Amy Smith's website

What is Title 1/LAP?

Answers to some frequently asked questions…

 

What is Title 1/LAP?

Title 1 and LAP, the Learning Assistance Program, are federally and state funded programs that provide supplemental support for students in reading.  The instructional goal is to help students become competent, independent students in their academic classroom.

 

How does my child qualify? 

Each fall, teachers evaluate their students using a variety of assessments to determine where each student is functioning in relation to his/her grade level.  Students are considered for placement in the Title 1 program for the school year based on a combination of teacher ratings, and their fluency, DIBELS, SRI, and WASL scores, depending on the grade level.

 

Who are the teachers? 

Amy Smith and Kris Reinbold are the Title 1 Reading Specialists. Title 1 teachers work closely with classroom teachers and other school specialists in order to help students accomplish their academic goals. 

 

Where does my child get services?

Students receive help with academics in their regular classroom or in the Title 1 classroom, with a small group of his/her peers.  Students may also be pulled for a few minutes at a time from their regular classroom to work on fluency or skill building in the hallway.

 

How often does my child get services?

Most students will receive either small group lessons or in-class support four days a week.  Sessions are approximately 30-45 minutes long.

 

What will my child be doing?

In reading, students take part in structured lessons to provide explicit instruction in phonics, fluency, or comprehension.  This instruction is in addition to the regular instruction received by all students in their classroom.

 

How does this relate to the classroom?

Title 1 teachers communicate regularly with classroom teachers in order to provide supplemental instruction that supports classroom goals and student achievement.  Skills and strategies practiced in the small group setting are meant to transfer to classroom work and independent reading.

 

How will I know about my child’s progress?

A Student Learning Plan will be coming home which identifies the goals and strategies the Title 1 teachers and classroom teachers have identified for your child.  Your input is also welcome on this plan, as is your child’s.  A progress report will be sent home with the regular classroom report cards three times a year.  A list of targeted skills will inform you of the work done in your child’s group during the trimester.  Your child will receive a regular classroom grade on the report card from the classroom teacher.

 

In addition, Title 1 teachers do their best to attend conferences and you are welcome to contact us in person, or by email at any time.

 

When does my child exit the program?

Children who reach grade level academic standards may be exited during the school year.  Some students may exit at the end of the year, and others may continue to receive Title 1/LAP services the following year.  Exit determination is based on a variety of assessments and classroom teacher recommendations.

 

What is the Student Learning Plan?

The Student learning Plan is a document drafted with input from the Title 1 teachers, classroom teachers, students (as appropriate), and you, the parent.  The document outlines the academic goals and targeted instruction the students are to receive in order to promote growth in that area.  The document will also serve as a progress report at the end of each trimester.

 

What are my responsibilities?
Notification letters are sent home to indicate your student has qualified for Title 1 services.  You are asked to please read, sign and return the letter, along with your goals and ideas for supporting your child.

 

When your receive the Student Learning Plan, please sign it and return it to school, including any comments you might have.  Also, please plan on attending the parent/guardian meeting next week, as well as our Reading night later in the year.  Again, if you would like more specific ideas of how to work with your child, please contact the Title 1 teachers at any time.

 

Communication

Parents and/or family adults should check their child’s mail each Tuesday for school newsletters, classroom newsletters and any necessary communications from the Title 1 teachers.  If you have questions or concerns, please contact us by phone, in person, note or email and we will be happy to respond.  We want to hear from you!

 

Amy Smith, Primary Title 1 Reading Specialist

amy.smith@shorelineschools.org

 

Kris Reinbold, Intermediate Title 1 Reading Specialist

Kris.reinbold@shorelineschools.org