PDF Version of the Title I Parents' Right to Know Letter
October 24, 2025
Dear Parent/Guardian:
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), enacted on December 10, 2015, replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and is the latest reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
Although NCLB was designed to make changes in teaching and learning to increase students’ academic achievement, the Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) provision under NCLB was eliminated from the ESSA. Despite this fact, all educators in New Jersey still are required to hold the appropriate state certificate/license for their given position.
Under the ESSA, all schools receiving Title I funds must inform parents of their right to ask schools about the professional qualifications of their child’s teachers and paraprofessionals. Our school receives Title I funding and we are happy to share this information with you upon your request. Additionally, schools are required to provide timely notice that a student has been assigned or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet applicable State certification or licensure requirements.
New Jersey has some of the most qualified teachers in the country, and we are extremely proud of the quality of the teaching staff in the Montclair Public School District. All of our teachers have college degrees, and many have advanced degrees. In addition, every teacher continues learning through professional development activities and our teachers are evaluated each year to make sure their teaching skills remain at the highest possible level.
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 ESSA, and the role of parents, please visit the United States Department of Education’s (USDE) website at http://www.ed.gov/essa. Questions regarding this notification should be sent to the district at 22 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 07042.
By partnering, families and educators can ensure your child is provided with the best education possible.
Sincerely,
Briony Carr-Clemente
Principal