In order to help us reach the standards set forth by the NCLB act, Santa Cruz has a Title I School-wide Program. That means that instead of focusing on a targeted population (for example, 9th grade students with the lowest reading scores), the school uses Title I money, together with funds from other federal programs, for the betterment of the entire student population.

In an effort to improve reading, we continue to provide to students who have yet to pass the AIMS with a 35-minute AIMS Prep class; a 35-minute SSR class for those who have passed all sections of AIMS; and a Reading Intervention class for those students who need more work in decoding, fluency, and comprehension skills.

We use additional funds for the professional development of the staff. We place particular emphasis on helping teachers become both “highly qualified” and "highly effective."

What is the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act?

To quote the Arizona Department of Education Web site, “The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) was passed by the United States Congress, signed by President Bush, and became effective on January 8, 2002, as Public Law 107-110. …The Act represents the most far-reaching reforms to K-12 education since the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was first adopted in 1965. Student and school accountability, along with highly qualified professionals, are some of the principle themes of the NCLB.”

Schools who are identified as being in School Improvement must use Title I money to provide free tutoring to eligible students Any student who receives free or reduced lunch is eligible. The state approves companies that wish to provide tutoring services; parents may choose from those providers who have agreed to provide services at our school.

There are three separate enrollment deadlines: 

• September 27, 2010
• December 2, 2010
• February 4, 2011

For more information, see the sidebar and click on the SES Information document to read more about SES Enrollment Data and SES Providers.

Parents who want more information about these providers may contact Ferris Smith at (520) 466-2212 for assistance in making a decision about your options.

Under the NCLB law, any parent may request district information regarding the qualifications of their children’s teacher(s).  Parents requesting such information should contact Sharon McHugh in the district office at (520) 466-2200, ext. 239.