Goodbye 2020! Hello 2021!
Last year was a challenge at work, at home and just about every aspect of life. It is truly amazing how districts and schools were able to continue to educate students even with the knowledge that school as we know it might not exist for some time.
As we begin this January, we hope that this new year brings you good health, a renewed focus on the future and possibility of returning to “normal.”
Hold Harmless Percentages
Notification of the tentative census poverty and hold harmless percentages was released in December through the Commissioner’s Monday Message and sent to all Title I coordinators in an email. This information can be used to begin the planning process for the 2021-2022 school year.
Although the Kentucky Department of Education does not have a Title I, Part A allocation for the state or for districts at this time, we can provide this planning tool that will help you arrive at an estimate of your allocation for the 2021-2022 school year. Keep in mind that all numbers provided are tentative and are subject to change.
Title I, Part A has a variable hold-harmless guarantee, which sets the minimum allocation for each district, as long as the district is eligible to receive funds from the same Part A funding sources as in the previous year and sufficient funds are appropriated by the U.S. Congress.
Be aware the final hold harmless percentage for next year’s allocation depends on the total formula child count for each district. Since the total formula child count is not available, the tentative hold harmless percentage is based solely on the census poverty percentage. The tentative hold harmless rate for a district could change with the addition of the other formula students.
Hold harmless rates apply as follows:
- 95% if the district’s poverty percentage is 30% or greater;
- 90% if the district’s poverty percentage is between 15% and 30%; or
- 85% if the district’s poverty percentage is below 15%
A more detailed explanation of Title I, Part A allocation procedures can be found in the Title I, Part A Handbook.
Title I Resources
Are you in need of resources to start your year off right with Title I? Check on the Title I Documents and Resources webpage to review resources like the following:
- Title I, Part A sample documents like Time and Effort forms, or documents to support private school services
- Inventory guidance
- GMAP training videos
- Past webinars
- Parent and family engagement resources
And don’t forget to refer often to the Title I, Part A handbook. The appendices provide helpful tools such as:
- Rubric to assess the quality of schoolwide programs
- Accountability for results and continuous improvement
- Resources to improve parent and family engagement
- Suggested timeline for consultation with private school officials
- Guidance for districts on Title I, Part A set-asides
Helpful Tips from Districts – The Private School Consultation Processes
By: Kelly Inabinet, Anne Mason Elementary reading teacher and federal grants coordinator, Scott County Schools
By: Paul Krueger, director of elementary schools & Title I coordinator, Scott County Schools
Scott County schools seeks to provide timely and meaningful consultation between the local education agency (LEA) and the private schools. For the last 30 years, we have kept a positive relationship by following federal guidelines and having open communication.
Below is a timeline we follow to ensure success:
Spring: After an estimate of funds is generated, the Title I coordinator, Title II and IV coordinator and servicing staff member meet with each private school principal/official to finalize the Equitable Services Consultation Packet (which also covers Title II, III, and IV). By completing this packet collaboratively, we are prepared for the upcoming school year to meet the needs of the private school.
Students continue receiving services in their area of greatest need and the servicing staff member hosts parent conferences to review student growth throughout the school year. Private school teachers begin completing needs assessments and confer with the servicing staff member regarding which students they would like assessed the following year for Title I services.
Summer: The Equitable Services Consultation Packet is submitted and the servicing staff member meets with the private school principal to answer questions about funding, staff training, needs assessment reviews, parent/staff survey results, the complaint process and the Title I Compact and Parent Family Engagement Policy. The packet provides guidance for prioritized assessments and programs.
Summer is when the servicing staff member can prepare assessments and instruction (using the Needs Assessment as a guide). In times of non-instruction, it is wise to reread the “Title I Services to Eligible Private School Children” on pages 32-38 of the Title I Handbook, which focuses on these services.
Fall/School Begins: The servicing staff member meets with private school staff to discuss who will receive assessments, which areas have the greatest need and whether other students need assessing. Once students are selected, Title I Compacts and Parent-Family Engagement Policies (PFEP) are sent to families, along with an invitation to a parent conference.
Fall/Winter/Spring: Services are provided to private school students by a Scott County schools staff member. Parent communication is critical to success. In our district, we send home monthly newsletters, personal newsletters and any work completed. At the top of all student work, we recommend writing “Title I” so families know where the work was completed.
The Title I Compact and PFEP are fluid documents, and they are evaluated throughout the year to meet the needs of the private school students.
While there are many obligations in providing Title services to private schools, the key element to ensure the greatest success is building positive relationships. We have been fortunate to have continuity in our district in terms of staff members providing services, which has helped maintain the relationships.
For more information about how Scott County provides effective private school consultation and support, contact:
If your district would like to share practices for any Title I project management in any area, email Brenda Considine.
Resources are not endorsed by the Kentucky Department of Education and are provided for informational purposes only.
|
