Title I is the largest federal aid program for our nation's schools.
The federal government provides funding each year for Title I through the use of basic grants to the states. State educational agencies then distribute Title I monies to local school divisions based on the number of students demonstrating economic need. However, students do not have to come from low-income families to receive services through the Title I program.
In the Rockbridge County Public Schools, Title I is a federally funded reading/language arts program.
Title I Reading Specialists are a part of the total school staff. They serve on school and division level committees, provide in-services for staff members and parents, participate in parent/teacher conferences, support classroom instruction by exchanging ideas and materials, and meet regularly with one another to plan and participate in division level activities.
Title I supports the achievement of identified school goals. Classroom teachers, support staff, and administrators are supported in their professional development opportunities with Title I funding. The quality of instruction within the schools is enhanced by the Title I program.
All Rockbridge County elementary schools are now operating Schoolwide Title I Programs. Schoolwide programs serve all children in a school. All staff, resources, and classes are part of the Schoolwide program. The purpose is to generate high levels of academic achievement in core subject areas for all students, especially those students most in need.
The purpose is achieved through high quality instruction, comprehensive reform strategies and methods to improve teacher quality and development, and the consolidated use of funds.
Children may receive supplemental instruction based on his/her reading level or comprehension. The Reading Specialist(s) may work with children in their classroom or in a small group outside the classroom. During the reading time together, they will work to build vocabulary, word study, fluency, and comprehension skills. This service may be year-long or for a short period of time.. This instruction may be provided in a small group setting within a resource center or may occur within the regular classroom.
Parental involvement and support is critical to a child’s progress and success. Research has proven that when parents and teachers work together as a team, children’s reading skills show greater improvement.
Please consider the following suggestions as you support your child at home by
●Communicating with the school regularly through conferences, phones calls, letters, and visits.
●Insuring punctuality and good attendance
●Providing a caring, encouraging, loving environment for learning at home.
●Supporting school staff in maintaining proper discipline.
●Working with staff to best understand the child and meet individual needs.
●Reading with my child and let my child see me read regularly.
