Title II funds are used for professional development and class size reduction. Each school completes a professional development component of the school's continuous improvement plan. All plans are based on needs assessment used to determine the professional development needs for the schools and county. These plans are available at the schools, at the central office and the world wide web. The Alabama Regional In-service Center located on the campus of the University of North Alabama provides professional development opportunities. The State Department of Education provides training for central office personnel who in turn train teachers and administrators at the local level.
Another very important use of Title II funds for the school system is for class size reduction teachers. These teachers are placed in schools with a large number of students eligible for free and reduced lunch, minority students, students with low test scores, and (English Learners) EL students.
The funds have been used to employ three teacher units (1.57 FTEs) at Colbert Heights Elementary, Hatton Elementary, Leighton Elementary, and Colbert County High School. The extra teacher units have had a positive impact on class size reduction at these schools. Research has shown that students learn better and that higher student achievement can be obtained by reducing the size of the classes. The reminder of the funds allocated under Title II are used for professional development activities for teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators at all schools.
School - CHES (4th Grade)
Before P/T ratio - 28.00
After unit P/T ratio - 19.00
School - HES (4th Grade)
Before P/T ratio - 41.00
After unit P/T ratio - 21.00
School - LES (5th Grade)
Before P/T ratio - 39.00
After unit P/T ratio - 20.00
School - CCHS (English)
Before P/T ratio - 67.00
After unit P/T ratio - 23.00