File:  JFBA-E1 - Sample Letter to Parents Offering NCLB Choice

Dear Parent/Guardian:

I am writing to update you on the progress of our school and also to describe certain options which are available to you.  Here at [insert school name], we have a number of new and continuing programs that are being implemented to increase student achievement.   These include:

[sample text, example only]

·  An expanded summer school program which is now available to certain students in grades K-5 who are performing below grade level.

·  [school name] teachers tutor some students in grades 3-5 in small groups several times each week in the months prior to CSAP.

·  [school name] literacy and math master teachers are coaching new and experienced teachers one-on-one in order to improve instruction.

The school district is also providing support to [school name] in our efforts to improve student achievement.

[NOTE:  Adapt this section of the letter to the facts pertinent in your district.  The following is an example only.]

The ________________school district is closely aligning its assessments with the state standards and is helping schools, including [school name], to become more data driven (meaning using actual student achievement data to help teachers make decisions about what to teach and how).  This includes assigning literacy and math coaches to develop the skillfulness of all teachers in those content areas and in addressing the issues of second language learners.  [A school could also identify any improvement in CSAP or other test scores here.]

Despite the fact that we are making improvements in our academic achievement, [school name] is still considered by the federal government to be in a corrective action phase.  This is a result of our scores on CSAP (Colorado Student Assessment Program) and means we still have areas of weakness that we need to focus on in the upcoming school year. Using the CSAP as a measure, this school scored in the lowest quarter of schools in the state, and in the lowest quarter of schools in the  district.

Because of the corrective action designation, students who are currently attending this school may have the option of attending a different school, with transportation to be provided at district expense.  If you are interested in exercising this option, please contact me at [phone number].  So that we can do the necessary planning, you will need to contact me by [insert date] in order to exercise this option.

How can you become involved in addressing our academic challenges?  By working with your child on his/her schoolwork, attending parent conferences and making sure your student attends school daily.  Also, by taking advantage of one of the many opportunities for more personal involvement.  These include:

[sample text, example only]

·  Keeping well-informed about what is going on in the school by reading our bilingual Parent newsletter and through parent meetings (all such meeting are bilingual (English & Spanish)) and monthly informational parent coffees.

·  Attending PTO/Accountability monthly meetings.

·  Becoming a parent volunteer at [school name].

·  Taking a class for parents which will address how to support your child's learning at home.

Please contact me if you would like to become personally involved in helping make a difference in our school.

Thank you for your continued participation.

Principal, [school name]

cc:  Superintendent of Schools