Welcome! Title I Parent Session Thursday, February 5, 2015 Thomas Holtzman, Jr. Elementary School Susquehanna Township School District Harrisburg, PA 17109

What is Title I? Federally funded legislation targeting students at academic risk Originally passed in 1965 One of the oldest and largest federal programs supporting elementary and secondary education Funds can be used for professional staff, professional development, instructional materials Goal is support and strengthen skills in at risk learners

What does Title I look like here? Literacy Coaches provide training in literacy areas for professional and support staff Using assessment data, students in need receive instruction targeting their areas of need, while supporting their strengths Some students need more support in addition to that provided by the classroom teacher Those qualifying students receive literacy instruction from Reading Specialists in small groups – can be in or outside the classroom

What is Literacy? Merriam-Webster dictionary says it’s ability to read and write At school we see it as a set of skills in – Phonology – the sounds – Phonics – the letters with sounds – Vocabulary – the words – Fluency – the flow of the language – Comprehension – the understanding – Writing – the communicating

Why was I invited? Children are made readers on the laps of their parents. – Emilie Buchwald Parent engagement is an important piece of Title I programs.

How can we support our kids? Talk about ideas. Ask questions in everyday situations. Ask about their opinions and share yours – Would you rather a cat or dog? Explain why. – Would you rather wear boots or sneakers? Answer questions with details – think of using at least 5 words in any spoken interaction

How can we support our kids? Instead of “It might rain”, say “Did you notice how the clouds are coming over the mountains?” Instead of “Homework time”, say “Today I heard on the news about kids studying cost of bananas. What were you studying?” Instead of “You have to read”, say “I was reading the other day about this lady who had fifteen pet iguanas. What are you reading about tonight?”

How can we support our kids? Read with them – Found to be beneficial through 6 th grade – Use books for rewards and gifts – Talk about your favorite childhood books – Talk about your struggles as a young reader – Discuss things you are currently reading Menus, grocery lists, gas prices, movie schedules, texts, s, books, newspaper, magazines, school newsletters!!

How can we support our kids? Stay in touch with our school – Lunch visits, volunteer, PTO meetings Be in touch with your children’s teachers – Instead of just progress reports, reports cards and behavior discussions… – Get advice on topics for books at home – Class favorites for authors or chapter books – Upcoming science and social studies topics to read ahead and become familiar with topics – Their favorite websites for student practice

How can we support our kids? Literacy lives when books abound! Books can be bought, shared and borrowed. – School and Public Library – Birthday and holiday gifts – Yard Sales, Thrift shops Salvation Army ½ price on Wednesdays!!!!!! – Half.com – Shopgoodwill.com

Helpful Websites Starfall.com – for readers in elementary grades Readwritethink.org (check out the fancy colors!) – Choose child’s school at top left drop menu – Choose teacher pages to find valuable links

Sources es/cms/pages.phtml?pageid= es/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=