Title Programs Overview
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Title I Overview
What is Title I?
The Title I program in the West Des Moines Community Schools provides additional assistance with math and reading to students who need it most in grades 1-5.Title I is the largest federal aid program for our nation’s schools. The goal of Title I is to provide a high-quality education for every child.
Who does the Title I programs serve?
Title I resources are directed to schools with qualifying family income levels. The program serves millions of children in elementary and secondary schools across the nation each year. Most school districts participate.How does Title I work?
The federal government provides funding to states each year. State educational agencies send the money to school districts based on the numbers of qualifying families. The West Des Moines Community Schools identifies eligible schools and provides Title I resources and services.The Title I school works to:
- Identify students most in need of educational help. (Students do not have to be from qualifying-income families to receive assistance in math and/or reading.)
- Set goals for student improvement in math and/or reading.
- Develop plans that supplement regular core classroom instruction and measure student progress.
What do Title I programs offer?
Title I programs generally offer:- Additional math and reading teachers
- Co-teaching and collaboration with homeroom teachers
- Small group instruction and practice
- A variety of teaching methods and materials
- Extra time for instruction, reteaching, and practice
- Sponsorship of family math and literacy events.
Title I teachers and other school staff work closely together in professional learning communities.
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Title IA Overview
What is Title IA?
Title IA is designed to provide all students equitable opportunities for quality education that help close achievement gaps. Funding is available for schools with high percentages of students from low income households. These federal funds are allocated through formulas based on census poverty data estimated along with the cost of education in each state.Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ES
How does WDMCS use Title IA?
Title IA currently supports students in grades 1-5 at Clive Learning Academy, Crestview School of Inquiry, and Hillside Elementary. It provides students assistance in strengthening skills and knowledge in math and/or reading. It also helps students prepare to meet challenging state academic standards. Parental involvement and family engagement is key to academic achievement.What types of programs are supported under Title 1?
- Expanded Learning Time (Beyond Core Instruction)
- Before- and After-School Programs
- Summer Programs and Opportunities
- Family Academic Assistance, Education and Engagement Opportunities
Questions or Comments?
Leigh Goldie
Director of Elementary CurriculumKristy Dietzenbach
Title I Coordinator -
Title IIA Overview
What is Title IIA?
Title IIA is designed to improve student achievement by providing funds to school districts for the training, recruitment, and retention of teachers and principals.How does WDMCS use Title IIA?
Title IIA supports a variety of professional learning, including:- Implementation and instructional integration of Canvas, a learning management system (LMS) used by K-12 teachers and students
- Frontline software implementation which provides professional development tracking focused on teacher quality and effectiveness
- Online instructional design resources
- Social-emotional professional learning
Questions or Comments?
Shane Scott
515-633-5056 -
Title III Overview
What is Title III?
The Title III Immigrant Set-Aside Grant is designed to support school districts that have experienced a significant increase in immigrant student enrollment over the previous three years. This grant provides enhanced instructional and supplemental support opportunities for immigrant students and their families.How does WDMCS use Title III?
This is the first school year that WDMCS is receiving Title III Immigrant funds. The funds will be used to support:- family engagement and outreach
- academic and career support for immigrant children and youth
- curricular materials and instructional services for immigrant youth
Questions or Comments?
Natalie French
515-633-5173 -
Title IVA Overview
What is Title IVA?
Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program. The purpose of the SSAE program is to improve students’ academic achievement by providing access to, and opportunities for, a well-rounded education for all students. It is also helpful in creating school conditions for student learning to create a healthy and safe school environment, provide access to personalized learning experiences supported by technology, and support professional development for the effective use of technology and data.How does WDMCS use Title IVA?
Title IV, Part A funds have been used to support programs and professional learning such as:- iJag
- Four Oaks Healthy Lifestyles Program
- Canvas and technology integration professional learning
Questions or Comments?
Shane Scott
515-633-5056 -
Title I Team
Matt Evans
- Title I math and reading teacher at Clive Learning Academy
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education
- Elementary Reading endorsement
- Started teaching in spring of 2017, Title I math at Crestview and Sacred Heart
- Started teaching Title I at Clive in 2017
Gretchen Fackler
- Title I math and reading teacher at Hillside Elementary
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education
- Elementary Reading endorsement
- Started teaching in 2001, 18 years teaching third grade, 3 years instructional coaching
- Started teaching Title I at Hillside in 2014
Liz Gunkel
- Title I math and reading teacher at Hillside Elementary
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Drake University
- Masters degree in Teacher Effectiveness and Professional Development
- Reading, Talented and Gifted, and Early Childhood Special Education endorsements
- Started teaching third grade in 2007 with experience in 4th grade and as an instructional coach
- Started teaching Title I at Hillside in 2019
Melissa Harlan
- Title I math and reading teacher at Crestview School of Inquiry
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education
- Elementary Reading and Early Childhood Education endorsement
- Started Masters in English as a Second Language in 2016
- Started teaching in 1998 with experience in teaching 1st/2nd/3rd grade classroom and Title Reading/Reading Resource
- Started teaching Title I at Crestview in 2018
Heidi Marean
- Title I math teacher at Clive Learning Academy
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education
- Masters Degree in Education
- Middle School endorsement
- Started teaching in 2004, 11 years teaching sixth grade
- Started teaching Title I at Clive in 2015
Lindsey Motsenbocker
- Title I math and reading teacher at Hillside Elementary and Sacred Heart
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education
- Elementary Reading endorsement
- Started in 2006, six years teaching first grade
- Started teaching Title I at Hillside in 2012
Brett Spahr
- Title I reading and math teacher at Clive Learning Academy
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education
- Elementary Reading and Language Arts endorsements
- Taught first and second grade in area districts for 11 years
- Theatre Arts instructor for 22+ years at The Des Moines Community Playhouse
- Reading Resource teacher at Clive Learning Academy in 2020
- Started teaching Title I at Clive in 2021
Leslie Welter
- Title I math and reading teacher at Crestview
- Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education
- Masters in Effective Teaching and Learning
- Reading, English as a Second Language endorsements
- Started teaching in 2005, nine years as a first-grade teacher, one year as an instructional coach
- Started teaching Title I at Crestview in 2015
Kelsey Wheeler
- Title I math and reading teacher at Crestview
- Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education
- Math, Reading, Language Arts endorsements
- Started as a reading teacher in 2011, one year teaching preschool, one year as a special education associate
- Started teaching Title I at Crestview in 2015
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Parents are a Part of the Title I Team
We recognize that you influence your child’s education more than any teacher or school. Your involvement is critical to the success of the Title I program. There are many things you can do to boost your child’s achievement.
- Show interest in your child’s school day. Ask questions, review schoolwork and praise effort and improvement, no matter how small it may seem to you.
- Take time each night for completing homework, including math study or home links.
- Set a good example by letting your child see you read newspapers, magazines, or books. Let your child help you use math when shopping and also at home—sorting, counting, comparing, and cooking.
- Take advantage of resources by visiting the public library. Help your child pick out books to read just for fun.
- Read! Read! Read! Read to your child and ask your child to read to you.
- Attend conferences and school events. Contact your child’s Title I teacher(s) at any time during the school year if you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s progress in math and reading.
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Contact Us
Kristy Dietzenbach
Title I Coordinator
515-633-6732Leigh Goldie
Elementary Curriculum Director
515-633-5055
