Gate City Charter School for the Arts Title I Program
In 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) introduced the federal support program that would become known as Title I. Title I, Part A provides financial assistance to local school systems and schools with high percentages of poor children to support the academic achievement of low-achieving students. Nearly all the school districts in New Hampshire receive Title I funds.
How are students selected to receive Title I Services?
Students who are below grade level in reading are identified through teacher referral and a review of data from the administration of assessments used regularly at GCCSA.
What are the key concepts of Title I?
Supplemental -- Services must be in addition to reading and math instruction with the classroom teacher.
Coordination -- Supplementary instruction is coordinated with classroom instruction. It is designed to re-teach, reinforce, or remediate. Instruction may also be for the purpose of introducing or pre-teaching a skill, concept or vocabulary that will be presented in class.
Communication -- Communication between and among teachers and specialists. Communication with parents.
Parent Involvement – Parents receive Progress Reports from Title I teachers, Newsletters or other updates with suggestions for helping their child, and are invited to school-based informational activities. Title I teachers are also available for conferences with parents.
Title I Staff
Title I Project Manager/Director will coordinate communication among staff, ensure continuity and quality of instruction and materials as well as manage and update the grant as necessary.
Title I Interventionists are certified education professionals who provide instruction in literacy and math to students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade meeting the eligibility criteria.
Questions: Contact our Program Manager, Avé Blanchette at blanchettea@gccs-nh.org
Parental Involvement
Gate City is committed to the involvement of parents in the education of their children. We encourage your help and assistance in a variety of ways:
- Participation in parent/teacher conference days, parent meetings, open houses, and other information meetings and school events
- Support your child in the completion of homework and in meeting all their school responsibilities
- Being involved in all aspects your child’s school experience
- Volunteering as time or circumstance permits
- Being informed regarding school policies and procedures
Permission Forms
A parent or guardian must sign a permission form before a child can participate in the Title I Program at Gate City. The form will include all pertinent information regarding the tutoring offered. Along with this form, parents/guardians will be provided a copy of the school’s learning compact. Parents/Guardians must sign and acknowledge that they have read and have accepted parental responsibilities as outlined in the compact.
Meetings
The Annual Title I Parent Meeting is held each fall. The purpose of the meeting is to explain the Title I Program, meet with Title I staff, and discuss how parents can become involved in their child’s education.
How is Title I Funding used at GCCSA?
Adhering to Federal parameters for the use of Title I money, GCCSA uses the funds to:
- Fund interventionists who provide supplementary reading and math instruction to qualifying students at the elementary schools
- Purchase additional instructional materials
- Purchase support materials for students
- Provide professional development to Title I staff
- Fund tutoring and, when possible, summer remediation
- Provide Family engagement activities and information sessions
Program Evaluation
The Title I coordinator conducts multiple observations of tutoring at all grade levels served and writes an annual teacher evaluation which is reviewed and approved through school administration. All paperwork and correspondence plus schedules and other program information are shared and approved by the school administration. Consultation with teachers regarding the content, quality, and effectiveness of Title I services is ongoing. Parent surveys are conducted annually with results driving program adjustments and modifications when possible. Data on student progress are provided in an annual report which is reviewed by the coordinator and school administration and submitted to the school board for review. That data is also used to drive program adjustments, modifications, and goal setting.