Flexibility and New Opportunities for Supporting School Reform Through Title I

Abstract

My previous articles in the Journal of Education for Students Placed At Risk (JESPAR) have discussed Title I's new emphasis on teaching and learning to help all children meet high standards. Key tools for achieving this goal include a shift of responsibility for programmatic decisions to the school level and increased flexibility in program design in exchange for greater accountability for student performance. Together, these and other provisions in Title I are intended to support local efforts to improve the academic performance of educationally disadvantaged children so they can achieve the high standards expected of all children. This article provides more detailed examples of Title I program components and alternative ways in which the law's flexibility can be used.