Title I, Part A
Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies
The largest federal K-12 programme. It gives extra money to districts and schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families, to help students meet challenging state standards.
How to access it: Teachers do not apply to the U.S. Department of Education. Ask your district's federal programs office how the district plans to use these funds and how to propose an activity.
- Federal agency
- U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
- State / local administration
- Your state education agency allocates funds to districts; districts allocate to eligible schools.
- Intended beneficiaries
- Students in high-poverty schools, especially those at risk of not meeting state standards.
- Eligible applicants
- School districts (local educational agencies) via their state plan — not individual schools or teachers.
- Funding mechanism
- Formula funding — Allocated through established federal and state formulas — districts receive it automatically when eligible; no open competition.
- Automatic or competitive
- Allocated automatically by formula based on poverty data. Districts submit a plan/application to their state to draw down funds.
- Application process
- Schools receive Title I through their district. Schoolwide-program schools plan uses through their schoolwide plan; targeted-assistance schools serve identified students.
- Current status
- Ongoing formula programme
- Funding year
- Federal fiscal year 2026 funds, used mainly in school year 2026–27. Allocation amounts are set each year — confirm yours with your state agency or district.
What this funding could pay for
Potential uses only. Whether a cost is allowable depends on current federal rules, your state's requirements and your district's plan. Confirm with your district or state before spending.
Supplemental instruction, intervention and extended learning time for eligible students.
Professional development tied to the school's Title I plan.
Check: Must align with the schoolwide or targeted-assistance plan.
Parent and family engagement activities (districts reserve a share for this).
Supplemental instructional materials.
Check: Title I must supplement, not supplant, state and local funds.
Technology that supports the plan's instructional strategies.
Check: Must be reasonable, necessary and tied to identified needs.
Preschool programmes operated with Title I funds.
Extended-day or summer programmes for eligible students.