Title I

What is Title I

Title I is a federally funded program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) designed to provide additional academic support to students who need extra assistance in reading and/or mathematics. The purpose of Title I is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to meet challenging state academic standards and achieve success in school.

At Sleepy Eye Public Schools, Title I services supplement the high-quality instruction students receive in the classroom. These services are provided in addition to—not in place of—regular classroom instruction.

Title I Services at Sleepy Eye Schools

Sleepy Eye Public Schools operates a Targeted Assistance Title I Program. This means that students who demonstrate the greatest academic need are selected to receive additional support in reading and/or mathematics.

Title I instruction may include:

• Small-group or individual instruction

• Supplemental reading and mathematics interventions

• Progress monitoring to measure student growth

• Collaboration between Title I staff and classroom teachers to support student success

Students continue to participate in all regular classroom instruction while receiving supplemental Title I services.

How Are Students Identified 

Students are selected for Title I services using multiple educational measures. These may include:

• Universal screening assessments

• Classroom performance and grades

• Teacher observations and recommendations

• Diagnostic assessments

• Progress monitoring data

Students with the greatest academic need are prioritized for Title I services using multiple, objective, educationally related measures. Title I services supplement and do not replace services students may receive through other programs. 

Student progress is monitored throughout the school year, and services are adjusted based on individual needs.

Parent and Family Engagement

Sleepy Eye Public Schools believes that parents and families are essential partners in student success. Families are encouraged to actively participate in their child's education and in the Title I program.

Opportunities for family involvement include:

• Attending the Annual Title I Meeting held during Open House each fall

• Receiving information about the Title I program and your child's eligibility

• Participating in Parent-Teacher Conferences

• Reviewing student progress and assessment results

• Providing feedback on the district's Parent and Family Engagement Policy

• Participating in the development of the School-Parent Compact

• Communicating regularly with teachers and Title I staff

Working together helps ensure every student reaches their full academic potential.

School-Parent Compact

The School-Parent Compact is an agreement that outlines the shared responsibilities of students, families, and school staff for supporting student learning and academic achievement.

The compact explains how:

• The school will provide high-quality instruction and support.

• Parents and families can support learning at home.

• Students can take responsibility for their own learning.

• Communication between home and school will be maintained.

Compacts are reviewed annually with participating families.

Parent Rights

Parents of students attending a Title I school have the right to:

• Know the professional qualifications of their child's teachers and paraprofessionals.

• Be notified if their child is taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet state licensure requirements.

• Receive information about their child's academic progress and achievement.

• Receive information in a language and format they can understand whenever practicable.

• Participate in the planning, review, and improvement of the school's Title I and Parent and Family Engagement programs.

• Participate in the development of the School-Parent Compact.

• Request meetings with teachers, Title I staff, or school administrators regarding their child's education.

• Be informed of the school's academic performance and accountability information.

Parent & Family Feedback

Parents and families are encouraged to provide input regarding Sleepy Eye Elementary's Title I program, Parent and Family Engagement Plan, School-Parent Compact, and family engagement activities. Feedback is welcome throughout the school year.

Useful Links 

Title I Related Events 

• Open House: August 18th

• First Day of School: August 24th

• Fall Parent Teacher Conferences: October 13th-14th

• After School Program Begins: October 20th

• Spring Parent Teacher Conferences: February 17th-18th

• After School Program Ends:  March 4th 

• Family Engagement Event: TBD

• MCA Bootcamp Begins: March 9th 

• MCA Bootcamp Ends: March 18th 

Samantha Whittington 

Title I Coordinator 

samantha.schmit@sleepyeye.mntm.org

507.794.7905 ext. 1316

Title I Paraprofessional Staff

• Brittany Scharpe (Kindergarten)

• Trista Barka (Kindergarten)

• Samantha Eastvold (Interventions)

• Jon Kopacek (Interventions)

• Julie Ludewig (Interventions)

• Judy Maaz (Interventions)