Title III Native Student Literacy Support
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Title III Native American provides eligible, academically at-risk Native American/Alaskan Native students supplementary literacy and language development support services. Laura Bowman is the Title III Native American Paraeducator. You can contact her at lbowman@nthurston.k12.wa.us
FAQ
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What services are offered?
Service can fall in two types: Direct and indirect. Direct services are provided directly to or for a Native student and/or his/her family. Indirect services can include instructional training and resources for schools and teachers with Title III Native American students to better support literacy for those students.
Student support may include:
- Academic support
- Cultural projects
- School supplies
- Coordinating services
- Literacy support is provided during academic support meetings with students, through distributing age-appropriate Native American books and Lexia services.
- College field trips (Middle School / High School)
Family support may include:
- Family nights
- Coordination of services
- Native American books for home literacy
- Additional online literacy support programs
- Cultural activities
Staff support may include:
- Training on addressing the unique academic and cultural needs of Native American students
- Support for building relationships with Native students and families
- How to increase Native student and family involvement in school
- Individual staff support is provided as requested to better serve the learning needs of Native American students
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What is Title III Native American?
Title III Native American is a federally funded program that provides eligible, academically at-risk Native American/Alaskan Native students supplementary literacy and language development support services.
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How does the Title III Native American program help?
The program helps identify Native American students who need extra academic support. Provides federal funds that can provide training for teachers of Native students, books, supplies, and staffing to support Native students
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Who is eligible?
Any student who is self-identified as Native American in our records is eligible. Documented tribal affiliation is not a requirement for Title III eligibility.
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My student speaks English. Why are they part of an ELL (English Language Learner) program?
Title III Native American falls under Title III ELL, but Title III Native American is not an English Language Learner program. It is an academic program.
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How is academic risk determined?
Students are identified for risk by their SBA test scores or Easy CBM scores. Students can also be referred by parents or school staff.
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What happens when my student is identified?
- A notification letter is mailed home explaining the program and testing process. You can opt out at this time.
- Our Title III Native American para will administer the ELPA21 (English Language Proficiency Assessment) screener
- Another letter is sent home informing and explaining the results
- Your student will be tested with a longer test annually known as the ELPA21.
- Prior to the ELPA21 test, a letter is sent home providing information.
- After the test, another letter is sent explaining the results.
- Testing occurs each year until your student progresses out of the program.
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Why does my student take the ELL test?
The ELPA21 is the assessment adopted by the state. It evaluates English knowledge and language skills.
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Why is my student tested every year?
To monitor their progress. Students who improve can test out of the program
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Will my student be placed in an ELL class?
No. Your student’s classes will stay the same. This test is only an assessment. Your student
will work with the Title III Native American paraeducator. -
Can I request that my student be tested?
Yes! You can let us know at any time about your testing preferences
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I was notified, but we're not Native American - what do I do?
We’re required to offer service based on our district records. If your race or ethnicity form lists “Other/Native American” your student can be eligible. If you would like to check or update your race and ethnicity on record, you can contact our office.