Title I is a section of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) that provides federal funds to local school districts and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families. Title I is meant to ensure that all children receive a high-quality education and reach proficiency on State academic achievement standards assessments. Federal funds are split up based on Census poverty estimates and the cost of education in each state. To be eligible, districts must have a poverty level of at least 35 percent or be at or above the statewide average district poverty level. In addition to funds to support basic school services, there are several targeted categories of Title I funding, including for students in foster care, the education of migratory children, and prevention and intervention programs for children and youth.
Oklahoma districts were set to receive $209.5 million in Title I funding for Federal Fiscal Year 2025. Oklahoma City Public Schools received the largest Title I allocation, $23.1 million, followed by Tulsa Public Schools at $20.0 million. Straight Public Schools received the smallest allocation, $5,472.