The Etowah County School System federal programs shall operate in compliance with all federal laws and regulations and according to the State Department of Education procedures and guidelines. The Etowah County Board of Education ensures that all schools under its jurisdiction receive comparable services from state and local sources. This includes the assignment of personnel and the distribution of curriculum materials and instructional supplies.
Title I services will be offered in schools within the School System that qualify according to state and federal guidelines and legislation. Eligible students are those whom the school identifies as failing or most at risk of failing to meet the state's challenging student performance standards and having the greatest academic need for special assistance.
The Board requires that the following criteria be met for all qualified Title I programs (School-wide or Targeted Assistance) within the School System:
- Improve teaching so that Title I students will meet challenging state content performance
standards.
- Implement effective instructional strategies that increase the amount and quality of learning
time for at-risk students and that deliver enriched and accelerated curricula.
- Ensure that school-based planning takes place.
- Promote effective parent participation.
Title I Schoolwide programs use their funds to upgrade the entire program of the school. Schools are encouraged to use research-based school reform strategies that provide an accelerated and enriched curriculum and increase the amount and quality of learning time. The programs must be integrated with other resources and initiatives. The intent is still to assist disadvantaged children, but this goal will be achieved by upgrading the entire educational environment.
Title I Teachers paid from Title I funds are employees of the Board and are subject to the same regulations as other teachers. Salaries for Title I teachers and/or other employees shall follow the Etowah County School System salary schedule and shall comply with all regulations regarding comparability.
LEAs are required to provide services for eligible private school students as well as eligible public school students.