Title 1 Parent Communication -  Effective parent-teacher communication is crucial to a child’s academic success.  In addition to parent-teacher conferences, the Title 1 Department provides a variety of ways for parents to maintain ongoing communication with their child’s Title 1 Academic Interventionist.

Title 1 Parent Informational Meeting - In the fall of every school year, Title 1 Academic Interventionists at the Palmer Jr Middle  Schools hold a Title 1 Information Meeting for parents of Title 1 children.  This orientation meeting is an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s Title 1 Academic Interventionist, receive information regarding the Title 1 program and curriculum, and address questions and/or concerns.

The Title 1 Parent Informational Meeting addresses the following:

• Eligibility Criteria:  Title 1 Academic Interventionists use the following eligibility criteria in the selection of students who would benefit from in-class Title 1 support:  Previous end-of-year grades in LA and Math; September district diagnostic test results; differentiated Math and LA matrix scores; standardized test results (if applicable); and teacher recommendation. For those students identified to receive Title 1 support, parents receive a letter from Katherine Ellsworth, Director of Federal Programs; a Parent Compact; and, Parent Involvement Policy.  Parent approval and signature is required.  The Parent Compact defines shared responsibility for improving student academic achievement and school performance.  The Parent Involvement Policy defines strategies for more effective parent involvement to improve student academic achievement and school performance.  Parents are given the opportunity to give their comments and/or suggestions with regard to the parent involvement policy.
• Exit Criteria:  Criteria for students no longer requiring Title 1 support includes teacher recommendation, parent approval, ELA and/or Math district assessments and diagnostic test results exhibiting skill mastery, and student portfolio work.
• Program Model:  The Title 1 program adheres to a push-in model, offering in-class support for reading, writing, and math.  This allows for a lower student-teacher ratio, small group learning, and the implementation of a variety of teaching methods.  Title 1 Academic Interventionists collaborate with classroom teachers and follow the same curriculum as adopted by the Matanuska School District. 

Title 1 Academic Interventionist Websites - Title 1 Academic Interventionists in the Matanuska School District have websites that can be accessed through their individual school’s website as well as the District Title 1 website.  These websites contain book suggestions as well as useful LA and Math websites.  

Back-To-School Night (September), Parent-Teacher Conferences (November & February) - Back-to-School Night is held every September in all schools throughout the Matanuska School District.  This evening gives parents the opportunity to meet their child’s teacher(s), receive a clear understanding of the curriculum, materials/resources, and instructional strategies being implemented within the classroom, and teacher expectations.  Title 1 Academic Interventionists are available for discussion and general questions.

Parent-Teacher Conferences:  Parent-Teacher conferences are held twice during the school year – November and February – which includes both afternoon and evening sessions.  During this time, Title 1 Academic Interventionists schedule Parent-Teacher conferences.   This is either in conjunction with the classroom teacher or separately.  In addition, Title 1 Academic Interventionists are available throughout the school year to address any questions or concerns.  To contact your school’s Title 1 Academic Interventionist(s), you can call the school and leave a message, send in a note with your child, or email directly.