1. University Park Creative Arts School Title I Annual Parent Meeting Title I 101 September 12, 2013 6:00 pm

2. Talk Time Please share things you already know about Title I and Title I schools.

3. Background Information Title I is the largest federal education program. Its intent is to help ensure that all children have the opportunity to obtain a high quality education and reach proficiency on challenging state academic content and performance standards.

4. Background Information Title I began with the passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, which provided federal funding for high-poverty schools to help students who are behind academically and at risk of falling behind.

5. Title I Funds Title I funding supports various services that include hiring teachers to reduce class size, tutoring, purchase of instructional equipment, materials and supplies, parental involvement activities, professional development, pre- kindergarten programs, and hiring teachers and paraprofessionals.

6. Title I Funds Funding supports Title I School-wide Programs and Targeted Assistance Programs, depending on the level of students that receive free and reduced lunch in the school. School-wide programs are in schools that have at least a 75% poverty level, based on the number of children designated as economically disadvantaged.

7. Did you know? School-wide programs have flexibility in using their Title I funds, in conjunction with other funds in the school, to upgrade the operation of the entire school. School-wide programs must conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, identify and commit to specific goals and strategies that address those needs, create a comprehensive plan, and conduct an annual review of the effectiveness of the school-wide program that is revised as needed.

8. Components of a Title I School All Title I schools must complete a comprehensive needs assessment that drives all aspects of school operations. School reform strategies must be implemented to address the identified needs. All instructional staff, including paraprofessionals must be highly qualified according to set criteria. There must be high quality and ongoing professional development for staff to address the needs of the school. There must be strategies in place to recruit highly qualified teachers and place them in areas of greatest need.

9. Components of a Title I School Parent involvement is a critical and integral part of day-to- day operations in a Title I school. Strategies are in place to aid in the transitions between academic grade levels, as well as school levels, i.e., pre- school to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, and middle school to high school. Teachers are actively involved in the use of assessments and instructional decisions are driven by data analysis. Title I schools develop specific instructional activities for students identified with the greatest needs. Title I schools coordinate and integrate resources and services from federal, state, and local sources.

10. Parent Involvement Why is parent involvement such a critical component for students and schools?

11. Parent Involvement Facts According to research students with involved parents, no matter what their income or background, are more likely to: Earn higher grades and test scores, and enroll in higher-level programs; Be promoted, pass their classes, and earn credits; Attend school regularly; Have better social skills, show improved behavior, and adapt well to school; and Graduate and go on to post secondary education.

12. Please share your bright ideas. On the form provide share ideas to increase parent involvement at UPCA. List any parent involvement activities that you felt were successful last year that you would like to see implemented again this school year.

13. Resources www.ncdpi.org www.cms.k12.nc.us