Office of Title I Federal Programs 1021 Marion Street Saint Paul, MN

What is Title I? United States Federal Government’s largest education program to support public schools. The Purpose: To help every child receive a high quality education and to achieve the high academic standards set by the State of Minnesota.

How is Title I funded? The U.S. Department of Education gives a share of Title I funds to the each state based on the percentage of poverty in the state.

How is Title I funded? Minnesota then gives the money to school districts based the district poverty level as compared to the rest of the state. Such as: The number of low income students in each district. The number of students in neglected and delinquent institutions.

Then SPPS distributes Title I funds to eligible schools. Which schools are eligible in Saint Paul for ? All schools with 45% or more of the students eligible to receive free or reduced priced lunch. This percentage can change from year to year.

Which schools qualify for Title I funding in Saint Paul? There are 55 eligible Title I elementary, secondary and alternative schools and programs in Saint Paul Public Schools. For a list of eligible schools and programs go to Title I also provides funding to support: Neglected and Delinquent Education Programs Boys Totem Town, Juvenile Detention Center Programs Project REACH, Homeless Education Programs Fostering Connections Early Learning, and Parent Involvement

Title I in the schools… Each school decides how Title I funds will be used in their school to improve education for all children. 1. Data is reviewed to determine the greatest needs in a school and then devise strategies to improve student achievement in the school. 2. Site-based leadership teams determine how Title I funds will be used to support the school’s strategies to support school improvement efforts. Leadership Teams Should involve participation of Administrators, Educators, Parents, Community Members and if appropriate, Students in various ways.

Title I in the schools… 3. Based on the needs and defined strategies, the Leadership Team writes a Schoolwide Plan. In Saint Paul we refer to it as the “School Continuous Improvement Plan” (SCIP). The SCIP describes how they will implement, monitor and review those strategies on a continuous basis to increase academic achievement of all students. SCIPs are continuously monitored, reviewed and revised based implementation and student data.

Title I in the schools… In addition to the Schoolwide plan, Schools are required to plan how they will involve parents in the education of their children. Each school also plan and write, with the help of parents, a school Family Engagement Plan.

How does Title I support families? The school’s Family Engagement Plan describes how schools and families work together to help children succeed. Schools and parents must also work together to develop a Compact. The compact is a tool that describes how the school and parents will work together to support students’ learning. Compacts for learning are the most effective when classroom teachers and parents design them together by grade level.

How does Title I support families? Translate school information into families’ first language. Host activities to help families help children learn. Title I funds can also be used to: Provide transportation, childcare, interpretation during meetings, and school activities. Offer parenting classes for parents.

Parent Academy is a free six-week series of classes designed especially for parents/guardians of children that attend SPPS. provides families with the necessary tools to support the success of their child's education How does Title I support families? Parent Academy Seminars Is provides families with the necessary tools to support the success of their child's education

How does Title I support students? Schools also… set goals for school improvement. measure student progress using Minnesota State Standards provide programs and services beyond what the district usually provides. Students most in need of educational support are provided with additional help in a variety of ways and may or may not be directly funded by Title I.

Other uses of Title I funds… o Provide training to teachers and paraprofessionals. o Help special populations of students. o Provide support to children and families experiencing homelessness. o Migrant children and their families. o Neglected and Delinquent children. o Children attending non-public schools.

How are Title I resources used at your school?

Families are an important part of the educational team. Working together in partnership, what can our school do to support you as you support your child’s learning?

Families are an important part of the educational team. Ways you can support your child’s learning… Get to know your child’s teacher(s). Contact the school when you have questions or concerns. Learn what is expected of your child at each grade level and help your child follow through with school expectations.

Families are an important part of the educational team. Become involved in your school’s meetings and activities and know your rights as a parents. Work with other families and teachers to revise your school plan (SCIP) and Family Engagement Plan. Attend your children’s school conferences and family activities designed to help your children succeed.

Know your rights….  Request information about the qualifications of your child’s teacher.  Be informed if your child is being taught for more than four consecutive weeks by a teacher not licensed in the area of instruction.  See progress reports for your child and the school.  Help decide if the school is meeting your child’s needs and offer suggestions for improvement.

Call the Title I Office Or Talk to the principal at your child’s school. For More Information About Title I