Title 1 Staff
      Dr. Valerie Anderson currently coordinates the Wilson and Great Leaps programs at Elmwood Street School.  She works directly with many students in the Great Leaps program.  Dr. Anderson earned three degrees at Worcester State College and a doctorate in California.  She is also certified in the Wilson and Project Read instructional methods.
      Mrs. Shannon Arsenault obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Psychology from the University of Massachusetts.  She completed a post baccalaureate teacher licensure program at Framingham State College.  Prior to accepting this position, Mrs. Arsenault has been involved with the Millbury Public Schools in a variety of capacities: ABA technician, grade two inclusion teacher, and as a parent.  She is currently working with fourth  and fifth grade students in literacy at the Shaw Elementary School.  She is also receiving training to become Wilson Level I Certified.
      Mrs. Anne Knott is a graduate of Westfield State College and is a highly qualified teacher in the state of Massachusetts.  Mrs. Knott's degree covers K-8 and she is also reading certified.  She comes to us from the Dudley-Charlton School district where she taught for five years in grades five and six.  She worked at the Shaw School in Millbury several years ago.
      Mrs. Linda Ashworth is a graduate of Framingham State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education.  She also has her Master of Education degree in Currriculum and Instruction in Literacy from Lesley University.  She is a highly qualified teacher in Massachusetts and is certified in Project Read  instruction.  Mrs. Ashworth has previously taught Kindergarten and first grades and will be working with students in grades 1-3.
      Mrs. Susan Miles has a Bachelor of Science degree from Fitchburg State College and worked as a Registered Nurse for ten years.  She Earned a Master of Education degree from Anna Maria College.  Mrs. Miles has worked at the Elmwood Street School for eight years in various positions, including instructional assistant and music teacher.  She is working with students in kindergarten through grade three.

1.  What is the selection process for Title 1?
The selection process for Title 1 students consists of a general screening for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 4. Classroom performance on curriculum appropriate material and performance on developmentally apppropriate measures determine the population for individual screening.  Individual assessments are then administered by Title 1 staff.  Using the results of individual assessments and teacher input, a student selection sheet is completed.  The student selection sheets are then used to compile a rank order list for each grade level in each subject area (literacy and math).  A cutoff score is then established on each rank order list to make the final determination of who is being identified for Title 1 services.

 
2.  What is the difference between Title 1 and Special Education Services?
Title 1 services are available to the entire school population as long as the services provide instruction that is in addition to  regular classroom instruction.  Special Education services are available only to those who have an individual education plan (IEP).

 
3.  What is Scientifically Based Research?
Scientifically based research is "research that involves the application of rigorous, systematic and objective procedures to obtain reliable and valid knowldge relevant to education activities and programs."  The following are characteristics of scientifically based research:
• employs systematic, empirical methods that draw upon observation or experiment
• involves rigorous data analyses that test stated hypotheses and conclusions
• relies on measurements or observational methods that provide reliable and valid data
• has been accepted by peer-reviewed journals or approved by a panel of independent experts
Title 1 schools strive to base curriculum, instruction and assessment on Scientifically Based research.