Title I and the 90 Minute Reading Block
Frequently Asked Questions
REVISED JULY 2011
The FAQ for Title I and the 90 Minute Reading Block is a guidance document that is to be used as a resource.
1. Q. What is the definition of the 90 Minute Reading Block?
A. The 90 Minute Reading Block is 90 minutes of Tier I core reading instruction for all children that is aligned with scientifically-based reading research (SBRR) and provides instruction in the five components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension).
2. Q. What is the definition of “core reading instruction”?
A. Core reading instruction is 90 minutes of Tier I reading instruction aligned to the five components of reading taught to all students through whole group, small group and differentiated instruction.
3. Q. How may Title I personnel be used during the 90 Minute Reading Block?
A. In accordance with federal guidance (Section 1120A of the statute), the State Education Agency (SEA) and the Local Education Agency (LEA) shall use federal funds received under Title I only to supplement the amount of funds available from nonfederal sources for the education of students participating in Title I. Therefore, Title I services provided to at-risk students must supplement or be “in addition to” instruction received during the 90 Minute Reading Block where all students receive core reading instruction.
4. Q. In a Schoolwide school may Title I teachers push-in to the classroom
during the 90 Minute Reading Block to work with the most at-risk students
on supplemental reading instruction?
A. In a Schoolwide school, Title I teachers may push-in to the classroom during the 90
Minute Reading Block (Tier I) where the five components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) are taught to all students under the following conditions: 1) Title I personnel are providing services that are consistent with the schoolwide plan and 2) in the absence of federal funds, the 90 Minute Reading Block would still occur. Title I funds may be used to supplement, but not replace, core reading instruction during the 90 Minute Reading Block.
5. Q. In a Targeted Assistance school can Title I teachers push-in to the classroom
during the 90 Minute Reading Block to work with identified Title I students
on supplemental reading instruction?
A. Title I teachers may push-in to the classroom during the 90 Minute Reading Block (Tier I)
to provide supplemental reading instruction to identified Title I students as long
as the instruction does not replace core reading instruction and is “in addition to” the
direct instruction all students must receive. Schools must ask, 1) “What would happen in
the absence of Title I funds?” and 2) “Would core reading instruction continue?” If so,
services provided by Title I are supplemental.
6. Q. In a Schoolwide school may the most at-risk students be pulled from the
classroom during the 90 Minute Reading Block so that they can receive
supplemental reading instruction in a quieter setting?
A. At-risk students may not be pulled from the classroom for Title I instruction during the 90 minutes of uninterrupted reading instruction (Tier I). Title I students may be pulled from the classroom to work in a quieter setting after the 90 minutes of core reading instruction; for example, during Tier II and Tier III.
7. Q. In a Targeted Assistance school may identified Title I students be pulled
from the classroom during the 90 Minute Reading Block so that they may
receive supplemental reading instruction in a quieter setting?
A. Title I students in a Targeted Assistance school may not be pulled from the classroom
during the 90 minutes of uninterrupted reading instruction (Tier I). Title I students may
be pulled from the classroom to work in a quieter setting after the 90 minutes of core
reading instruction; for example, during Tier II and Tier III.
8. Q. May the activities for the Title I students be classroom teacher-directed or
may plans be created by the Title I teachers to reinforce or re-teach the
week’s story, vocabulary, and skills?
A. In collaboration with classroom teachers, Title I teachers may write lesson plans for Title I students. Title I teachers should use student data to determine needs when creating lessons and the plans need to align with the scope and sequence from the core reading program. Title I teachers may use purchased programs, such as intervention materials that coordinate with the core reading program, with Title I students as long the programs are SBRR and align with the core reading curriculum.
9. Q. May Title I professional development funds be used to support the
implementation of the 90 Minute Reading Block?
A. Title I professional development funds must be used to support administrators, teachers
and paraprofessionals with professional development that is supplemental or “in addition
to” professional development for the core reading program that would otherwise be
provided in the absence of Title I funding.
This document has been released by the Indiana Department of Education from the offices of Title I, Curriculum, and RTI and in collaboration with the United States Department of Education.
7/2011