Title I made educational equity a federal priority by providing financial assistance to local education agencies serving children of low-income families. In recent years, the policy’s scope has expanded to serve more than 21 million children. 

In April 2015, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) celebrated its 50th anniversary. We take a look at the history of Title I, how the program has changed over time, and how it affects children, schools, families and education policy.  Experts weigh in on the program's future.

BRIEF: Andrea Boyle and Katelyn Lee

2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Title I of that act made educational equity a federal priority by providing financial assistance to local education agencies serving children of low-income families. This paper traces the history of the landmark federal program and provides background as Congress considers changes to Title I.

Title I: Where Policy Drives Equity

BLOG: Elizabeth Grant

Since its passage 50 years ago, Title I has embodied the nation’s enduring commitment to educational equity and opportunity. The recently passed Senate reauthorization continues the $14 billion appropriation for Title I— nearly a tenth of all school funding and a remarkable federal investment in educational equity. Yet ultimately, Grant argues, Title I may be more influential as a policy vehicle than a funding stream.

Title I: Revisited

VIDEO SERIES

In recognition of Title I's anniversary, Elizabeth Grant, AIR vice president, sat down in our Education Policy Center with Monique Chism, Director of the Office of State Support at the U.S. Department of Education to discuss the history, influence, and future of this important legislation. Four video highlights of their interview are below.