Dear Parents/Guardians,

 

     The school year is well underway, and I would like to explain some aspects of the DIBELS assessment that the district adopted two years ago along with information regarding the Title I Program.

 

     At the beginning of the school year, the Title I staff administers an assessment known as DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Literacy Skills) to ALL students in grades K-4.  The assessments in Kindergarten and First grade measure skills that have been identified by extensive research as necessary for future success in reading.  If a student is deficient in a skill then the classroom teacher and the Title I staff work to develop the skill levels.  If a student does not meet benchmarks expected of students at that grade level, additional supports and/or monitoring is available through the Title I staff.

 

     Classroom teachers, teaching assistants, and I review the DIBELS scores, classroom performance, and grades in Language Arts and Math to determine whether or not a child would benefit from Title I services.  If a student is recommended to receive services, a permission slip is sent to parents to sign.  They may accept or decline the extra support by signing the accompanying form.

 

     Even if your child is not in Title I, he/she may be familiar with the teaching assistants or me since we often work side by side with the regular teacher in the classroom and administer the DIBELS assessment to every student.  I serve as coordinator of the Title I program, as well as, a reading specialist for the district.  I have five highly qualified Teaching Assistants who are vital to the success of the program; Mrs. Judi Kunkle supports Kindergarten, Mrs. Julie Mears supports 1st grade, Mrs. Jennifer Coxe supports 2nd grade, Mrs. Debra Spaide supports 3rd grade, Mrs. Julia Watkins supports 4th grade.  Each assistant provides intensive support for students.

 

     If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at the Elementary School:  427-8687.  Our main purpose is to have every child find success in school!  Thank you for your support.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully,

                                                                                                 Mrs. Barbara Sipler

                                                                                                  Title I Coordinato