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Presenters outline Title I reading supports for K–5 at Southmoreland SD
Summary
Presenters described how Title I funds support K–5 reading instruction in Southmoreland SD, naming school and central-office staff involved, assessment tools (Acadience and MAPS), and plans to expand tiered interventions using added Title II and IV funds.
Presenters at a Southmoreland SD briefing said Title I is the district’s primary federal program for supporting early reading and math, emphasizing targeted instruction for students most in need.
The presenters defined Title I as "the largest federal aid program in America's schools," and clarified it is not special education or general learning support, but specifically provides extra reading and math instruction for identified students, Presenter (S1) said.
Presenter (S2) listed school-level staff who support Title I at SPC—Mr. Haichu, Mrs. Whitaker and Dr. Kuhar—and Presenter (S1) named staff at SES—Mr. Krawcheck, Mrs. Hoffer and Mrs. Ronesberg. Presenter (S2) also identified central office staff who assist with Title I: Dr. Boone, Dr. Clara and Mrs. Hermann. (The presentation used the abbreviations "SPC" and "SES"; the full school names were not specified in the transcript.)
The presenters described the district’s approach to identifying students for Title I supports, saying they serve students in grades K–5 and rely on assessment data and teacher referrals to identify those who need additional reading help. Presenter (S1) said the district creates parent "compacts" that outline commitments from families and the school to support each student’s progress.
Presenters identified specific assessment sources used to track reading progress: Presenter (S1) said, "This is an Acadience report," and Presenter (S2) noted the report also includes data from MAPS. Presenter (S1) said the district has applied for additional federal funding since 1996 and provided a summary of Title I allocations.
On how funds are spent, Presenter (S1) said the district uses Title I funding for "teacher salaries and benefits" to increase staffing and provide targeted instruction for early learners. Presenter (S2) outlined ways parents and the community can help build reading proficiency, and Presenter (S1) said the district plans to continue expanding tiered interventions across elementary grades. The presenters added that the district has supplemented Title I with additional Title II and Title IV funds to boost teacher development and reading instruction capacity.
The briefing closed with Presenter (S2) thanking attendees and reiterating the district’s commitment to helping students grow as readers. No motions or formal board actions were recorded during the presentation.
