Reading To Succeed/Title I Elementary Schools

Nothing is more important to academic achievement than being a good reader.  But, when you combine low-income students and ESL children, you are bound to have a high percentage of at-risk children.  Title I funds aim to bridge the gap between the two.  Title I is the nation’s oldest and largest federally funded program as it provides over $7 billion dollars into the school systems across the country for those children who are at-risk and living at or near poverty.

As I spent the week working at a local Title I Elementary school, I now realize the importance and have an understanding of the problems these children face on a day-to-day basis.  Somewhat surprising given the school is located in a city surrounded by wealth and privilege.

I would like to take a closer look into how community involvement plays a huge part in the lives of these children.  The types of students who attend Washington Elementary include migrant students, students with limited English proficiency (ESL students), neglected students, students with disabilities, or those classified as at-risk for a numerous of reasons. 1) high number of absences, single-parent home, low-income families and low academic performance.

By giving these students more opportunities and more contact with the outside world through individuals, these children will have a higher chance of fitting into society and become responsible adults.  Through volunteer tutoring added to the extra educators working at the school, more students will get the deserved help they need.