Federal Programs
Title I is designed to help academically non-proficient children meet challenging content and student performance standards. Title I provides financial assistance through state educational agencies to local school districts. Funds are provided from the federal government to schools based on the school’s percentage of economically disadvantaged families. All students are eligible to participate in the Title I program after the district/school is identified and funded. In the Bensalem Township School District, the purpose is to provide reading and math intervention to prevent our students from falling behind and to prepare them to meet the Academic Standards for English Language Arts and the Academic Standards for Mathematics adopted by the state of Pennsylvania.
The Bensalem Township School District uses the Title I funds it receives to provide reading and/or math services for children in Title I identified elementary schools (Cornwells Elementary School, Benjamin Rush Elementary School, Samuel K. Faust Elementary School) and middle schools (Cecelia Snyder Middle School and Robert K. Shafer Middle School). Our program provides supplemental education to students in reading and/or mathematics using research-based programs. Staff members work with students to ensure that they meet the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. A portion of the Bensalem Township School District’s Title I funds are allocated to children attending non-public schools and parent engagement. The Bensalem Township School District must use the Title I funds to supplement, not supplant, available funds in the identified schools and grade level programs.
Bensalem’s Title One program requires a strong parent involvement and engagement component. Parents/Guardians play an important part in the success of their child/children. Parents can encourage a positive attitude toward learning by setting aside time for homework and reading and by attending conferences and activities at their child's school. Workshops and resources are provided throughout the year to help parents take an active role in helping their child/children to achieve high academic standards. Parents are encouraged to contact their child's school at any time for information about their child’s program. Annual Parent Workshops are held at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit in Doylestown. Parents are invited to attend. Parents are included in decision-making and can choose to be on an advisory committee to assist in the educational planning for their child/children. For more information on parent and guardian engagement and the benefits of collaboration between guardians, schools, and communities, please visit the Pennsylvania State Parent Advisory Council (SPAC) website http://www.spac.k12.pa.us/.
Parents have the right by law to request information regarding the professional qualifications and academic degrees of any teacher providing instruction to their child at a school receiving Title I funds. Parents should be notified annually at the beginning of the school year about their right to request such information. Parents must also be notified by the district when their child, who attends a Title I funded school, has been assigned to or taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified, as defined by federal law.
Parents also have the right by law to request information regarding the qualifications of any paraprofessional who provides instructional support to their child at a school receiving Title I funds. Parents should be notified annually at the beginning of the school year about their right to request this information.
The Title II, Part A (Improving Teacher and Principal Quality) is provided to local school districts by the federal government through state education agencies. The purpose of Title II, Part A is to increase the academic achievement of all students by helping schools and districts improve teacher and principal quality. This includes teacher preparation and qualifications of new teachers, recruitment and hiring, induction, and professional development.
Title III, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as reauthorized under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), aims to ensure that English learners (ELs) and immigrant students attain English proficiency and develop high levels of academic achievement in English. Title III also assists all English learners meet the same challenging Pennsylvania Academic Standards that all children are expected to meet. Our program provides supplemental education to students by using research-based programs.
If you have any questions regarding Federal Programs in the Bensalem Township School District, please reach out to Ms. Lauren Steflik ([email protected]; 215-750-2800 ext. 4123).
