Title I: What Parents Need to Know WALTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

What is Title I? Title I is a program that provides funds from the federal government to ensure that all children have a fair and equal opportunity to obtain a high quality education.

Elementary & Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 ESEA is a federal education law that was passed in 1965. Title I was one portion of ESEA. ESSA is a federal education law passed in December 2015 that reauthorized much of ESEA, including Title I.

Why does our school receive Title I funding? Schools in which 40% or more of students are from low-income families receive Title I funding. For the purposes of Title I eligibility, “low- income” is defined as qualifying for free or reduced-price meals at school.

Why does our school receive Title I funding? Schools highlighted are receiving Title I funds this year.

The Title I Program at Monroe Elementary School Our overarching improvement goals for 2017-2018 are: (see Title I Parent-School Compact in folder for goals) How will we spend our Title I money to help us achieve those goals? Instructional Coach, one additional teacher, two additional parapros, phonics program, math program, Read 180, technology enhancements such as chromebooks, iPads, etc.

Curriculum Used at Our School Our school uses the Georgia Standards of Excellence. You can review these at www.georgiastandards.org. Please ask your child’s teacher if you have any questions about the standards or our curriculum.

Assessments We will use various assessments to determine how well your child is learning: Classroom Grades GKIDS Readiness GKIDS ACCESS STAR Reading STAR Math Classworks Georgia Milestones If you have questions about any Assessment that your child may participate in, please ask your child’s teacher.

Parent Involvement Plan Each school district and each Title I school must develop a written plan describing how the school will support the important role of parents in their child’s learning. You are encouraged to review our Parent Involvement Plan. Please let us know if you would like a copy.

Compact Title I schools must have a written statement, signed by all parties, listing specific duties of school staff, parents, and students. The compact tells parents what you can do to support your child’s academic progress. Please make sure that you and your child sign a copy of the compact as soon as possible.

Teacher Qualifications Parents of students in Title I schools have the right to know the professional qualifications of staff working with their child. Please talk to our principal if you have any questions related to teacher qualifications.

Communication How will school personnel communicate with parents? agenda books, communication folders, phone calls, schoolmessenger, flyers, emails, newsletters, website, parent portal, parent conferences, etc. How can parents communicate with school personnel? agenda books, emails, phone calls, parent conferences, parent communication folders, etc. When will parent-teacher conferences be held? Oct 6, 2017, March 16, 2018 and anytime teacher or parent requests

How Can Parents Get Involved? Family engagement opportunities: (review MES parent calendars in folders) Volunteer opportunities: (see MES Family Engagement Plan in folders) Other ways to get involved: School Council, PTO, Title I Parent Meetings, Book Fair volunteer, etc.

Parent Resource Center (review flyer in folders)

Title I Parent Survey Results (review handout in folders)

Complaint Procedure Anyone who believes that a school is in violation of any part of the Every Student Succeeds Act may notify: Georgia Department of Education Office of Legal Services 205 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE Atlanta, GA 30334 www.doe.k12.ga.us/title_complaint.aspx

Questions?