December 1, 2015
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act is one of our country’s most important federal education laws. The law was designed to make changes in teaching and learning that will help increase academic achievement in our schools. In 2001 this law was reauthorized; the funds associated with this law are called Title I.
The law requires that all schools receiving Title I funds must inform parents of their rights to ask schools about the qualifications of their child’s teachers. Our school receives Title I funding; we are happy to share this information with you at your request.
We believe that nothing is more important to your child’s education than having a well-prepared and highly qualified teacher. The law requires that all teachers meet a specific legal definition of “highly qualified” in order to teach in schools that receive Title I Funding. The legal definition of a “highly qualified teacher” has three parts. It states that the teacher must have the following:
1. A four year college degree
2. A teaching certificate/license
3. Proof of their knowledge in the subject they teach
New Jersey has some of the most qualified teachers in the country, and we are extremely proud of the quality of the teaching staff at Fairfield Township School. The state of New Jersey has always required a teaching certificate/license for all teachers. In addition, every teacher continues learning through official in-service programs and professional development activities; our teachers are evaluated several times each year to make sure that their teaching skills are sufficient to meet student needs.
Most teachers already meet this legal definition of highly qualified. All teachers hired after the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year were required to meet this definition. A highly qualified teacher knows what to teach, how to teach, and has a full understanding of the subject matter being taught. All Fairfield Township School teachers are highly qualified and certified by the State of New Jersey. In addition, every teacher in our school is dedicated to teaching your child and we will do everything possible to assist in this endeavor.
I encourage you to support your child’s education and communicate with your child’s teacher(s) on a regular basis. For more information on ESEA, Title I and/or parental engagement, please visit the United States Department of Education website at www.ed.gov/nclb. By partnering, families and educators can provide your child with the best education possible.
Yours in Education,
Dr. James J. Ruffin, Jr.
Interim Superintendent / Principal