IMATER ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL Title I, Part A Parental Involvement Plan

I, jmarty@dadeschools.net , do hereby certify that all facts, figures, and representations made in this application are true, correct, and consistent with the statement of assurances for these waivers. Furthermore, all applicable statutes, regulations, and procedures; administrative and programmatic requirements; and procedures for fiscal control and maintenance of records will be implemented to ensure proper accountability for the expenditure of funds on this project. All records necessary to substantiate these requirements will be available for review by appropriate state and federal staff. I further certify that all expenditures will be obligated on or after the effective date and prior to the termination date of the project. Disbursements will be reported only as appropriate to this project, and will not be used for matching funds on this or any special project, where prohibited.

Assurances

  • The school will be governed by the statutory definition of parental involvement, and will carry out programs, activities, and procedures in accordance with the definition outlined in Section 9101(32), ESEA;
  • Involve the parents of children served in Title I, Part A in decisions about how Title I, Part A funds reserved for parental involvement are spent [Section 1118(b)(1) and (c)(3)];
  • Jointly develop/revise with parents the school parental involvement policy and distribute it to parents of participating children and make available the parental involvement plan to the local community [Section 1118 (b)(1)];
  • Involve parents, in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in the planning, review, and improvement of programs under this part, including the planning, review, and improvement of the school parental involvement policy and the joint development of the schoolwide program plan under section 1114(b)(2) [Section 1118(c)(3)];
  • Use the findings of the parental involvement policy review to design strategies for more effective parental involvement, and to revise, if necessary, the school’s parental involvement policy [Section 1118(a)(E)];
  • If the plan for Title I, Part A, developed under Section 1112, is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the school will submit parent comments with the plan when the school submits the plan to the local educational agency [Section 1118(b)(4)];
  • Provide to each parent an individual student report about the performance of their child on the state assessment in at least mathematics, language arts, and reading [Section 1111(h)(6)(B)(i)];
  • Provide each parent timely notice when their child has been assigned or has been taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified within the meaning of the term in 34 CFR Section 200.56 [Section 1111(h)(6)(B)(ii)]; and
  • Provide each parent timely notice information regarding their right to request information on the professional qualifications of the student's classroom teachers and paraprofessionals [Section (h)(6)(A)].

 

Signature of Principal or Designee

Date Signed

 

Mission Statement



Parental Involvement Mission Statement (Optional)

Response: Our mission is to provide a challenging educational environment through a curriculum devoted to promoting and nurturing creative and critical thinking skills and individual artistic expression through a balance of tradition and innovation, and values diverse approaches to art making and design.

Involvement of Parents



Describe how the school will involve parents in an organized, ongoing, and timely manner, in the planning, review, and improvement of Title I programs including involvement in the decisions regarding how funds for parental involvement will be used [Sections1118(c)(3), 1114(b)(2), and 1118(a)(2)(B)].

Response: At iMater Middle School we believe in a positive parent/family involvement which is essential to student achievement. An annual parent orientation will be held to inform parents of students in the Title I Program and their right to be involved. The EESAC will conduct meetings to develop, implement and evaluate plans including Parent Compact, PIP and the SIP. Parent-Teacher conferences, Connect Ed messages, conferences with the school administration and/or CIS will be held regularly. The school will also recruit and provide parents with the opportunity to volunteer at the school site once the parent has been cleared through MDCPS. The CIS staff member will establish a solid foundation for the home environment that supports the student's learning. Effective communication is our priority in order to monitor student progress and implement new programs which will assist with the progress of our students.

Coordination and Integration



Describe how the school will coordinate and integrate parental involvement programs and activities that teach parents how to help their children at home, to the extent feasible and appropriate, including but not limited to, other federal programs such as: Head Start, Early Reading First, Even Start, Home Instruction Programs for Preschool Youngsters, the Parents as Teachers Program, public preschool, Title I, Part C, Title II, Title III, Title IV, and Title VI [Section 1118(e)(4)].

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Program

Coordination

1

Title I

Title I funds will be used to provide a tutoring program for those students requiring remediation (before school, after school, and Saturday sessions.) A Community Involvement Specialist will also be hired to to support and solicit family involvement.

2

Title II

Title II includes providing teachers and principals professional development in working more effectively with parents and how to involve them in school decision-making. Title II contains funding for teacher and principal training and recruitment efforts at the state and local level, as well as teacher training at institutions of higher education.

3

Title III

Title III funds will be used to supplement and enhance the programs for English Language Learners (ELL) and immigrant student by using funds to provide tutorial programs.

4

Title X

In cases of homeless students, the Community Involvement Specialist with gather resources (clothing, school supplies, and social services referrals) for students idenftified as homeless, eliminating barriers for a free and appropriate education.

Annual Parent Meeting



Describe the specific steps the school will take to conduct an annual meeting designed to inform parents of participating children about the school’s Title I program, the nature of the Title I program (schoolwide or targeted assistance), Adequately Yearly Progress, school choice, supplemental educational services, and the rights of parents. Include timeline, persons responsible, and evidence the school will use to demonstrate the effectiveness of the activity [Section 1118(c)(1)].

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Activity/Tasks

Person Responsible

Timeline

Evidence of Effectiveness

1

New Student Orientation Meeting

CIS, Administration,

August 5-6, 2014

Sign-in Sheets, Survey

2

Annual Title I Parent Meeting

CIS, Administration

September 11, 2014

Sign-in Sheets, Survey

3

Parent Teacher Conferences

Administration, Teachers, and Counselors

October 8, 2014

Sign-in Sheets, Survey

4

Parent Teacher Conferences

Administration, Teachers and Counselors

December 4, 2014

Sign-in Sheets, Survey

5

Parent Teacher Conferences

Administration, Teachers and Counselors

February 26, 2015

Sign-in Sheets, Survey

Flexible Parent Meetings



Describe how the school will offer a flexible number of meetings, such as meetings in the morning or evening, and may provide with Title I funds, transportation, child care, or home visits, as such services related to parental involvement [Section 1118(c)(2)].

Response: After school or evening meetings;

Saturday sessions;

Before school;

During the day with CIS;

Teacher work-day during the day meetings.

Building Capacity



Describe how the school will implement activities that will build the capacity for strong parental involvement, in order to ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a partnership among the school involved, parents, and the community to improve student academic achievement [Section 1118(e)]. Describe the actions the school will take to provide materials and training to help parents work with their child to improve their child’s academic achievement [Section 1118(e)(2)].Include information on how the school will provide other reasonable support for parental involvement activities under Section 1118 as parents may request [Section 1118(e)(14)].

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Content and Type of Activity

Person Responsible

Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement

Timeline

Evidence of Effectiveness

1

Parent Orientation for New Students

Administration, CIS

Students will learn the school's policies and procedures which should help them to succeed socially and academically

August 5 - 6, 2014

Sign-in sheets and increase in standardized test scores

2

Open House

Administration, Teachers, CIS

Parents will be able to meet with teachers and learn their expectations and be able to follow through at home.

September 10 - 11, 2014

Sign-in sheets and increase in standardized test scores

3

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Administration, Teachers, CIS

Students will be able to meet with teachers to check on their child's academic progress.

October 2014 - May 2015

Sign-in sheets and increase in standardized test scores

4

iMater Family Nights

Administration, Activities Director, CIS

Parents are given an opportunity to meet outside of the regular school day with other parents, teachers, and students.

October 2014 - May 2015

Sign-in sheets and increase in standardized test scores

5

EOC Parent Meeting

Administration, Algebra 1, Biology, Geometry, U.S. History, and Civics Teachers

Parents will be explained the importance of EOC's and how they affect their child's ability to graduate.

February 2015

Sign-in sheets and increase in standardized test scores

6

EESAC Meetings

Administration, EESAC Chair

The function is to bring together all stakeholders and involve them in an authentic role in decisions which affect instruction and the delivery of programs. The purpose of the EESAC is to work to ensure improved student achievement.

October 2014 - May 2015

Sign-in sheets and increase in standardized test scores.

Staff Training



Describe the professional development activities the school will provide to educate the teachers, pupil services personnel, principals, and other staff in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, in the value and utility of contributions of parents, and in how to implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents and schools [Section 1118(e)(3)].

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Content and Type of Activity

Person Responsible

Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement

Timeline

Evidence of Effectiveness

1

Title I Administration Annual Procedures Meeting for Principals

Title I Administration, District and Principal

Discuss Title I regulations and resources available to schools and students

Throughout the year

As evidenced by increased achievement in standardized test scores.

2

MDCPS- EESAC

District School, EESAC Chair

Collaboration of all stakeholders involvement in the development and review of the SIP,PIP, Parent Compact and other school based decisions that are linked to improving academic achievement

Throughout the year

Sign-in sheets and increase in student achievement.

3

Faculty Meetings

CIS

It assists with planning and implementation of effective parental involvement.

Monthly

Sign in sheets and student achievement

Other Activities



Describe the other activities, such as parent resource centers, the school will conduct to encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children [Section 1118 (e)(4)].

Response: iMater Academy Middle will facilitate the CIS staff to be available to assist parents in the Parent Resource Center. We will provide meetings, trainings that will assist and encourage parents to stay informed about the school and its resources. In addition, we will create and maintain a website with Title I information readily available for parents.

Communication



Describe how the school will provide parents of participating children the following [Section 1118(c)(4)]:

  • Timely information about the Title I programs [Section 1118(c)(4)(A)];
  • Description and explanation of the curriculum at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet [Section 1118(c)(4)(B)];
  • If requested by parents, opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children[Section 1118(c)(4)(C)]; and
  • If the schoolwide program plan under Section 1114 (b)(2) is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the school will include submit the parents’ comments with the plan that will be made available to the local education agency [Section 1118(c)(5)].

Response: iMater Middle Academy will provide information in a language parents can understand. Translators will be available in all meetings and in offices. The CIS will provide all information in the native language of the parent, Connect ED messgaes, website and flyers will be in the native language of the parents and all academic information.

Accessibility



Describe how the school will provide full opportunities for participation in parental involvement activities for all parents (including parents with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and migratory children). Include how the school plans to share information related to school and parent programs, meetings, school reports, and other activities in an understandable and uniform format and to the extent practical, in a language parents can understand [Section 1118(e)(5) and 1118(f)].

Response: Regular communication is the foundation of effective parental involvement. iMater Academy Middle will provide parents information in an understandable format. The school will circulate information with various sources such as parent letters, flyers and Connect Ed messages, posting on the school's website, progress reports and report cards.

Discretionary Activities



Discretionary School Level Parental Involvement Policy Components Check if the school does not plan to implement discretionary parental involvement activities. Check all activities the school plans to implement:

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Activity

Description of Implementation Strategy

Person Responsible

Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement

Timeline

1

Involving parents in the development of training for teachers, principals, and other educators to improve the effectiveness of that training [Section 1118(e)(6)];and

SIP

Teresa Santalo, Vice Principal

Make all stakeholders aware of school improvement.

Sept 2014- June 2015

2

Training parents to enhance the involvement of other parents [Section 1118(e)(9)];

EESAC/PTSA

CIS

Parent involvement Increases student involvement in school activities

September 2014- June 2015

3

Maximizing parental involvement and participation in their children’s education by arranging school meetings at a variety of times, or conducting in-home conferences between teachers or other educators, who work directly with participating children, with parents who are unable to attend those conferences at school [Section 1118(e)(10)];

Parent Teacher Conferences

Administration

Communication of students'strenghth and weaknesses to improve academic achievement

August 2014- June 2015

Upload Evidence of Input from Parents



Upload evidence of parent input in the development of the plan.

Upload Parent-School Compact



Note: As a component of the school-level parental involvement policy/plan, each school shall jointly develop, with parents for all children served under this part, a parent-school compact that outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement Section 1118(d)].

Upload an electronic version of the Parent-School Compact.

Upload Evidence of Parent Involvement in Development of Parent-School Compact



Note: As a component of the school-level parental involvement policy/plan, each school shall jointly develop, with parents for all children served under this part, a parent-school compact that outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement Section 1118(d)].

Upload evidence of parent input in the development of the compact.

Evaluation of the previous year's Parental Involvement Plan

Building Capacity Summary



Provide a summary of activities provided during the previous school year that were designed to build the capacity of parents to help their children [Section 1118 (e)(1-2)]. Include participation data on the Title I annual meeting.

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Content and Type of Activity

Number of Activities

Number of Participants

Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement

1

District Title 1 Administration Meeting

2

3

Increased achievement on standardized test scores

2

EESAC Meetings

4

30

Increased achievement on standardized test scores

3

Faculty Meetings

10

35

Increased achievement on standardized tests

4

Distribution of Parent Compacts

1

550

Increased achievement on standardized tests

5

Title 1 DAC General Meeting

1

1

Increased achievement on standardized tests

Staff Training Summary



Provide a summary of the professional development activities provided by the school during the previous school year to educate staff on the value and utility of contributions of parents; how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners; the implementation and coordination of parent programs; and how to build ties between parents and the school [Section 1118 (e)(3)].

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Content and Type of Activity

Number of Activities

Number of Participants

Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement

1

Title 1 Administrative Procedures Meeting

1

5

Increased avhievement on standardized test scores

2

EESAC Meetings

4

30

Increased achievement on standardized test scores

3

Faculty Meetings

10

35

Increased achievement on standardized test scores

Barriers



Describe the barriers that hindered participation by parents during the previous school year in parental involvement activities. Include the steps the school will take during the current school year to overcome the barriers (with particular attention to parents who are economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background) [Section 1118(a)(E)].

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Barrier (Including the Specific Subgroup)

Steps the School will Take to Overcome

1

Economibally Disadvantaged

Offer meetings at varied times to allow working parents the ability to participate in school activities.

2

Limited English Proficiency

Ensure a translator is available at all school functions.

Best Practices (Optional)



Describe the parental involvement activity/strategy the school implemented during the previous schoool year that the school considers the most effective. This information may be shared with other LEAs and schools as a best practice. (Optional)

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Content/Purpose

Description of the Activity