Prepares Principals for the Bumpy Road Ahead
The 2016-17 school year is a transition period for the new laws affecting Title programs, known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The purpose of this coming year is for you, with the help of WCRIS, CAPE, the Office of Non-Public Education, and fellow private school advocates, to hold the districts accountable for the protections promised to private schools in the ESSA.
WCRIS is here to arm you questions you need to ask in consultations with your local public school district, so that you can assure equitable services for your neediest students.
Be advised that your district may not have answers right away, but that together we can pressure the system to help shape outcomes allowable by law for our schools.
First and foremost, reach out to your district now and ask for a timeline of when they intend to set the required consultations. This way you can plan ahead and won’t be caught off guard.
During your consultations ask for specifics on what the school district will offer under Title I. Specifically, ask how they will accommodate their own students so you can monitor equitability between services to their students and yours.
Since many of our schools require special safety training for individuals working with students, pay close attention to how your district plans to provide these equitable services. School districts have several options when providing services to your school including district employed personnel and contracts with public and/or private agencies.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) suggests you ask for details on what your proportionate share of Title I funds will be and how it will be determined. Keep in mind your district must allocate funds to your school based on the total allotment they receive.
Lastly, ask how your district intends to identify and calculate the number of eligible low-income families in your school. They have four different methods to choose from in determining eligibility. This may change how many of your students receive services under Title I funding.
Know your rights when you begin consulting with your public school district. You can file a complaint at any time with the DPI if you feel that your district is not cooperating or is not actively trying to practice the new provisions. If you have any questions, please contact WCRIS.
