In an effort to keep you informed, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Title I. 
 

Q   Why did I receive a Title I Parent Compact?
A   Title I funding is received from the federal government. As part of the requirements to receive this funding, we must send out a letter annually to all of the parents of Title I students informing them of their teen’s status and their rights as a parent to request information about their teen’s teachers. One of the other requirements is that BVT ask the parents for their cooperation and support of students in the Title I program, and pledge to do the same. More information about the responsibilities of BVT, the parent’s responsibilities, and your teen’s responsibilities are included in the compact.

Q   Why has my teen been chosen as a Title I student?
A   If your teen is currently a freshman at BVT, we used the results of the High School Placement Test by Scholastic Testing Service, Inc. they took upon acceptance to BVT to help determine eligibility for Title 1. Students who are identified as to who may need extra supports in the areas of math, reading, and science are scheduled into Title 1 support ed classes in these areas.

If your teen is currently a sophomore, junior, or senior, a combination of factors including MCAS data, current grades, and teacher evaluations factor into whether or not they qualify for Title I services.

At the end of every year, the academic departments meet to review the current list of students to determine if they still qualify. If students no longer qualify, they are removed from the list. Students who do not qualify as Title I can be recommended for the program at any point during the school year.


Q   Does this mean my teen is currently failing or at risk of failing?
A   Absolutely not. What Title I qualification means is that at some point in time, there was an indication that your teen may have been at risk or was performing below grade level (we focus on English, Math, and Science since those are what are tested on MCAS). If they are currently successful in school, that means we are doing our job correctly! Title I placement does not change depending on your teen’s current grades.


Q   Will my teen’s schedule change because they are in the Title I program?
A   Generally speaking, no, unless they are struggling with the current classes in which they are enrolled. Your teen is currently learning in classrooms that are supplemented with instructors, aides, or materials that are paid for with Title I funds; there are no separate Title I classrooms. We make a concentrated effort NOT to single out Title I students.

Q   Who knows whether my teen receives Title I services or not?
A   The state and federal education departments require us to report Title I status on our quarterly reports. Our Title I Director maintains a database that is used to determine where funds can best be spent to help students succeed. A list of Title I students is also reviewed by the academic teachers at the end of the year to determine who still qualifies for services. This information is kept completely confidential. It is very possible your teen is not aware of their status!


Q   What can I do to help my teen?
A   We love it when parents ask that question! Encourage your teen to read. It is a component of every classroom and shop. The more they read, the better they will be at reading. Follow up with your teen. Ask if they have homework, and if possible sit with them while they are doing it to provide motivation and encouragement. Check in to PowerSchool to see current grades, and follow up on missing or current assignments. Help your teen be mindful of his/her grades and assignments. E-mail your teen's teachers if you have any questions about their performance!


Q   Where can I get more information?
A   If your teen is having trouble in their classes, the first step should be to check on their grades using PowerSchool. Directions for signing onto PowerSchool are available on our website. Talk to your teen and discuss shared concerns. Next contact your teen’s teacher to see what the best course of action would be. Your teen’s school counselor might also be a good source of information.