Title I School-Wide Program
In order to help us reach Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards, Santa Cruz has a Title I school-wide program. That means that instead of focusing on a targeted population (for example, ninth-grade students with the lowest reading scores), the school uses Title I money together with district funds and funds from other federal programs for the betterment of the entire student population.
In an effort to help students meet the state's academic standards in math and English language arts (ELA), we provide IXL software for use in math and English classes that will assist students with their individual level of understanding in those subject areas. Additionally, in all classes teachers have access to vocabulary building software that they will use to build students's vocabulary and reading levels.
We use additional funds for the professional development of the staff. We place particular emphasis on helping teachers become highly effective so that our students can be better prepared for post-secondary education or to enter the work force.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
What is the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)?
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), signed into law in December of 2015, is the successor to No Child Left Behind (NCLB), making it the newest installment of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. This law allows the US Government to support both national and local education goals with grants and other resources; it funds our Title I program.
Parents' Rights
Under the ESSA law, any parent may request information about the qualifications of their children’s teacher(s). Parents can also be advised whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. Parents requesting such information should contact Liz Ibarra in the district office at (520) 466-2238.
In the 2020 Arizona Legislative Session, the legislature established ARS § 15- 249.16 which requires the ADE to establish and post a statutory handbook of parental rights, which they have done. You can access the statutory handbook at Arizona Department of Education.
Testing Transparency
Parents may request information regarding any state or local educational agency (district) policy regarding student participation in any assessments mandated by the state or district which shall include a policy, procedure, or parental right to opt the child out of such assessment where applicable. For further information, contact Ferris Smith at (520) 466-2212.