A report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office tracks how schools are using federal Title I funds in 12 districts across four states.
Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act appropriates grants to districts with high concentrations of low-income students. The agency’s investigation found that, in the districts it targeted in Louisiana, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Washington, schools for the most part are spending their Title I funds as intended on classroom instruction. Some of the initiatives financed through the program have included reducing class sizes, extending class time, and coaching Title I teachers.