TITLE I IN MIDSTREAM: THE FIGHT TO IMPROVE SCHOOLS FOR POOR KIDS (EXECUTIVE (1998)

This executive summary, which precedes the release of a more detailed report later in 1998, is part of an ongoing study that will include an examination of the implementation of Title I, the federal government1s largest program providing financial assista nce to elementary and secondary schools in the country, in selected districts and schools. In this report, the Citizens1 Commission focuses on the role of the federal government in setting the stage for Title I reforms in the states and school districts receiving funds. The study finds local improvements for school districts that have implemented the reforms since 1994, but concludes that tepid federal enforcement, and wide variance in state and local compliance are limiting the program1s success in rai sing the achievement levels of poor and minority students.