2800 – Parent and Family Engagement Policy
Parental Support Washington County School District – Adopted 4-14-94; Revised 12-11-18
1. Purpose
The Board of Education of the Washington County School District believes parental engagement is an important part of each child’s educational program, and that such engagement may result in higher student achievement and better social behavior, in addition to more satisfaction for parents and teachers alike.
2. Policy
The administration of each school within the District shall develop the necessary programs to ensure parental engagement in their children’s education.
3. Procedure
3.1 Expect that parents shall provide a home environment that values education and send their children to school prepared to learn.
3.2 Provide parents with the opportunity to be actively involved in their children’s education.
3.3 Build consistent and effective communication between parents, teachers, and administrators.
3.4 Provide information, instruction, and training to parents that will assist them in helping their children maintain academic success and support their academic efforts.
3.5 Parental engagement as implemented pursuant to this policy is intended to be advisory to the administrators of the respective schools who are accountable and responsible for school programs. To encourage this involvement, open and honest communication without fear of retaliation toward any of the parties involved (students, parents, teachers, or administrators) is essential to the success of the education process. It is intended that members of committees formed to carry out the intent of this policy shall serve under the direction of the principals of the respective schools.
3.6 The Board recognizes and acknowledges the existence of many programs in the schools of this District which provide for significant parental engagement. This policy is not intended to replace or effect a change in those existing programs except as may be determined from time to time by the respective schools.
3.7 Title I – Parent and Family Engagement Plan
Title I Elementary Schools will:
3.7.1 Invite parents and family members to participate in the joint development of the District Title I plan that is updated annually;
3.7.2 Invite parents to participate in the process of creating school support and improvement plans in Title I schools;
3.7.3 Encourage parents to provide support and assistance in building the capacity of Title I schools in planning and implementing effective parent and family engagement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance;
3.7.4 Coordinate and integrate parent and family engagement strategies under Title I with relevant federal, state, and local laws and programs;
3.7.5 Invite parents and family members to conduct an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parent and family engagement policy which identifies:
-barriers to engagement of parents, especially parents who are economically disadvantaged, disabled, of limited English or literacy proficiency, or of any racial or ethnic minority;
-the needs that parents and families have that may prevent them from helping with their children’s learning and from engaging with school staff; and
-strategies to support successful family-school interactions.
School Assessment Results
Washington County School District Title I Page
Parent Information
About Title I Programs
Water Canyon Elementary is a Title I school.
The purpose of Title I is to support school efforts to ensure that all children meet challenging academic standards and have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. Out school receives additional funding and support for academic programs that other schools do not have. This funding is used to provide supplementary resources such as additional teachers for smaller class sizes, more technology to enhance instruction, fund books or programs for children, hold summer school, provide additional training for teachers, and more materials for student use. These resources are always in addition to what is provided by the district and state, and provides flexible funding that allows schools to make site decisions on how best to serve their students. Title I is a federal program through ESSA, the Every Student Succeeds Act, which is designed to
- Help students achieve academic success in Reading, Mathematics, and Science
- Provide support for children learning English
- Increase student achievement in high poverty schools through school-wide reform
- Build teacher quality through researched-based professional learning opportunities, and
- Enhance parents’ abilities to help their children succeed through quality parental involvement and learning
FAQs
What is a Title I School?
Title I is a federal education program that supports low income students throughout the nation. Funds are distributed to high poverty schools, as determined by the number of students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. These funds can be used to hire additional teachers or teaching assistants; to provide computers or software; to fund before, after, and summer school programs; and to purchase additional materials or equipment.
How was our school chosen to participate in Title I?
Our school was selected because of the percentage of our students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and breakfast.
Which students in our our school participate in the Title I program?
Because all of our Title I schools are designated as “school-wide” Title I schools, all children in the Title I schools are eligible for services. When data indicate the need for interventions either because of low performance or at-risk behaviors, any student is eligible for Title I services. Your child may qualify for tutoring, before or after school programs, technology support, or a classroom with fewer children. They may also qualify to attend a Title I preschool. Additionally, when Title I schools receive additional programs, they are available to all students regardless of their free or reduced lunch status.
How does this benefit my child?
All children in the title I schools benefit from the additional teachers and assistants. Because there are more adults to help children, all children receive more individualized and small group instruction. The goal of Title I services is to accelerate achievement so that all children meet or exceed state and federal standards of performance.
What is the School/Parent Compact?
A major purpose of Title I is to increase the involvement of parents in a child’s education. Under Title I regulations, all schools receiving Title I funds have developed a compact, or an agreement between the school and the parents. This compact is designed to help parents and teachers work together to provide the best possible education for each student. Parents have opportunities each fall to provide input and participate in the School/Parent Compact.
How can I be involved in my child’s education?
There are many ways to get involved! Title I funding is based on the percentage of children who qualify for free and reduced lunch. You can fill out the Federal Lunch Program application online. As a parent, you have the right to request information about your child’s teacher’s professional qualifications, and about our school’s paraprofessionals. All teachers at our school have been certified by the State of Utah as highly qualified, and all of our classroom aides have been certified to work with elementary children. Another opportunity to get involved is by attending parent conferences. You can also help by volunteering in your child’s classroom, or by serving on the Community Council. This committee makes decisions about school programs, safety, school goals, and how funds are used in your child’s school. If you would like to volunteer, or request more information, please contact the school office or the principal.