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"Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continually."
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
It is with hearts full of gratitude that we reflect on and celebrate the incredible work you do. Your unwavering dedication to advancing educational equity is the driving force behind our mission, and we are deeply thankful for your tireless efforts. It is our hope that the resources we provide truly support you in your continued commitment to your students and families.
Comparability Reports – What's Next?
The 2023-2024 comparability report was due in the Grant Management Application and Planning (GMAP) district document library on Nov. 1.
The comparability report guide and training video include instructions on how to access and complete the report as well as upload it to the GMAP district document library.
Once the comparability report is submitted, your assigned consultant will take some time to review it. If corrections are needed, your consultant will reach out via email to discuss those changes.
When a report is approved, you will receive an email with a copy of the approved report. Your consultant will also upload a copy of your approved report to your district document library.
Discussing the Compact at Parent-Teacher Conferences
As districts wrap up the first nine-week grading period, many schools will be providing progress updates to families through events such as parent-teacher conference nights.
Remember, at the elementary level, Section 1116(d)(2)(A) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that the school-family learning compact be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s academic achievement, at least annually, during a parent-teacher conference. A general overview of the compact contents is not sufficient to meet the ESSA requirement. The discussion should specify how the responsibilities outlined in the compact can support each specific child’s academic achievement.
For elementary schools operating schoolwide programs, this discussion should take place at parent-teacher conferences for all students. For elementary schools operating targeted assistance programs and participating elementary private schools, the compact should be discussed during the conferences of students receiving Title I services. Although not required at the middle and high school level, incorporating the compact into discussions of student progress could be considered a best practice.
Districts should support principals in providing training to teachers on how to use the compact as a tool at conference time to have purposeful discussions about shared responsibility and how each person’s role in the student’s life can positively impact their academic performance. The July Title I Webinar included examples of detailed documentation schools may save to demonstrate compliance for this requirement.
Additionally, ESSA Section 1116(e)(3) requires schools and districts to educate their staff in how to work with parents as equal partners and help staff understand the value and utility of the contributions of parents. Conducting a training for teachers on how to effectively use conference time to work with parents as partners, including using the learning compact as a helpful tool, is a great way to meet this requirement for professional development surrounding parent and family engagement.
In Case You Missed It – Elements of Communication to grow Relationships with Families
ESEA Now (formerly Title I Admin) published an article on Sept. 27 entitled "Consider 3 elements of communication to grow relationships with parents, families."
The article emphasizes the importance of effective two-way communication, which is not only a federal requirement under ESSA 1116 but is also considered by stakeholders to be a critical activity that directly relates to student success.
The three elements to consider: intentionality, thoughtfulness and accessibility, govern best practice for effective two-way communication. Be sure to check out the article for more detail, as well as guiding questions that can help districts determine whether their chosen methods of communication are successful in building partnerships with parents.
Additionally, the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) August Title I Webinar further details the importance of effective parent communication. It is recommended to review this information, using it to evaluate your current parent communication plan. Don’t forget to share the webinar with your Title I principals to help them better understand federal requirements for parent and family engagement.
Reminder – ESEA Now subscription available for all districts
If you’re a new Title I coordinator, you may not be aware that KDE is providing every school district in the state with a subscription to ESEA Now for the 2023-2024 school year.
ESEA Now is an LRP Media Group publication focused on education law that provides districts with an authoritative, all-in-one hub for learning and sharing important program components. Subscribers will receive weekly emails with links to articles and resources as well as access to the ESEA Now website. KDE sometimes highlights ESEA Now articles in the Title I newsletter by providing an article summary as well as a link to the original article.
Districts must complete a district licensure agreement and staff access spreadsheet to receive access to this resource. Many districts completed this information in July 2022 when KDE began providing this subscription, however there are a few who still need to do so. Please contact Theresa Harr at LRP Media Group to complete the necessary paperwork and receive login credentials for your district. LRP Media Group conducts periodic orientation sessions to help users navigate the site.
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