title I plans are available in each school office for parent/community review and comment. Annually, principals review the Title I schoolwide program with parents.
What is a Title I Targeted Assistance Program?
- Academic need may be determined through screening (which may include parent referrals), achievement tests, teacher referrals, attendance, scores etc.
- Services include reading and mathematics for students with the greatest academic need.
- Professional development may be offered to teachers working with students who receive services.
- Ongoing communication and resources are made available for parents/guardians of students receiving targeted assistance services.
Parent/Family Engagement
ACPS welcomes parents/families as important team members in the educational process. Research proves that student achievement is positively impacted by the involvement of parents/families in their child's education. All Title I schools implement the Parent/Family Engagement Policy of the ACPS and align their plans with the ACPS Parent/Family Engagement Plan.
Each school develops a Parent/Family Engagement Plan and proposed budget as part of its School Improvement Plan with input from parents. Each school's Parent/Family Engagement Plan and budget are shared with parents. The implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the plan are ongoing through parent participation and feedback Parent/Family Engagement Plans are available on each school's website for parent/community review and comment.
Parent/Family Engagement Plan activities at each school are supported by the Title I Family Engagement Coordinators. The coordinators arrange workshops and assist parents and staff with parent programs at their assigned schools. The Title I parent involvement staff includes:
- Laura Biser [email protected], Beall Elementary, Cash Valley Elementary, and Westernport Elementary
- Heather Eisenhour [email protected], South Penn Elementary
- Delsie Fazenbaker [email protected], George's Creek Elementary, West Side Elementary, and Mount Savage Elementary
- Samantha Moon [email protected], Cresaptown Elementary and John Humbird Elementary
Parents Right To Know
The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) requires that all teachers and paraprofessionals in Title I schools be licensed or certified. This requirement has been met by ACPS. Parents will be notified by the school when a substitute teacher will be in a classroom for four or more weeks if the substitute teacher is not certified/licensed. Parents may request information regarding the certification status of their child's teacher and/or instructional assistant by contacting in writing the Office of Human Resources at the Allegany County Board of Education.
Please contact:
Christopher Cassell, Supervisor of Human Resources
Allegany County Board of Education
P.O. Box 1724
Cumberland, MD 21501-1724
Complaint Procedures
Allegany County Public Schools is committed to open communication with Title I schools in order to reach the goal of educating all students. Allegany County Public Schools is aware that disagreements may arise periodically. These disagreements need to be resolved in a timely fashion. The following procedures have been developed to handle complaints dealing with Title I programs, services, and staff members.
Daniel "Dan" Clark
Supervisor of Federal Programs
Dan Clark is responsible for Title I and oversees the After School Programs.