What does a parent have the right to know?

Schools that receive Title I dollars have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of the student's classroom teachers including, at a minimum, the following:

• Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject area in which the teacher provides instruction.
• Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.
• The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher, any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.
• Timely notice that the parents' child has been assigned, or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher of a core academic subject who is not highly qualified.
• Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.

How do I know if my child is being served by a teacher/paraprofessional?

For teachers, at a minimum, the information given to you must explain these three essential components of an educator’s qualifications. Whether the student’s teacher–

• Has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
• Is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.
• Is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.

In the Title I, Part A program, paraprofessionals must work under the supervision of a certified teacher. In schools that operate a Schoolwide program, all paraeducators must meet professional qualifications. In a Targeted Assistance program, any paraeducator who is the direct supervision of a certificated teacher must meet professional qualifications.To meet Title I, Part A program requirements, paraeducators must have a high school diploma or GED and must have:

• Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; or
• Obtained an associate’s or higher degree; or 9 Obtained an associate’s or higher degree; or 9
• Passed the ETS ParaPro Assessment. The assessment measures skills and content knowledge related to reading, writing and math;
• Previously completed the apprenticeship requirements, and must present a journey card or certificate. The portfolio and apprenticeships are no longer offered for enrollment; however, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will continue to honor this pathway.

What do I have the right to know in regards to school improvement?

At each stage of school improvement-initial identification, corrective action, and restructuring- the school district must furnish parents with a detailed explanation of the causes and consequences of the school's performance, and how they can be involved.  The notice must contain the following:

• An explanation of what identification means, and how the school compares in terms of academic achievement with other schools in the district and the state.
• The reason for the identification.
• An explanation of what the school is doing to address the problem.
• An explanation of what the school district or state is doing to help the school address the problem.
• An explanation of how the parents can become involved in addressing the academic issues that caused the school to be identified.
• An explanation of the parents' option to transfer their child to another public school (with transportation paid for or provided by the LEA), and, if applicable, the opportunity to access supplemental education services.

What do I have the right to know in regards to information on State and Local Assessments?

Parents must receive information on each assessment required by the state and district. This information must include:

1. Subject matter assessed.
2.  Purpose of the assessment.
3.  Source of the requirement.

If information is available, LEAs and schools must provide (including posting on their websites):

• Length of time expected and schedule for the assessments.
• Time and format for disseminating results.

For more information: Click here to see the Parents Right to Be Informed Brochure(PDF)

Contact Info:

www.k12.wa.us
Old Capitol Building
PO Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Title I / LAP Department