Title I Annual Parent Meeting Triangle Elementary School Thursday, September 13, 2012 Kathy Billar, Principal

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

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 than 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 elementary and secondary schools each year. Triangle Elementary is a Title I school. 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. Leadership at the school-level implements a comprehensive school-wide 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.

Free Tutoring Free tutoring, known as Supplemental Education Services (SES) will be provided for eligible students; Students who scored a Level 1 or a Level 2 on the 2012 FCAT are eligible to receive SES Information has been mailed to parents of eligible students SES applications are due September 4th and tutoring begins October 15th. Students who do not return an application before the September 4th deadline will not be eligible.

School Choice As of June 30, 2012, there will no longer be a NCLB Public School Choice (PSC) transfer option under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Students are entitled to remain in their school under PSC through the highest grade served by the school. Parents may continue to take advantage of this option and transportation will be provided for the 2012-2013 school year. Public School Choice (PSC) - Changes for 2012-2013 In November 2011, the Florida Department of Education submitted to the United States Department of Education a waiver requesting flexibility from ten (10) No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements. One of the ten requested waivers directly affects NCLB Public School Choice (PSC). As of June 30, 2012, there will no longer be a NCLB Public School Choice transfer option under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. In order to take advantage of the flexibility offered by the waiver, students are entitled to remain in their school under PSC through the highest grade served by the school. Parents may continue to take advantage of this option and transportation will be provided for the 2012-2013 school year. Should a parent decide to return their child to their zoned school, please notify the school as soon as possible for a smooth transition and notify the Title I office at 352-241-0222 or by fax at 352-243-3953; however, by returning a child to their zoned school and as a result of the waiver, PSC will no longer be an option. When deciding the best decision for your child, you should consider all the information available including the school’s academic record, programs and instructional materials, and any other opportunities that are available to help your child succeed. The Lake County School District provides assistance and support at all schools to help students improve their academic achievement including: after-school remediation programs; enhanced computer-assisted instruction; additional highly qualified teacher and paraprofessional support; and reading, writing or math coaches. Each school has a School Improvement Plan detailing specific goals and strategies for improving academic performance. You are very important to your child’s education and we encourage your involvement at your child’s school by: joining PTO; visiting a Parent Resource Center; attending school functions such as Open House, Back-to-School Night, and report card conferences.

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 Be informed if your child is taught by a non-highly qualified teacher for four or more consecutive weeks A Parent Right to Know Letter was mailed to all parents of Title I students by the Title I Department (on or before September 5th) a 2nd letter must be mailed to parents by the school (provide evidence the letter was sent). 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)

Add the school’s School Grade Report: http://schoolgrades. fldoe

Educational Standards Florida’s academic content standards establish high expectations for all students. Common Core State Standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs. Information located at: http://www.corestandards.org/the-standards These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs. The standards: Are aligned with college and work expectations; Are clear, understandable and consistent; Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills; Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards; Are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and Are evidence-based.

Common Core Implementation Timeline

School’s Curriculum Common Core 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: Go Math, Harcourt Reading, 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) Fountas and Pinnell (K-5) Lake County Benchmark Assessments (2-5) Achieves (3-5) 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; PSSA results are mailed home in the fall.)

FCAT (Grades 3-11) April 15-19, 2013 Students tested on: Reading/Language Arts Mathematics Science Writing—February 26-27, 2013 Information on FCAT may be found at: http://fcat.fldoe.org/fcat/ 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 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 $262,400 is our total Title I budget amount Title I funds pay for the following: -staffing, parent involvement, writing teams, professional development, other miscellaneous items (software, curriculum nights, supplies) THIS IS A TITLE I COMPLIANCE ITEM Inform participants of the total Title I funds the school receives Describe your Title I program and what it looks like 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. Provide parents with a Budget Planning Sheet and allow them to rank

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 helps to determine how to use Title I funds. Parents/Community Members are welcome to attend all SAC meetings to provide input. 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 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 School Responsibilities/Promises Provide an environment that allows for positive communication; Provide quality curricula and instructional practices to meet the state’s challenging student performance standards; Provide opportunities for parents to be involved in their child’s education; and Support the partnership between home and school. 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 Family Promises/Responsibilities Read regularly with my child; Have high expectations for my child; Encourage good study habits; Help my child to resolve conflicts in a positive way; Communicate and work with teachers and school staff; Encourage my child to have a positive attitude about school and learning; and support school rules and procedures.

Parent-School Compact Student Promises/Responsibilities Student Pledge – I, _____________, promise to be prepared for school and ready to learn. I will respect the rights and property of others with kindness. I will do my best to make my school a safe and pleasant place to learn and work so that I may receive the best education possible

Parent Involvement Policy Requirements Involve parents in a meaningful way in the development, implementation, and review of the parental involvement program. Parents are highly encouraged to attend all SAC and APT meetings SAC meetings are held 4-6 times per year; more on an as needed basis Parents/Community are informed via school newsletter, school website, newspaper, and school marquee 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. This is the Annual Title I Meeting to inform parents of Title I students of Title I requirements and their rights to be involved in the Title I program. Be sure to 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. Modes of communication – school newsletter, school marquee, school website, and newspaper 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. Open House/Curriculum Night, Family Literacy Night, Family Science Night/Science Fair, FCAT Parent Night, Family Math Night, Report Card Nights, Parent-Teacher Conferences 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

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.

Parent Involvement Policy Requirements Provides materials and training to help Title I parents work with their children to improve their children's achievement Curriculum Nights, Open Media Nights, Parent Resource Center 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.

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 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.

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: Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and Grade Level Expectations Grade Specific Curriculum Measuring Student Success Definition of Proficiency Overview of their plans for the year How parents can help their child. Proficiency

Questions?

Thank you for attending.