Title 1

Virginia L. Heard Elementary School is a Title I school, benefiting from federal funding to support academic achievement and student success. Title I, Part A, is designed to provide additional resources for schools serving students with economic need. These funds help enhance educational programs, provide professional development for teachers, and promote strong family engagement.

What is Title I?

Title I funding is allocated based on the percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch. Schools can be classified as either schoolwide programs or targeted assistance programs.

• Schoolwide programs use Title I funds to improve the entire school’s educational program, ensuring all students benefit.
• Targeted assistance programs provide additional support for students identified as at risk of not meeting state academic standards.

School Improvement and Accountability Plan

Every Title I school develops a School Improvement and Accountability Plan, which includes:

• A comprehensive needs assessment to identify student learning needs.
• Research-based schoolwide reform strategies to improve academic outcomes.
• Instruction by highly qualified teachers and strategies to retain top educators.
• Ongoing professional development to support teachers and staff.
• Parent and family engagement strategies to strengthen school-home connections.
• Support for school transitions, including Pre-K to Kindergarten and elementary to middle school.
• Use of data and assessments to inform instruction and track student progress.
• Coordination of federal, state, and local resources to maximize impact.
• Additional support for students struggling academically, ensuring they receive timely interventions.
• Clear communication of student assessment results to parents and families.

This plan is developed collaboratively with parents, teachers, administrators, and community members, ensuring transparency and accessibility.

Family Engagement at Heard Elementary

Family engagement is a critical component of student success. Heard Elementary encourages meaningful, two-way communication between families and the school. Through our Family Engagement Program, we ensure that:

• Families play an active role in supporting their child’s learning.
• Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in school activities.
• Families are full partners in their child’s education, with opportunities for decision-making and advisory roles.
• School events and activities align with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Section 1116, which supports parent involvement in school improvement efforts.

Annual Title I Events and Activities

August
• School-home compacts outlining shared expectations for student success
• Family Engagement Policy for the school and SCCPSS
• Notification to parents/guardians of English Language Learners (ELL)

September
• Annual Title I Meeting to review the school’s Title I program and goals

February - March
• Family engagement surveys to evaluate programs
• Family Forum to gather input from parents and community members

Throughout the School Year (August - May)
• Parent and family workshops to support student learning at home
• Information and resources posted on the school website
• School events promoted through multiple channels at least two weeks in advance
• Quarterly staff training on effective family engagement
• Ongoing notifications for parents of English Language Learners (ELL)

Get Involved

We invite all families to participate in Title I programs, workshops, and events throughout the year. Your involvement strengthens our school community and contributes to student success.