Title I began with the passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. The ESEA was the first major federal school aid initiative and a key component of President Johnson's War on Poverty. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law December 2015, and reauthorizes ESEA.

​

Title I was implemented to provide support to disadvantaged children who are failing or at most risk of failing to meet grade-level academic standards.  Title I funding is provided to support school reform efforts to improve academic achievement for students.  

​

Thirty-five schools in Durham Public Schools receive Title I funds to improve the academic achievement of all students. Our Title I schools maintain a schoolwide status which allows all students in the school to benefit from additional support and services provided with Title I funds.

​

Family/Parent Engagement is a key part of Title I and the success of all schools.  The DPS Title I program plays a major role in increasing family/parent engagement and support in schools.