Title I

The following criteria are considered when determining a student’s eligibility for Title I

Math services:

• Teacher Recommendation
• Classroom Performance
• Assessment Scores
• Parental Concerns/Request/Referral
• Migrant/Homeless Status
• Other considerations may include:
• IEP Status
• Previous Title 1 Services Received
• RtI Tier Status
• Grade Retention
• Absences

Records of the student selection process are maintained and include the criteria and process involved in determining student eligibility for services. Student eligibility is determined based on data and information including teacher input and consultation, student performance, assessment data (NWEA, DIBELS, Go Math assessments, etc.), prior referral, parent concerns, and migrant/homeless status. Those students demonstrating the
highest need, as determined by the above criteria, are provided services (approximately 40 students). A teacher referral list is maintained if necessary for consideration as students are discharged. Justification for not including students may include: special education status, documented parent refusal, or limited need as documented by assessments and performance.

In addition to strengthening student proficiency in math, a major goal of Northwood’s Title I program is to help students gain confidence in their ability to perform in math and believe in themselves as learners. It is our expectation that children who receive Title I services will be able to achieve closer to their individual potential in math as a result of the services they receive. Research indicates that students participating in Title I programming generally make gains in their academic achievement and in their overall attitude towards learning. Annual parent surveys have demonstrated positive parent support for the program and for individual student performance.

Last year four students (out of approximately 40 served) were discharged from the Title 1 program supported by performance and test results. Parents were notified that their child was no longer in need of services and were assured that their performance would continue to be monitored. Discharge vacancies are filled immediately by eligible students on the above mentioned referral list based on testing results and teacher recommendations.

The Northwood Title I Math Program is currently targeted to serve eligible students in grades K-5. NWEA, Aimsweb, and other assessment scores were used in determining this targeted population. Service is directed to our younger population of students, especially kindergarten through third grade, who meet specific selection criteria including their assessment scores and classroom performance. Focused assessment throughout the school
year provides an ongoing record of student progress whic enables teachers and Title I tutors to tailor instruction to meet the specific individual needs of each child.

The tutors support and assist students with the requirements of the math curriculum in addition to helping them strengthen their basic math skills. DIBELS Math, NWEA, and other math assessments are used to determine student strengths and progress. They are also used to identify skill areas where more individual support is needed. The tutors regularly consult with staff to determine students’ needs and for lesson planning purposes.
They also participate in formal data meetings with grade level teams to review individual student progress and to plan appropriate interventions. Title I holds an annual Open House for parents (incorporating playing games for the students and their families), a Summer School Program, and a Summer Celebration for Title I students and their families to celebrate the growth made through the year. Math tutoring is offered primarily after math instruction during their practice time. Students are tutored in the classroom or pulled out, individually or in small groups.

A significant effort is made to communicate with and involve parents in the Title I program. This is especially true when it involves supporting their child’s instruction in school and at home. Every effort is made to provide the support and resources necessary for parents to make informed decisions regarding their child’s education and to provide them with the tools they need to work with their child in the home environment. The following is a partial list of strategies employed to encourage parent involvement:

1. Annual Open House/Game Night
2. Summer Celebration
3. Annual Title I Surveys requesting specific feedback on services provided and suggestions for program improvements
4. Regular email and phone communication
5. Participation in Parent Conferences 

We are aware of the value of parental partnerships and continually work toward that end.

Northwood School and Title I staff have been involved in comprehensive training involving Common Core and Go Math instructional protocols and requirements resulting in a transition to “higher quality curriculum, instruction and assessment” consistent with scientifically based educational research.

A full time school curriculum and instruction administrator directs instructional programming and assessment as well as professional development. Title I staff have also been involved in technology, data analysis, and training within and outside the school. Title I staff have been able to participate in all PD offered within and outside Northwood School funded by the district. Only limited PD opportunities have been funded through Title I due to limited funding. However, this has not prevented full involvement in PD activity by Title I staff annually in accordance with the district PD plan.

Title I services are coordinated with classroom teachers on an ongoing basis as school and classroom schedules change or are updated. They are adjusted and modified as needed considering school scheduling priorities. A Title I tutoring schedule is approved by the coordinator and changes frequently as school wide schedules and rotations change.

Collaboration with other services takes place on an ongoing basis. Title I works closely with the school’s special education personnel to coordinate services, review assessment data, determine student need and placement. The Title I tutors participate in school data meetings, IEP meetings, and parent conferences when they involve current or past Title I students when they are requested.

All Title I tutoring is coordinated with individual classroom programming consistent with the Common Core Curriculum and the school’s core math program, Go Math.