Sharron Rouse, coordinator of Title I programs for Charles County Public Schools, recently presented at the National Title I Conference in Philadelphia, Feb. 8 to 11.
Rouse presented “Best Practices for Collaboration” along with Title I representatives from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Harford County Public Schools and Prince George’s County Public Schools.
Their presentation focused on MSDE partnering with state school systems to implement and monitor Title I, Part A under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Part A of Title I gives financial assistance to educational agencies and schools that have a high number or percentage of students from low-income families to help them meet state academic standards.
In 2017, MSDE asked Title I offices to assist in the development of an application, guidance documents and monitoring tools. CCPS’s Kristin Shields, director of Title I programs, Arin Bonner, Title I coordinator, and Rouse served on different committees to assist with the new initiative. MSDE established professional learning communities by organizing local school systems into regions based on geographical location.
“As a result, we have a greater understanding of the requirements under ESSA, increased collaboration with other counties and shared ownership in the expectations outlined in the Title I grant. The impact our increased collaboration and understanding will have on our Charles County principals, teachers, parents and students is promising,” Rouse said. “We are now in a position to provide increased training to principals and teachers on Title I requirements, innovative instructional practices, strategies to increase family engagement and ways to enhance community partnerships, which will significantly impact the students in Charles County.”
Young-chan Han, family involvement/Title I specialist with MSDE, Tracey Adesegun, Title I coordinating supervisor with Prince’s George’s County Public Schools, and Thomas Webber, assistant supervisor, Title I office for Harford County Public Schools, joined Rouse in the presentation. Rouse has more than 18 years of experience in the education field.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 26,900 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 36 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Patricia Vaira, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
