Title I Office of Title I Federal Programs

Title I Office of Title I Federal Programs 1021 Marion Street Saint Paul, MN 55117 651 -632 -3790 www. title 1. spps. org

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.

Which schools are eligible in Saint Paul for 2014 -2015? Then SPPS distributes Title I funds to eligible schools. 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 56 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 www. title 1. spps. org/schools. Title I also provides funding to support: • Neglected and Delinquent Education Programs • Boys Totem Town, Juvenile Detention Center Programs • Project REACH, Homeless Education Programs • Early Learning, • Fostering Connections, and • Parent Academy

Title I in the schools… Each school decides how Title I funds will be used in their school to improve education for all children. Data is reviewed to determine the greatest needs in a school and devise strategies to improve student achievement in the school. Site based leadership teams determine how Title I funds will be used to help support the school’s identified needs. Site based leadership teams Administrators Educators Students Parents Community Members

Title I in the schools… All schools write a SCIP (School Continuous Improvement Plan) for increased academic achievement of all students. Title I resources and requirements are included in the SCIPs are continuously revised based data and on the needs of the schools.

Title I in the schools… Schools are required to plan how they will involve parents in the education of their children. Each school must 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 must also work with parents to develop a Compact. Parents and schools come together and sign the Parent - School compact which is an agreement between the school and the parents about how they will work together to support the child’s learning.

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

How does Title I support families? 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 • assists parents in navigating the SPPS system to become strong advocates for their child's education and make the best informed decisions Parent Academy

How does Title I support students? Students most in need of educational help are provided with additional support services. Schools also… • set goals for school improvement. • measure student progress using Minnesota State Standards • provide programs and services beyond what the district usually provides.

Other uses of Title I funds… o Provide training to teachers and assistants. o Help special populations of students. • • Children and families experiencing homelessness. Migrant children and their families. Neglected and Delinquent children. 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 we 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.

For More Information About Title I Call the Title I Office 651 -632 -3790 Or Talk to the principal at your child’s school.