Title I Annual Parent Meeting/ Open House Pinellas Central Elementary Monday, August 23, 2010 4:00-6:00

Agenda Welcome and Introductions All About Title I Standards and Testing Parental Involvement

I want to be a . . . Robert wants to be an astronaut when he grows up. This activity sets the stage for working together and development of common goals. The activity is optional.

Dreams to Reality What kind of person do you want your child to be: HAVE THE PARENTS SHARE WITH EACHOTHER WHAT THEY HOPE THEIR CHIDLREN WILL ACCOMPLISH IN 30 YEARS? THEN HAVE POPCORN SHARE WITH A FEW.

We All Want . . . The best for our children; A better future for them; Success in school and life; To be happy; To be a good citizen; To be respectful, honest, and hard working; and To make more money then we do.

Education is the KEY

What is “No Child Left Behind”? Education act signed into law in 2002 that aims to: Ensure that every student has a high-quality education; Challenge and motivate students; Provide highly qualified teachers, who use proven teaching methods; and Ensure a safe, drug free learning environment. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is the name given to the most recent update of the main federal education law that, among other things, provides for Title I funding. NCLB aims to: Raise accountability – by carefully measuring school progress every year Provide more financial flexibility – by allowing federal money to be used to meet school or school district needs Set goals – to improve student performance in reading or math, for example Improve teacher quality – by perhaps providing funds for professional development Provide school choice – if a school doesn’t meet specific educational standards Make schools safer – and drug-free

What is Title I? Title I is the largest federal assistance program for our nation’s schools. The goal of Title I is a higher quality of education for every child. The program serves millions of children in public elementary and secondary schools each year including elgible students in non-public schools. Title I funds are used by schools and districts for a variety of programs and activities designed to increase children’s academic achievement (especially in reading and math). Schools work to identify students most in need of educational help. The schools set goals for improvement, measure student progress, using standards set forth in the state’s Title I plan, develop programs that add to regular classroom instruction, and involve parents in all aspects of the program. Title I seeks to provide supplemental support to those students that are the furthest from meeting the standards the state has set for all children. Districts receive Title I funds from the federal government (through the PA Department of Education), and distribute these funds to schools based on the number of low-income students (eligible for free/reduced price lunch). However, low-income is only used to distribute funds. Students are selected to receive Title I services if they have an academic need.

How Title I Works The federal government provides funding to states each year for Title I. The Florida Department of Education sends the money to the district. The school district identifies eligible schools and provides Title I funds. Pinellas Central implements a schoolwide program. The Florida Department of Education receives funds from the federal government. Districts receive Title I funds from Department of Education, and the school district distributes these funds to schools based on the percentage of children eligible for free/reduced price lunch; however, students do not have to be from low-income families to receive help. For Title I Schoolwide Programs: Our students are in a Title I School-wide program. This means that our Title I money can be used to upgrade the educational program in ways that may impact every student in the school . This also means that every parent/guardian of a student in our school is a Title I parent! The schools set goals for improvement, measure student progress, using standards set forth in the state’s Title I plan, develop programs that add to regular classroom instruction, and involve parents in all aspects of the program. For Title I Targeted Programs: Our school is a Title I Targeted Assisted School. That means that we identify (or target) students for Title I services. We look at assessment results for students and identify those who need extra help to get caught up with their classmates. Students are selected to receive Title I services if they have an academic need.

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) The goal is for all students to be proficient by 2014. Targets include participation rate and percent proficient in reading, writing, mathematics and graduation rates. Schools that receive Title I funds must make AYP every year or face consequences. If the school fails to meet AYP targets for two consecutive years the school is identified as in need of improvement (SINI). To exit improvement a school must make AYP for 2 consecutive years

We are a SINI School Pinellas Central has not meet the AYP targets for the past three years. As a SINI school, families are granted certain rights.

Free Tutoring Free tutoring, known as Supplemental Education Services (SES) will be provided for eligible students; Students eligible to receive free or reduced priced meals are eligible for the free tutoring; Information has been mailed and is also available in the office; and If needed, staff are available to help you select an SES provider that best meets the needs of your child. If your school is not eligible for SES-delete the slide

School Choice As a parent of a child enrolled in a school identified as in need of improvement for two or more years, you have the choice to transfer your child to a higher performing school. Transportation to the new school of choice is provided by the district at no cost to the family. Discuss if students are eligible for choice with transportation (CWT)

Parent’s Rights Be involved and request regular meetings to express your opinions and concerns; Be provided information on your child’s level of achievement on assessments like FCAT in reading/language arts, mathematics, and science; Request and receive information on the qualifications of your child’s teacher; and Be informed if your child is taught by a non-highly qualified teacher for four or more consecutive weeks. Parents’ Rights under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Request the qualifications of your child’s teacher Be notified if your child is taught for more than 4 consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified Request opportunities for regular meetings with staff in order to make suggestions Participate in decisions relating to the education of your child Submit a written comment on the school-wide program plan when the school makes the plan available to the district (if you are not satisfied with the plan)

School Accountability Report Card School Public Accountability Report (SPAR) provides parents and the community with important information about each public school Demographic data; School safety and climate for learning information; Academic data; Graduation rates; Class sizes; Teacher and staff information; Curriculum and instruction descriptions; Postsecondary preparation information; and AYP information. Available at the school office or online at http://doeweb-prd.doe.state.fl.us/eds/nclbspar/index.cfm

Summary of School Grading Criteria for Elementary and Middle Schools Grade Grading Criteria A 525 points or more 95% tested or more Make adequate progress in the current year with the lowest performing students. B 495 to 524 points 90% tested or more Make adequate progress with the lowest performing students in either the current or the previous year. C 435 to 494 points 90% or greater tested Make adequate progress with the lowest performing students in either the current or the previous year. D 395 to 434 points 90% tested or more F Fewer than 395 points 90% tested or more I Less than 90% tested (Schools initially receive a grade of “incomplete” while the status is investigated.)

Educational Standards Florida’s academic content standards establish high expectations for all students. Next Generation Sunshine State Standards identify what your child needs to know and be able to do in all content areas. Information located at: http://www.floridastandards.org/Standards/FLStandardSearch.aspx This slide is optional if this will be discussed in the child’s classroom. The Sunshine State Standards are currently under revision by the State Board of Education to review and adopt Next Generation Sunshine State Standards that prepare Florida’s students to effectively engage, communicate, and compete globally with students around the world. Florida’s standards will incorporate important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, innovation, collaboration and communication. The current standards adopted by the State Board of Education for Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, and Physical Education are found at the Florida Standards Web site. http://www.fldoe.org/bii/curriculum/sss/

School’s Curriculum Next Generation Sunshine State Standards form the framework of everything taught at school. Curriculum Reading Mathematics Writing Science This slide is optional if this will be discussed in the child’s classroom. School’s Curriculum Describe and explain the curriculum (example: McMillan K-5, Everyday Math, Write Tools, etc.)

Measuring Student Success Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)—Grades 3-11 Stanford Achievement Test, 10th Edition (SAT10)—Grades 1-2 Florida Assessment for Instruction in Reading (FAIR) This slide is optional if this will be discussed in the child’s classroom. Assessments—Add specific information on the assessments administered at the school Forms of academic assessment used to measure your student’s progress: by grade level (example: Terra Nova = 1st and 2nd grade; PSSA = 3rd, 4th & 5th grade; Reading First school = K, 1 and 2 focus.) Proficiency Levels – Describe the proficiency levels students are expected to meet. Be sure to explain to parents that students must be proficient, not basic, on the PSSA. Describe specifically when (and how often) will parents receive reports on children’s progress? (example: Wednesday folder; folder goes home daily in K and 1; DIBELS results were sent home; PSSA results are mailed home in the fall.)

FCAT (Grades 3-11) April 11-22, 2011 Students tested on: Reading/Language Arts Mathematics Science Writing—March 1-3, 2011 Information on FCAT may be found at: http://fcat.fldoe.org/fcatpub3.asp This slide is optional if this will be discussed in the child’s classroom.

Title I Programs Provide Supplemental Support Smaller classes; Additional teachers and paraprofessionals; Additional training for school staff; Extra time for instruction (Before and/or after school programs); Parental Involvement Activities; and/or A variety of supplemental teaching methods and materials. Title I funds are used to supplement the program at the school by providing funds which support the following types of activities: Additional teachers and paraprofessionals to create smaller classes Additional training for school staff Extra time for instruction (Before and/or after school programs) Parental Involvement Activities A variety of supplemental teaching methods and materials

Title I funds Pinellas Central Elementary is provided $200,747 to pay for services and programs for our students. Title I funds pay for the following: 5 Hourly Teachers Professional Development for Teachers Classroom Instructional Materials Agendas for parent/teacher Communication Materials for students and parents Inform participates of the total Title I funds the school receives Describe your Title I program and what it looks like 1% of these funds are used to provide Parent Involvement activities How and when will parents help to determine how that money is spent? Describe how parent involvement funds were used the previous year. Explain that parents must have the opportunity to help decide how the parent involvement funds are used and what type of parent involvement activities they want or need to help their kids do better in school.

Who decides how funds are used? Every school has a School Advisory Council (SAC) composed of: Parents, Teachers, Other staff that works at the school, Principal and Students (at Middle and High School) The School Advisory Council determines how to use Title I funds. Explain the process the school uses to involve parents in the decision-making process. Explain that parents are critical to this process. Provide information on all of the opportunities parents have to participate. Opportunities to Volunteer: Describe the various opportunities for parents to volunteer or become involved in your school. Some examples might include: In the school, in classrooms, or on fieldtrips Decisions and Planning on How to Use Title I School Parent Involvement Funds District/School Councils - meetings throughout the year where parents participate in school-wide program planning, and decide how to use the Title I parent involvement funds School Parent Councils

Working together! Title I law requires that all Title I schools and families work together. How we work together is listed in our: School Level Parental Involvement Policy; Parent-School Compact; and Title I Plan (School Improvement Plan). Section 1118 of No Child Left Behind requires meaningful involvement of parents in the decisions made at the school. Specifically, parents are required to be involved in the development, implementation, review and revisions of the Parent Involvement Policy, Schoolwide Plan (School Improvement Plan) and the Parent-School Compact. Parents are also required to be involved in the development of district wide policies. Title I District Parent Policy – how the district involves parents and build schools’ and parents’ capacity for strong parent involvement and to help their children succeed. Must be reviewed and revised annually with parents. Distribute a copy of the District Parent Involvement Policy and review. Explain that Title I parents can be involved in reviewing and updating the policy each year (provide the dates/times for the meeting if available) Title I School Parent Involvement Policy - how the school involves parents in organized, ongoing and timely ways in the planning, review and improvement of programs and provide opportunities for parents to learn how to work with our children to improve their achievement. Must be reviewed and revised annually with parents. Distribute a copy of the School Parent Involvement Policy and review. Title I School-Parent Compact – outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. Must be reviewed and revised annually with parents. Distribute a copy of the School Parent Compact to review and discuss Explain that Title I parents can be involved in reviewing and updating the school/parent policy each year (provide the dates/times for the meeting if available)

Parent-School Compact Teacher Responsibilities/Promises Provide a safe learning environment conducive to learning Help your child grow to his/her fullest potential Maintain open line of communication with you and your child Family Promises/Responsibilities Sees that my child attends school regularly and on time Provide a home environment that encourages my child to learn Talk with my child about his/her activities daily Student Promises/Responsibilities Try to do my best in my work and in my behavior Come to school prepared to learn Believe that I can and will learn Title I School-Parent Compact – outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. Must be reviewed and revised annually with parents. Distribute a copy of the School Parent Compact to review and discuss Explain that Title I parents can be involved in reviewing and updating the school/parent policy each year (provide the dates/times for the meeting if available)

Parent Involvement Policy Requirements Involve parents in a meaningful way in the development, implementation, and review of the parental involvement program. Contact Sheryl Miller if you want to get involved Provide information on the specific committees that parents can be involved. Include the purpose, date and time of meetings.

Parent Involvement Policy Requirements Convene an annual meeting to inform parents of Title I students of Title I requirements and their rights to be involved in the Title I program. Offer meetings at flexible times to maximize participation Convene Annual meeting to inform parents of Title I students of Title I requirements and their rights to be involved in the Title I program. Offer meetings at flexible times to maximize participation

Parent Involvement Policy Requirements Provides parents of Title I students with timely information about Title I programs. Newsletters sent home monthly Will begin to put information on school website (coming soon) What works for you? Provides parents of Title I students with timely information about Title I programs. list the multiple ways the school uses to communicate, ask for input on methods that work for attendees; use the feedback to improve

Parent Involvement Policy Requirements Assists parents in understanding academic content standards, assessments, and how to monitor and improve the achievement of their children. Assists parents in understanding academic content standards, assessments, and how to monitor and improve the achievement of their children. List the opportunities planned to meet this requirement

Parent Involvement Policy Requirements Provides materials and training to help Title I parents work with their children to improve their children's achievement Important Dates: Provide a list of workshops, parent events, district meetings, etc. that may be of interest to parents or are opportunities for them to be involved.

Your involvement is Key to your child’s success! You are your child’s first teacher. You have the ability to influence your child’s education more than any teacher or school. You know your child best: Share information about your child’s interests and abilities with teachers; and Ask to see progress reports on your child and the school. By taking an active role in Title I, you’ll show your child: How important he or she is to you How important education is to you That you and the school are a team Speak up if you notice any problems – But, don’t criticize the school or a teacher in front of your child.

Support Your Child’s Education Share a love of learning; Read to your child; Ask your child to read to you; Limit TV time; Take advantage of the public library and the school media center; Show interest in your child’s school day; Ask questions; Ask to see homework; Praise their efforts; and Encourage good study habits. This slide is optional if this will be discussed in the child’s classroom. There are many ways parents can help their child. See the handout.

Get to Know Your School & Communicate With Teachers Attend school events Visit the classroom Volunteer at the school Join parents’ organizations Keep teachers informed Attend special parent trainings Attend parent-teacher conferences Be prepared for the meetings Consider whether you have met your responsibilities as stated in the parent-school compact List your questions before the meeting This slide is optional if this will be discussed in the child’s classroom.

Classroom Visits Teachers will provide grade specific information: Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and Grade Level Expectations; Grade Specific Curriculum; Measuring Student Success; Definition of Proficiency; and Overview of their plans for the year; How parents can help their child. Proficiency

Questions?

Thank you for attending.