REPORT OF THE TITLE I PROJECT MANAGER
Valley View Community School:
Valley View Community School (VVCS) is a Title I School Wide School and also a Reading First School. With over 450 students in grades Pre-K through 3, there is an instructional staff of approximately 75 teachers and paraprofessionals under one principal. For the past 6 years VVCS has been involved with the Reading First grant which is ending this year. VVCS advanced to year two as a School in Need of Improvement (SINI) in math. In order to address the needs of the students, Title I has offered support primarily in math to all students who are working at least one grade level below expectation. Title I employs two full-time teachers, one full-time paraprofessional and one part-time paraprofessional to work with students in math. Small group instruction occurs in the classrooms throughout the day in 30 minute intervals. Everyday Math is the core math program used in all classrooms K-3. The Title I Team meets with each classroom teacher five times per year to review every student’s progress and determine which students require intervention services.
Henry Wilson Memorial School:
Henry Wilson Memorial School (HWMS) is a Targeted Assistance Title I School. HWMS is divided into two schools, 4-6 an upper elementary school with one principal, and 7-8 a middle school with one principal. HWMS advanced to year 2 School in Need of Improvement (SINI) in reading and year 3 SINI in math. Title I targets math support in grades 4-6. Students are specifically identified and selected based on a prioritized point system. Parents must sign a permission slip in order for students to receive Title I support. There is one full time teacher, 1 part-time paraprofessional and 1 full-time paraprofessional (all staff meet highly qualified requirements). The Title I Team meets with each classroom teacher four times per year to review every student’s progress and to determine which students require intervention services.
This is the first full year that Fastt Math, a computer program designed to give students the opportunity to practice math facts, has been used with students in grades 1-6.
Title I supports an After School Math program for students in grades 1-5. The program is taught by highly qualified teachers and paraprofessionals. The After School teachers work in conjunction with the classroom teachers to ensure that both curriculums align and meet the needs of the students. Title I also sponsors a four week summer math program for students who are at least one grade level below grade level expectations.
Under the “No Child Left Behind Act” both HWMS and VVCS have been identified as Schools in Need of Improvement (SINI). This means that the Title I Grant must offer Supplemental Educational Services (SES) to at least 18 students. Students who meet the guidelines are given free tutorial services by a State approved independent provider. These services are given by a company that the parent chooses, at a time and place that is convenient for the family and is completely paid for by Title I. The cost involved in fulfilling this requirement has made a substantial impact in reducing Title I funds.
The Title I Grant also offers professional development opportunities for teachers and paraprofessionals free of charge. This year the professional development has focused on differentiated instruction, understanding the Response to Intervention Model, improving math instruction and collecting and using data.
Parents are encouraged to play an active role in supporting the educational needs of their children and in supporting the school. Numerous activities are offered by the school and Title I to encourage the home-school partnership. The State Parent Information Resource Center (PIRC) has been working with VVCS to increase parent involvement through informational meetings, surveys and parent training sessions. In addition, there is an out-reach to other community partners, such as Head Start and the Farmington Childcare Center to ease transitions to VVCS and build a collaborative partnership.
The Title I Program will continue to strive for high quality programs and staff members to address the needs of our students. Thank you to everyone who has supported the Title I Program.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan E. Roy
Title I Program Manager
Superintendent's Letter to Parents on DINI 2009
Title I
