WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to boost federal funding for Rhode Island's public schools, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that Rhode Island will see a $3.1 million increase in Title I funding in fiscal year 2007. Title I is the federal government's primary program providing funding for low-income children at the K-12 level. Under the continuing resolution spending bill, which Congress passed earlier this year, Rhode Island will receive over $50.3 million in FY 2007. Under this spending plan, the Providence school district, for example, will receive an increase of $1,324,662 this year. "It is essential for the federal government to help provide local schools with the resources they need to educate our young people," said Reed. "Title I is an important source of funding for many of our school districts, and I am pleased Rhode Island will be getting an increase in federal support this year." Title I Grants provide financial assistance to school districts for services that improve the teaching and learning of children at risk of not meeting challenging academic standards, especially those children who reside in areas with high concentrations of children from low-income families. Approximately one-third of Rhode Island's schools receive Title I funds. To qualify for Title I assistance, a school typically must have 40% or more of its students come from families that qualify under the U.S. Census's definitions as low income. Title I funds may be used for children from preschool age through high school, but most of the students served (about 65%) are in grades 1 through 6; another 12% are in preschool and kindergarten programs.