TC-7000-1
7000—INSTRUCTIONAL
PROGRAM
7040 Hours
of Instruction
7050 Curriculum Development
Technology
Curriculum
Adoption
7052 Multicultural Education
7110 Basic Program
Drug
Education
Communicable
Disease Instruction
Family
Life/Sexuality Education
Homebound
Instruction (Cf. 8660)
7112 Cocurricular
and Extracurricular Activities (Cf. 8710)
7140 Dropout Prevention Program (Cf. 8900)
Philosophy
Goals
and Objectives
7145 Student Suicide Awareness and Prevention
(Cf. 8450)
7160 Special Education Services (Cf. 8850)
7210 Interscholastic Athletics
Coaches
Physicals
Illness
and Injuries
Membership
in MHSAA
7250 Adult/Community Education
Philosophy
Adult
Educational Program
Community
Partnerships
7350 Basic
and Instructional Resources
Classroom
Materials
Textbook
Selection and Adoption (Cf. 7410)
7380
Instructional
Program Prohibitions (Cf. 8940)
7400
Library Resource
Center (Cf. 7350, 7410)
7410 Complaints About Curriculum and
Instructional Materials
7430 Federal Program Administration
Title
I Program
7463 Use of Commercially Produced Video
Recordings
7490
Field Trips and
Excursions
7560 Grading Systems
7580 Changing Student Letter Grades
TC-7000-2
7600
Promotion and
Retention (Cf. 7610)
Grade
Level and Group Assignments
Acceleration
Elementary
School Promotion
Middle
School Promotion
High
School Promotion
7610
Graduation
Requirements
Credit
Requirements
Attendance
Requirements
7640
Transfer of Grades
and Credit
7645 Dual Enrollment
Definition
7650 Testing, Assessment and Research
Purposes
and Audiences for Student Assessment
District-Wide
Testing/Assessment Program
School
and/or Classroom Level Assessments
Psychological
and Guidance Oriented Testing/Assessments
Testing,
Assessment, Surveys and Evaluations by Outside
Groups or Agencies
7760 Controversial Issues
7770 Teaching About Religion
7800
School Ceremonies
and Observances (Cf. 7770)
Fine
Arts Performances
Assemblies
and Ceremonies
7850
Experiments Upon
or Dissection of Animals
7040 Hours of Instruction 7040
The number of days[1] and
hours of student instruction shall be determined annually by the Board.[2] The Board recognizes that adjustments in both
the number of hours of instruction and the school calendar may be necessary due
to individual student needs, factors beyond local control, or other reasons
which are in the best interests of the District. It shall be the Superintendent’s
responsibility to approve variations in an individual student’s hours of
attendance and to act on matters deemed as emergencies and in the best interest
of the District. Other variations in the
school day or school year may be approved.
Not later than August 1, the Board shall certify to the
Michigan Department of Education the number of days and hours of pupil
instruction in the previous year.
Approved: July
11, 2001
Reviewed:
7050 Curriculum Development 7050
The administration, with the cooperation of the certified staff, shall develop a comprehensive curriculum Pre-K through 12. The curriculum shall be based on the Flint Community Schools' Standards and valid educational research that encompass a philosophy of education compatible with the needs of the diverse student population, the resources of the District, and the State of Michigan.[3]
The administration shall evaluate the Standards and curriculum of the District in view of the District’s goals on a periodic basis in conjunction with the District's Standards Board. The findings and recommendations shall be transmitted to the Board of Education.
Technology
The District supports the use of computers and related technology as integral to instruction. Such use should significantly increase the opportunity for the expansion of student reasoning and thinking ability, the improvement of the management and delivery of instruction to all students and other uses in support of the Board-approved curriculum.
Curriculum Adoption
No course of study shall be eliminated, added, or altered without
approval of the Board (A course of study is defined by State of Michigan and North
Central Accreditation requirements).
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1282; 380.1278
7052 Multicultural Education 7052
The District’s learning environment shall reflect diverse cultural traditions and contributions so that students may develop a broader knowledge base and have a sense of respect for and appreciation of culturally diverse peoples, their customs and historic legacy.
It
is the policy of the Flint Board of Education to assure equality of educational
opportunity for all students regardless of race, sex, age, religion, language,
socio-economic or ethnic background, physical or mental condition, or marital
status.
It
is further the policy of the Board that all efforts shall be made to
acknowledge and recognize that we live in a diverse and multicultural society,
consisting of racial, ethnic, and religious groups whose cultures, values,
beliefs, and lifestyles are valid and viable elements of our democratic
society. In this context, the Board
fully recognizes the rights of students in the Flint educational community to
learn within the framework of cultural experiences, which maximize the
individual development of their human potential.
Finally,
it is the policy of the Board to initiate and maintain appropriate procedures
to actively foster and support efforts to design and infuse instructional
experiences District-wide that will lead to a more humane and democratic
society.
The primary responsibility for ensuring multicultural
experiences within each school rests with the building principal and staff.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1174a
7110 Basic Program 7110
The District shall establish and periodically reconsider the core curriculum or basic program for the District. The Superintendent, in advance of the school year in which the courses are to become operative, should approve handbooks outlining any course offered in the District.
Drug Education[4]
The administrative staff will develop a comprehensive program outlining the effects of drugs. The use by the administrative staff of resource materials developed by local, state and federal agencies is encouraged.
Communicable Disease Instruction[5]
The school curriculum shall include the teaching of the principle modes by which dangerous communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS, are spread and the best methods for the restriction and prevention of such diseases.
In
accordance with legal requirements regarding HIV/AIDS instruction, the Flint
Board of Education will, before offering instruction that includes HIV/AIDS information;
1. Accept state guidelines regarding the mandatory teaching of HIV/AIDS prevention education. Such as:
· Providing age/grade appropriate Board-approved curriculum and/or programs at least once in each building
· Providing instruction on Abstinence
· Providing prior parent/guardian notification which will include:
o Overview of course content
o Parental/guardian right to review materials and curriculum
7110 Basic Program 7110-2
o Parental/guardian right to observe classroom teaching
o Parental/guardian right to remove student from a single class, semester course or all HIV/AIDS education
Instruction will not include:
· Teaching clinical abortions as means of family planning or birth control
· Distributing family planning devices (birth control)
2. Establish an advisory board that will periodically review materials and methods of instruction, and recommend changes as needed.
3. Provide PA 139 Certification training, by certified trainers, to teachers who
teach HIV/AIDS prevention.
4. Ensure that all HIV/AIDS prevention education programs receive health advisory committee recommendations, two (2) public hearings and Board approval before such programs shall be changed or utilized in the classroom.
Family Life/Sexuality Education
The teaching of reproductive health/sexuality education, including family planning, will be permitted in the Flint Community Schools in accordance with Michigan law.
In accordance with legal requirements, the Board will, before offering instruction that includes reproductive health and/or sexuality information:
1. Accept state guidelines regarding Family Life/Sexuality Education. (See: Flint Community School Administrative Guidelines and Protocol for Sexuality and HIV/AIDS Education, 2000)
2. Establish an advisory board that will periodically review materials and methods of instruction, and recommend changes as needed.
7110 Basic Program 7110-3
3. Hire teachers that are qualified in the area of health education and in addition have received 20 clock hours of human sexuality certification training.
4. Ensure that all reproductive health/sexuality education programs or changes to those existing programs receive health advisory committee recommendation, public hearings and Board approval before such programs shall be utilized in the classroom.
The District’s intent is to insure that students receive the information and support they need to make healthy choices for their lives and futures. This support and information will be provided with sensitivity and respect and in compliance with current Michigan laws regarding reproductive health and sexuality education.
Homebound Instruction (Cf. 8860)
It is the responsibility of the District to educate all school-age children who are located within the District. Therefore, if a student is unable to attend school because of lengthy illness or other causes, he/she may obtain homebound instruction in accordance with the regulations developed by the administrative staff.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1278-1279, 380.1282
7112 Cocurricular and Extracurricular Activities 7112
Using the extended day, a seamless learning experience will be provided that promotes learner achievement of the Flint Community Schools' Standards. The principal shall coordinate the extracurricular program or designate a staff member to assume this responsibility.
All new extracurricular activities shall be approved by the building principal and recommended to the Superintendent for his/her approval. All recommendations to the Superintendent shall include a statement of purpose of the activity, potential membership to be served, and potential financial obligations the District might have to assume from general school funds.
A faculty sponsor, if available, shall be appointed for each activity within the provisions of the master agreement.
Membership and participation in all activities shall be voluntary and limited to students enrolled in the schools. Students shall have the right to participate in all extracurricular activities without discrimination based upon race, color, creed, religion, national origin, marital status or disability.
The administration shall develop rules and regulations covering extracurricular activities in individual buildings. Such rules shall list responsibilities of students and advisors or chaperones. All activities sponsored by school groups must be adequately supervised, all District policies and administrative regulations regarding student and teacher conduct, use of facilities, use of transportation, and all other applicable policies, and regulations must be adhered to.
7112 Cocurricular and Extracurricular Activities 7112-2
Non-school sponsored student groups are governed by the District’s policy on student use of school buildings (Cf. 8710)[6]
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
7140 Dropout Prevention Program (Cf. 8900) 7140
Philosophy
The District endorses special programming efforts geared to students who are in danger of becoming dropouts.
The District believes that if students are to
remain in school and experience success, staff must work with them and their
families to develop individualized plans of action using all resources
available to meet their needs. District
staff must provide ongoing support through the implementation of the
individualized plan. A learner support
group that consists of family, school, and community members is included as a
critical part of the individualized plan.
Goals and Objectives
The District shall combine academic study with the stimulation, challenges, and ongoing support necessary to engage the minds of all students and with the variation of pace, topic, and activity important to sustaining their interest.
The major goals of the District’s dropout prevention program shall be to: identify individual needs at the earliest stage and provide instruction designed to improve and expand basic reading, writing, and speaking skills so that every student is capable of keeping up with his/her classmates throughout his/her school career; develop an incentive and reward system that reinforces pride in academic achievement encourages students to attend school on a regular basis; provide support services to the families when needed to facilitate daily attendance; offer a teaching and counseling curriculum designed to provide students graduating from high school with valuable skills, career direction, and goal setting; encourage high risk students to participate in school activities in order to combat the school isolation common to dropouts; and communicate with parents/guardians and students regarding the value of education in their lives.
The Superintendent and staff shall incorporate the philosophy and goals of this policy into the school setting.
Approved: July 11,2001
Reviewed:
7145 Student Suicide Awareness and Prevention (Cf. 8450) 7145
The Superintendent and staff shall develop and implement a comprehensive and continuing student suicide awareness and prevention program for the District. Since the necessary professional expertise to carry out such a program adequately may not be available within the school system, the Superintendent is to identify a community mental health agency with the capability to provide the necessary assistance and to establish a continuing cooperative relationship with that agency.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
7145-R Student Suicide Awareness and Prevention 7145-R
A program shall be developed to help the District’s staff, parents/guardians, and students to:
a) Understand the developmental stages of student growth and the causes of student suicide
b) Recognize the early warning signs of student suicide;
c) Learn to help in a suicidal crisis;
d) Identify community resources and procedures that can help a suicidal person; and,
e) Address the repercussions of such a tragedy.
The Superintendent shall review and keep current appropriate regulations and procedures for the implementation of the program and ensure their dissemination to staff, students, and parents/guardians.
Such regulations and procedures shall:
A. Ensure the short-term physical safety of the students by:
1. Securing immediate medical treatment where a suicide attempt has occurred;
2. Securing police and/or other emergency assistance where a suicidal act is being actively threatened;
3. Keeping a student under continuous adult supervision when a suicidal act is less actively threatened, but is a serious possibility; and
4. Monitoring student’s actions where an unsuccessful suicidal act has been reported or threatened.
B. Communicate with appropriate school personnel, parents/guardians and local support personnel and establish an interim plan of action by:
1. Notification of one or more of the following: counselor, school psychologist, nurse, Principal or other building administrator, and the central office administration;
7145-R Student Suicide Awareness and Prevention 7145-R-2
2. Contact by designated school professional with parent or guardian;
3. Contact by designated school professional of other local support personnel, including police, counseling agencies, or private therapist; and
4. The determination of an interim plan of action through which the school can transfer responsibility for the student’s welfare to the parent/guardian, and/or the appropriate support agent or agency.
C. Refer to appropriate professional or agency and implement a long-term plan of action by:
1. Follow-up of interim plan;
2. Strong recommendation that parent or guardian contact one or more of the local help agencies; and
3. Timely follow-up on the part of designated school professional regarding the parent/guardian and student contact with the local agent or agency.
The intent of the above guidelines is to emphasize the District’s role in being sensitive to “at-risk” students. In each situation, staff members need to be fully aware of how to get help immediately.
7160 Special Education Services 7160
The District, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973[7], the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA)[8], and the implementing regulations of these acts, is committed to providing a free, appropriate public education to each qualified handicapped/disabled student within its jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the handicap/disability.
The District’s administrative procedures shall establish the means by which the District shall meet this commitment.
This policy and the administrative procedures have been developed and adopted for the purpose of complying with the District’s educational services obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, IDEA and the implementing regulations of these acts and are not designed nor intended, nor should be construed, to grant broader rights or remedies. The District policy and administrative procedures do not, and should not be construed to, create rights or remedies enforceable in contract or by any law other than Section 504, IDEA, and the implementing regulations of these acts.
The District’s administration may issue interpretative memoranda and adopt directives and procedures to implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, IDEA, District policy and administrative procedure.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975; MCL 380.4(2); 380.6(7); 380.1311; 380.1702; 380.1703; 380.1711; 380.1751; 380.1766; State Board of Education Regulations; R 340.1701-1809
7210 Interscholastic Athletics 7210
The District is committed to providing equal opportunity to compete in interscholastic athletics for both boys and girls and directs its Superintendent and those responsible for athletic programs to recommend programs, which will meet this goal.[9]
The District recognizes that competing in athletics is not a right but a privilege, and expects student athletes to assume their responsibilities in adhering to the athlete code of conduct, which shall be published in the student handbook[10]. Student athletes who fail to abide by this code of conduct may lose their privilege to participate in athletics.[11]
All interscholastic activities recognized and approved by the District shall follow the guidelines established by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
Coaches
It shall be the District’s policy to employ qualified coaches and, to the extent possible, secure them from the school’s teaching faculty. If it is necessary to secure persons from outside the staff, the Superintendent shall recommend only those persons who are qualified to coach the sport.
The Superintendent shall recommend coaching personnel at the middle and high school to the Board for approval following appropriate interview and selection procedures at the school where a coaching vacancy occurs.
7210 Interscholastic Athletics 7210-2
Physicals
No student may practice for any athletic team until he/she has been examined and approved by a medical doctor for competition and until written consent to participate in the specific sport has been obtained from the parent or guardian. Parent’s/guardian’s consent will not be necessary for students who have reached their 18th birthday. Students shall also comply with the District’s requirement relative to obtaining accident insurance before participating in practice or inter-school competition.
Illness and Injuries
A student athlete who is under a doctor’s care for illness or injury shall not be allowed to participate in an athletic practice or contest until he/she has written permission from the physician to do so.
Membership in Michigan High School Athletic Association
The Board shall annually enroll the District’s high schools as members of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). It is further the intent of the District to accept the constitution and bylaws the MHSAA and adopt as its own the rules and regulations of the association as minimum standards.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
7210-R Interscholastic Athletics 7210-R
Athletic Eligibility
As a part of its commitment to student achievement, the District has established specific minimum standards of academic performance for student athletes in the Flint Community Schools. To assure that these standards are met, the following regulations regarding interscholastic athletics in grades 9-12 are stipulated:
1. Student athletes must have passed four core[12] classes the previous semester and must be passing four core classes during the current semester.
2. Student athletes are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA (Grade Point Average) to be eligible for athletic competition, except incoming 9th graders who, upon entering the 9th grade, are required to have a 1.5 GPA or better. During their entering semester, 9th graders are required to attain a 2.0 GPA by the completion of the 1st semester to be eligible for the following semester.
3. Waiver requests will be referred by the principal to a committee that will review cases of athletes declared ineligible for having less than a 2.0 GPA for the previous semester.
The "waiver" committee will be comprised of the administrative designees assigned by the Superintendent and the high school principals.
a. The committee will meet as needed.
b. The committee will investigate each waiver request to determine if there were extenuating circumstances involving the eligibility of the student athlete. In the interest of equity in granting waivers, the following criteria are established:
1) Illness
7210-R Interscholastic Athletics 7210-R-2
2) Death in the family
3) Attendance
4) Attitude and behavior
5) Learning difficulties
6) Other issues or circumstances that may affect the situation.
c. Athletic eligibility may be restored by a majority vote of the committee.
4. Student athletes must attend school the day they participate in a practice session or an athletic contest, unless school has been dismissed or the activity has been scheduled for a weekend. Principals may grant a waiver in case of an emergency, which prevents the student athlete from attending school.
5. Student athletes transferring from one school to another will not be eligible to compete in inter-school athletics for a period of one (1) semester. Requests for waivers concerning the one semester waiver policy will be referred to the City Athletic Council.
6. A student electing the double magnet and selecting as a home school one other than the school of residence shall lose one semester of athletic eligibility from the date of enrollment.
7. In order to participate in interscholastic athletics at the Flint Southwestern Academy without loss of eligibility, a Flint Community School student must be enrolled in, and attending, the Flint Southwestern Academy or placed on the official waiting list prior to the end of the third marking period of his/her eighth grade year.
8. Flint Community School students enrolling in the Flint Southwestern Academy or placed on the official waiting list after the stipulated period of
7210-R Interscholastic Athletics 7210-R-3
enrollment noted in item 7 shall lose one full semester of athletic eligibility from the date of enrollment.
9. Students attending the Flint Southwestern Academy whom elect to return to their Flint home high school after the stipulated period noted in item 7 shall lose one full year of athletic eligibility from the date of transfer.
10. Any student enrolling in a Flint high school for the first time from another school District shall be athletically eligible provided Flint Board of Education and Michigan High School Athletic Association standards are met.
11. Students who enroll at the Flint Southwestern Academy from another school district, but have left Central, Northern, or Northwestern High School within the last year shall lose one full semester of athletic eligibility from the date of enrollment.
The "waiver" committee will review requests presented in writing noting extenuating circumstances in cases affected by rule 11. The "waiver" committee's decision will be in writing.
Compliance with Title IX
The District, in dealing with the regulations of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, is primarily concerned with the need to guarantee students equality of access to all athletic programs, and will, therefore, comply with the requirements of Title IX. This principle is further outlined by the following guidelines:
1. A periodic survey will be conducted to assess the wishes of a majority of the student body regarding athletic offerings.
2. The actual determination of athletic offerings may take into account, but not be limited by the results of, periodic surveys.
7210-R Interscholastic Athletics 7210-R-4
3. An ongoing analysis of all policies and practices relating to athletic programs will be performed to eliminate any possible findings of discrimination based on sex.
4. The District will provide equal opportunity for members of both sexes to participate in athletics. In determining whether equal opportunities are available, the following factors will be considered:
a. Whether the selection of sports and levels of competition effectively accommodate the interests and abilities of members of both sexes.
b. The provision of equipment and supplies.
c. Scheduling of games and practice time.
d. Opportunity to receive coaching and academic tutoring.
e. Assignment and compensation of coaches and tutors.
f. Provision for locker rooms, practice, and competitive facilities.
g. Provision for medical and training facilities and services.
h. Provision for housing and dining facilities and services.
i. Provision for intramural and recreational facilities.
j. Awarding of letters, athletic scholarships, and other honors.
k. Publicity
5. Students and their parents/guardians will be notified regarding equal athletic opportunities.
Separate Teams - Mixed Teams
The following guidelines delineate the conditions for the determination of single-sex or mixed teams:
7210-R Interscholastic Athletics 7210-R-5
1. The District may operate or sponsor separate teams for each sex in which members of the team are selected based on competitive skills or in the instance of contact sports (for example: football. basketball, wrestling).
2. If the District sponsors or operates single teams in any sport for which members are selected on the basis of competitive skills and without discrimination on the basis of sex, and if one sex is substantially excluded from the team, the District will provide separate teams if there are sufficient numbers to form a team.
3. When there are not sufficient numbers of one sex to form a team, opportunities for participation must be provided, such as intramural clubs, skilled workshops, or special instruction.
Expenditures
Title IX regulations clearly indicate that equal access should not be interpreted as equal aggregate expenditures for athletics for each sex. Accordingly, unequal aggregate expenditures for members of each sex or unequal expenditures for male and female teams, if a recipient operates or sponsors separate teams will not constitute noncompliance with this section. However, the District may consider the failure to provide necessary funds for teams for one sex in assessing equality of opportunity for members of one sex.
7250 Adult Educational Programs/Community Partnerships 7250
Philosophy
The District believes that the quality of life of its residents may be served and improved through a strong educational program embracing the concepts and philosophy of Adult Education programs and Community Partnerships as integral parts of the system. To this end, the District supports the concept that learning is a continuous and life-long process. The District establishes and supports programs that supplement and expand upon the K-12 program.
Adult Educational Programs
The District shall offer programs meeting the intellectual, social, and educational interests of adults to the extent there is interest in the community (i.e., Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, General Educational Development, and special interest programs).
The adult program shall be self-supporting through tuition fees and/or state and federal reimbursement. No fees shall be charged for approved high school completion programs when students enrolled in such programs are counted in the official membership count for state aid purposes.
The District may enter into agreements with other school districts to provide adult education services.
Community Partnerships
The District will establish community partnerships with businesses, government agencies, universities, and industries in order to provide support for basic skills, vocational, technological, and other work preparation programs for all learners.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1282; 380.1596; 380.1301; R 340.6-R 340.7; AG Opinion #5656, #6147
7350 Basic and
Instructional Resources 7350
Classroom Materials
Financial resources will be allocated to each building, based on student enrollment, for the purpose of purchasing instructional materials that are aligned to the curriculum and Standards as determined by the instructional teams in the building.
Textbook Selection and Adoption
In accordance with the Revised School Code, the Board[13] shall adopt textbooks[14] and workbooks used in the District. Once adopted, textbooks shall not be changed without Board approval and shall, except in unusual situations, be used for at least five years.
The
Superintendent or his/her designee shall recommend to the Board for
consideration and adoption all textbooks and instructional materials based upon
the recommendation of the District's Curriculum Committee. The recommendation to the Board shall include
the following information:
· Recommended texts, including title, publisher, copyright dates, number of copies requested and costs;
· Texts being replaced, publisher and copyright dates;
· Rationale for recommendation; and
· Selection method.
7350 Basic and Instructional Resources 7350-2
Recommended
textbooks must be aligned with Flint Community Schools' curriculum and
Standards.
Any citizen who objects to the final selection made by the District should follow the procedures outlined in the District’s procedure on public complaints about the curriculum or instructional materials. (Cf. 7410)
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1421-1422; R 390.1105(2)
7350-R Basic and Instructional Resources 7350-R
Selection and Adoption
The process for the selection of basic and instructional materials is as follows:
I. Initiation
Requests for review of new or existing basic and instructional resources may be initiated by teachers, administrators, parents/guardians, or other interested residents of the District.
All requests will be referred and reviewed by the appropriate administrator and the curriculum committee for action.
When appropriate the administrator will begin the process for reviewing, piloting and recommending resources for adoption.
II. Examination
The following steps will be followed for the examination of materials:
· Advertisement of the selection process including a request for volunteers
with expertise in the subject matter area.
· Selection of representatives from each school (based on subject area representative, balance of race and gender).
· Contacts will be made with appropriate publishers of instructional materials for review.
All materials will be reviewed for piloting using the following criteria:
· Adherence to the Revised School Code
· Adherence to Board policies
· Alignment to Flint Community Schools’ Standards
· Multi-ethnic considerations
· Quality of materials
· Professional development supports
7350-R Basic and Instructional Resources 7350-R-2
· Recommendations will be summarized and reviewed by the curriculum committee
III. Recommendations for Piloting
Based on the analysis of data from the reviews the curriculum committee will recommend the materials for piloting. The piloting process will be as follows:
· Each school will have an opportunity to have representatives who will pilot materials.
· The piloting building teams will meet and review the overall process and the action research process to be used.
· Materials will be piloted over two 20-week sessions.
· At the end of each 20-week pilot, each building team will complete his/her action research report and report to his or her buildings.
· After the final pilot period, the building teams will present the findings verbally at a District-wide committee meeting. Written reports from each building team will be provided for review in each building.
· All teachers will have the opportunity to have input via the District-wide meeting.
· The written reports will be submitted to the curriculum committee.
IV. Recommendations
· The curriculum committee will summarize and analyze the findings from the pilot action research reports. Based on the curriculum committee’s review of the findings, recommendations will be made for adoption to the Superintendent or his/her designee.
V. Selection of Basic and Instructional Materials by Schools
· Staffs in the self-managing schools will collaboratively select basic and instructional resource materials from those recommended for adoption.
7380 Instructional Program Prohibitions (Cf. 8940) 7380
A student shall not be required to take part in any instructional survey, analysis, or evaluation that discloses information that is protected under federal law[15], unless the District receives prior consent from a student over 18 years of age, or prior written consent from a parent or guardian of a student under 18 years of age.
The District shall give students notice of their rights under this policy. [16]
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: 20 USC § 1232h
7400 Library/Instructional Resource Material Center 7400
Each school will have a Library/Instructional Resource Material Center (IRMC) to provide resources to students and professional staff.
The intent of
the Library/IRMC is to provide materials that will enlarge and
enrich the on-going classroom instructional program, as well as provide support to teachers, parents/guardians, students,
and community.
Each building’s resources should be comprehensive in nature, aligned to the curriculum/Standards and provide for varied individual needs, interests, abilities, and maturity levels.
Materials shall be selected based on the guidelines set forth in Policy 7350.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1274; 380.1422; 15.231-246; 397.601-605
7400-R Library Resource Center 7400-R
Responsibility for Selection of Materials
The Board shall be ultimately responsible for the selection of library materials. Under the Board’s guidance, librarians, teachers, principals, and sometimes parents/guardians and students, shall cooperatively select library materials. The materials shall be selected by reading, examining, and checking standard evaluation aids, i.e., standard catalogs and book review digests.
Examination
Whereas library materials include books, pamphlets, magazines, films, filmstrips, recordings, pictures, and all forms of instructional materials, they shall cover all areas of topics on religion, ideologies, sex, science, race, and nationality. Materials should avoid racism, sexism and stereotypes unless used in a historical perspective. Materials shall be factual, age appropriate, unbiased, educational, and of good literary style and value in order to build and enrich the curriculum and meet individual student needs on all grade levels.
The selection of representatives from each school to
review and select library materials will include the instructional resource
material's clerk and/or librarians. An
ongoing review process of library materials will take place each year.
Guidelines
· Factual unbiased materials that represent all major religions should be included in the library collection.
· The library should, without making any effort to sway reader judgment, make available basic factual information on the level of its reading public, on any ideology or philosophy which exerts a strong force, either favorably or unfavorably in government, current events, politics, education, or any other phase of life.
7400-R Library Resource Center 7400-R-2
· The librarian, who shall take into consideration the effect of the information on readers, should subject materials presenting information on sex to a stern test of literary merit and reality. While the District would not in any case include the sensational or over-dramatic, the fact of sexual incidents or profanity appearing should not automatically disqualify a book. Rather the decision should be made on the basis of whether the book presents life in its true proportions, whether circumstances are realistically dealt with, and whether the book is of literary value and whether it is appropriate for the maturity of the students who will be using the library.
· Medical and scientific knowledge should be made available without any biased selection of facts.
Controversial Materials
Since opinions may differ in a democracy, the following procedures will be observed in recognizing those differences in an impartial and factual manner.
Step 1 Informal discussion with librarian or other person directly concerned. If the situation is not resolved as a result of this step, the appeal can be taken to Step 2.
Step 2 Formal presentation in writing to the building principal (with copies to librarian and Superintendent's designee. The Superintendent's designee will reply in writing within ten (10) school days. If the situation is not resolved as a result of the efforts of the Superintendent's designee, the appeal can be taken to Step 3.
Step 3 Formal presentation in writing of appeal to the Superintendent. The Superintendent will reply in writing within ten (10) school days. If the situation is not resolved as a result of the efforts of the Superintendent, the appeal can be taken to Step 4.
7400-R Library Resource Center 7400-R-3
Step 4 Formal presentation in writing of appeal to the Board. The Board will reply in writing within twenty-five (25) school days.
Copyright Laws
Provide copyright laws that include the following:
· Fair use
· Educational exemption
Penalties and Liabilities
In-depth training for all District employees who deal with copyrighted materials (teachers, administrators, and clerical staff) should be provided. Every building will be provided with a copy of "Copyright for Schools Practical Guide".
7410 Complaints About Curriculum and Instructional Materials 7410
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall develop procedures for handling complaints about the District’s curriculum, instructional materials, and/or programs. Any citizen who wishes to register a complaint shall follow the procedures established by the Superintendent. A parent or guardian may request that his/her child be exempt from using an instructional resource or from participating in an instructional activity by completing a “Citizen’s Request for Challenge of Curriculum Material” form and using the complaint procedure.[17]
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
7410-R Complaints About Curriculum and Instructional Materials 7410-R
Procedures for Evaluating Challenged Materials
Initiation
Any individual
group or agency within the District shall have the right to register a
complaint about the District’s curriculum and/or instructional materials. Any
complaint should be filed using the "Citizen's Request for Challenge of
Curriculum Materials" form. The
form shall be processed through the Principal and the Superintendent or his/her
designee.
Examination
Upon receipt of
the completed challenge form the Superintendent or his/her designee will assign
the challenge to the appropriate administrator who will convene and chair an ad
hoc committee to study the challenge. In
addition to the chairperson, the committee membership will include:
·
The
principal of the school involved, or his/her designee;
·
The
administrator responsible for curriculum materials
·
A school
librarian or instructional material's clerk
·
Four
classroom teachers or other staff members of the subject or grade level in
which the materials are used.
Each committee
member will evaluate the challenged instructional materials and submit his or
her evaluation to the chairperson within 15 days.
After receiving
the evaluations, the chairman will prepare a summary of them, and, within one
week, will schedule a conference between the committee and the individual or
group who challenged the material. The
summary will be reviewed at the conference.
7410-R Complaints
About Curriculum and Instructional Materials 7410-R-2
Recommendations
During the
course of the challenge, at the discretion of the Superintendent or his/her
designee, the materials will remain in use.
If the challenge is sustained, the materials will be removed in
accordance with the committee recommendation.
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decisions of the media review committee, an appeal of the decision may be made through the Superintendent to the Board for a hearing and final decision. The members of media review committee shall discuss the report with the Board.
7410-R Complaints About Curriculum and Instructional Materials 7410-R-3
[Sample]
CITIZEN’S REQUEST FOR CHALLENGE OF CURRICULUM
MATERIAL
Book or
other material
Author (if
known)
Publisher
(if known)
Telephone Address
City State Zip Code
Complainant represents , Organization
(Identify
other group)
1. To what in the material do you object: (Please be specific; cite pages or items.)
2. What do you feel might be the result of using this material?
3. For what age group would you recommend this material ?
4. Is there anything good about this material?
5. Did you read or view the entire material? What parts?
6. Are you aware of the judgment of this material by literary critics?
7. What do you believe is the theme of this material?
8. What
would you like your school to do about this material?
Do not assign it to my child.
Withdraw it from all students as well as my child.
Send it back to the curriculum committee for re-evaluation.
9. In its place, what material of equal literary quality would you recommend that would convey as valuable a picture and perspective of our civilization?
Signature of Complainant
7430 Federal Program Administration 7430
Federally funded programs are a vital and necessary adjunct to the educational program of the District’s schools.
Title I Programs[18]
The Superintendent shall pursue funding under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for compensatory instructional services and activities, while assessing the educational needs of all students, particularly the needs of educationally deprived students. The Superintendent shall also ensure that the District appropriately uses any funds received.
In addition
to Title I Programs, funding is sought for Title II, Part B Eisenhower, Title
VI Innovative Strategies, Section 41 bilingual, and federal class size
reduction.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: PL 103-382, 20 U.S.C. §§ 6301-6514, 34 C.F.R. parts 200, 201, 203, 205, and 212.
7463 Use of Commercially Produced Video Recordings 7463
Videotapes will be selected and assigned to give support directly to instructional learning objectives contained within the Board-approved curriculum.
Videotapes, when used, shall be selected for their direct relevance to the instructional program. General selection criteria should include quality of the overall worth and its individual parts, fair and accurate representation of the facts, the reputation and significance of the writer, director and/or performer.
Videotapes shall not be used for recreation or
entertainment, or for other than planned instructional purposes.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: Copyright Act of 1976, U.S.C. 101 et seq. and 1980 amendments
7463-R Use of Commercially Produced Video Recordings 7463-R
The use of films and videotapes in school are subject to the following regulations:
1. Videotapes may not be used for recreation or entertainment, or for other than planned instructional purposes.
2. All films and videotapes must be carefully previewed and evaluated by the teacher and be determined to meet identified learning objectives and exit outcomes before they are used with students.
3. In general, copyright guidelines permit in-classroom use of copyrighted videotape when it is used for instructional purposes in a teaching situation, as is a lawfully made copy.[19]
a. The school setting has been defined as a “semi-public performance.” Therefore, public performance rights are reserved for the copyright owner or those given permission.
b. Videotapes marketed for “home use" does not have the rights granted for public performance. Rented films that include a notice that the film is intended for “home use only” shall not be shown to a class for entertainment purposes.
4. Non-profit education institutions generally may use videotapes in the course of “face-to-face” teaching activities, without the need to obtain consent from the copyright owner if the following permissible guidelines are met:
a. The video is a legally obtained lawful copy.
b. The video must be used in the course of “face-to-face” teaching activities.
c. An instructor or student must carry out the video activity.
7463-R Use of Commercially Produced Video Recordings 7463-R-2
d. The video activity must be carried out in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction.
e. All video programming obtained from commercial sources outside the school’s purchasing procedure through rental, lease or purchase must be approved for classroom use by the principal
5. Parents/guardians shall receive one weeks advanced written notice when teachers plan to use commercial video recordings. Such notice shall include an accurate description of the contents of the video recording and where it may be obtained for parent/guardian review.
6. Other media such as CD-ROM, laser disc and audiotapes, while not a part of the video rating system, should be selected and used applying the same criteria as videotapes.
7463-R Use of
Commercially Produced Video Recordings 7463-R-3
____________________ Community School Flint
Community Schools
[Name of School]
PARENT/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION FORM
Date:
____________________________
Dear
Parent/Guardian:
I am
planning to show __________________________________ to my _______ grade
[film/video]
_____________________________________ class. This film/video is rated
The rating is due to these factors:
The purpose of seeing this film/video is to:
_____ The film/video will be shown in its entirety.
_____ Only the following portions of the film/video will be shown:
If you wish to preview the
film/video, it may be borrowed or rented from:
[Signature of
Teacher]
************************************************************************
Please
return the bottom portion if you do not wish your child to participate in the
activity.
I/we
do not want my/our child __________________________, in Room _________ to view
the
film
_______________________. Please substitute a meaningful, related,
alternative activity.
Student: ____________________________
Date________________________________ Parent/Guardian_______________________________
[Signature of
Parent/Guardian]
School:
Address:
7490 Field Trips and Excursions 7490
The District recognizes that the first-hand learning experiences provided by field trips are a most effective and worthwhile means of learning. It is the desire of the District to support field trips as an integral part of the program of the schools.
Accordingly, the District encourages the use of field trips when the program is:
· Directly related to the total school program
· Consistent with the curriculum
· Educationally sound
· Consistent with District policies and procedures
All in-state field trips and other student activities sponsored by the District that involve travel must receive prior authorization from building principals. Each trip authorization shall be based on the written rationale of the travel’s educational value as well as the safety and welfare of the students involved.
Student participants are governed by the Code for Student Conduct, other applicable District policies and regulations, and rules established for specific trips. No student field trips shall be scheduled the last two weeks of any given academic school year, except as specifically approved by the Superintendent.
Fees may be assessed as appropriate.
Any group of students and/or sponsor who takes part in an educational out-of-state trip without Board approval must accept all responsibility. The District will not accept any responsibility and nor assume any liability for any problems that may arise.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1321-1332; R 340.241-243
7490-R Field Trips and Excursions 7490-R
All student field trips as defined by District policy must meet the conditions and requirements outlined below. A completed Student Field Trip Request Form must be submitted.
1.
All trips will be subject to the approval of the
administrator of the building in which the students are attending school.
2. Advanced
written parental/guardian permission
will be required for all trips. Blanket "one time a year" permission slips are
not recommended to cover field trips. It
is imperative that parents/guardians know about and consent to the specifics of
EACH field trip.
3. Certified staff personnel or approved volunteers will be responsible at all times for supervision and maintaining safety precautions.
4. Students taking approved field trips will be permitted to make up work missed in the classes from which they were absent.
5. School staff and parent/guardian volunteers using private automobiles to transport students must comply with Michigan law and the recommended bodily injury liability insurance coverage of $100,000/300,000.
6. In the case of athletics, performing groups, and student organizations, the sponsor will obtain one parental/guardian permission related to the schedule. Any change in schedule must be communicated to parents/guardians and students.
7.
Field trips to swimming beaches or wave pools are not permissible. Field trips to indoor or outdoor swimming
pools are authorized providing there are an adequate number of certified
lifeguards on duty.
Duties of the Staff Member in Charge
1. Review the District field trip and excursion policy and accompanying regulations.
7490-R Field Trips and Excursions 7490-R-2
2. Confer in advance with principal regarding the purpose and plans for the proposed student field trips.
3. Make necessary arrangements including the following:
a) Supervision
b) Written parental/guardian permission (kept on file)
c) Transportation
d) Insurance
4. Submit the completed Student Field Trip
Request Form to the principal for his/her approval.
Selection of Approved Volunteers
1. All volunteers must follow the District's Volunteer Policy.
2. Principals, along with their management team, determine appropriate volunteers for their buildings.
3. Principals/management teams will maintain a card file of all approved volunteers for student field trips.
4. Volunteers will be informed of chaperone guidelines prior to the field trip.
5. Principals may revoke the approved volunteer status of any individual at their discretion. Such individuals may request a conference with the principal to discuss the matter.
Insurance
The District provides student accident insurance (K-12)
for field trip coverage.
Overnight or Foreign Student Field Trips
Each overnight or foreign trip will require approval of the Deputy Superintendent.
Overnight Trips
1. Any proposed overnight trips must first be reviewed with the principal in a timely manner. The review should address the following: purpose, site,
7490-R Field Trips and Excursions 7490-R-3
itinerary, length of stay, number of students, mode of transportation, housing, cost, etc.
2. The sponsor will submit a written proposal with all requested information after receiving tentative approval from the principal.
3. Written and/or oral communication must be established with parents/guardians regarding the itinerary, parent/guardian and student responsibilities, and emergency procedures.
4. Prior to the trip, all final arrangements
must be forwarded to accompany the original Student Field Trip Request Form.
5. Any contracts must be reviewed with the business office.
Foreign Trips
Trips to foreign countries may be permitted unless conditions are such that student tours would be inadvisable. Foreign trips require the same procedures as those listed above for overnight trips. In addition, the following procedures are required:
· A meeting of parents/guardians must be held to review trip information.
· Financial arrangements are solely between the participant and the travel agency. The District assumes no responsibility.
7560 Grading Systems 7560
Teachers in kindergarten through high school will evaluate students’ work on an ongoing basis in order to assess their progress, and will share reports of these assessments with the parents/guardians. For this purpose, teachers may use letter grades, but will not be restricted to this type of mark or record.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
7560-R Grading Systems 7560-R
A variety of methods including, but not restricted to, teacher observations, performance assessment, standardized tests, and teacher-made tests designed to assess the achievement of students shall be administered by teachers to form the basis for reporting student progress.
Assessing Student Achievement
1. Individual school staffs will develop
and/or use various educational methods for determining student achievement of Standards with assistance from the Office
of Learning Standards, Assessment and Certification.
2. Teachers will assess
student achievement on an ongoing basis.
· Teacher assessment of student achievement must be shared with parents/guardians and student support groups regularly.
· Parents/guardians shall be notified whenever students are not making appropriate progress. This notification (progress report) shall be sent to parents/guardians as soon as it becomes evident.
· Report cards shall be given to students/parents/guardians at the end of each marking period.
3. A district‑wide standard for assessing student achievement will include formal tests and informal devices such as a portfolio containing but not limited to the following: materials the child has read; copies of tapes and charts recording the child's progress; results from a variety of appropriate paper and pencil comprehension tests; results of how the child has performed on other formal and informal tests; diagnostic instruments and informal reading inventories.
7580 Changing Student Letter Grades[20] 7580
A student, parent, legal guardian (hereinafter, referred
to as the student) may request the change of only final exams or grades at the
end of a marking period, term, or semester.
Only a student, as defined herein, may request or otherwise initiate, a
grade change. A student must follow the
guidelines set forth in this policy to request a grade change.
Step 1 - Inform the Teacher
If a student is
dissatisfied with the grade he/she received in a particular class, the student
must inform the teacher of that class (hereinafter “the teacher”) in writing,
within ten (10) calendar days, of the reasons or circumstances for desiring the
grade change. The teacher has ten (10)
calendar days from receipt of the request to respond.
a. If the teacher agrees with the student’s request, the student’s grade shall be changed within seven (7) calendar days.
b. If the teacher does not agree with the student’s request, or fails to respond within ten (10) calendar days after the student’s request, the student may proceed to Step 2.
Step 2 - Submit Request to
the Principals
Where the teacher denies or fails to respond within ten (10) calendar days after a student’s request for a grade change, the student may submit his/her written request for a grade change to the principal of the school, or person designated by the principal. The student must submit his/her request to the principal within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of the original grade. The request must provide specific and detailed reasons or circumstances for the desired grade change.
7580 Changing Student Letter Grades 7580-2
The school principal shall meet with the teacher within twenty (20) calendar days after receiving the written request from the student. The student and parent(s), or legal guardian(s) of the student may attend the meeting with the teacher and/or may make a presentation, verbally or in writing, to the principal.
a. If the principal determines that the teacher had a rational basis for assigning the student the original grade, the principal shall not change the original grade.
b. If the principal determines that the teacher did not have a rational basis for assigning the student his/her grade and a grade change is warranted, the principal may change the student’s grade to reflect the principal’s determination of an appropriate higher grade.
The principal shall make his/her decision, in writing, within ten (10) calendar days after the meeting with the teacher. The principal shall provide the teacher and student with a copy of his/her decision.
Step 3 - Appeal to the Board
of Education
The teacher or the student may appeal the principal’s decision, in writing, to the Board of Education, or a committee of the Board (hereinafter “the Board”). The
appeal notice shall be mailed or delivered to the Secretary of the Board. The committee shall consist of three members of the Board.
The teacher or student must appeal the principal’s decision within twenty (20) calendar days of the date of the principal’s decision. Failure to appeal the principal’s decision within twenty (20) calendar days shall render the principal’s decision final.
The Board shall meet within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the written appeal. The Board shall review the reasons for and against the proposed grade change. In making its decision, the Board may consider the student’s written request for a grade change and supporting documentation, if provided. The Board may also consider the
7580 Changing Student Letter Grades 7580-3
principal’s written decision and supporting documentation provided by the principal and teacher.
The Board shall make a written determination to approve
or disapprove the principal’s decision within thirty (30) calendar days of the
meeting. The decision of the Board shall
be final.
Step 4 -The Student's Record
If the principal or Board acts to change a grade under this policy, a notation shall be made in the student’s record that the principal or Board changed the grade.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.11a
7600 Promotion and Retention 7600
The Flint Board of Education is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and motivation needed to become
successful, contributing members of society. Toward that end, the Board seeks to establish and enforce policies that will enable all students to accomplish this goal as a result of their participation in District academic programs.
District Standards and benchmarks will serve as the basis for providing each and every student opportunities to learn over designated time periods. The building principal and management team is responsible for seeing that all students have appropriate interventions as needed in the area of deficiency.
Grade Level and Group Assignments
Grade level and group assignments, including promotion and retention, shall be the ultimate responsibility of the building principal and shall be made in the best interest of the individual student. The building principal shall strongly discourage the promotion and retention of students for purely social reasons.
Factors to be considered in assigning a student shall include: (1) the present academic performance of the student; (2) the physical, mental, emotional and social maturity of the student; (3) the probable effects of retention or promotion on the student, and; (4) the cooperation, opposition or concerns of the student’s parent/guardian.[21]
Accordingly, a decision-making procedure shall be established by the building Principal and building management team with appropriate timelines for promotion /retention recommendations.
7600 Promotion and Retention 7600-2
Acceleration
The District is aware that on occasion it may be beneficial to a student to be accelerated by double promotion or skipping a grade. The Superintendent or his/her designee in consultation with building principals, the school staff involved, and the parents/guardians shall authorize such double promotions.[22]
Elementary School Promotion
The academic and instructional program at the elementary school level focuses on the development of student growth and achievement. Students failing to make academic progress may be retained only as a last resort and after following the policies and procedures contained in the regulations.
Middle School Promotion
The promotion policy for District middle school programs requires that students earn four (4) credits for promotion in core academic subjects of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
High School Promotion
Refer to Board Policy 7610 [Graduation Requirements].
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
7600-R Promotion and Retention 7600-R
Grade Level/Learning Community Placement
Grade level/learning community placement shall be the responsibility of the building principal and management team, who shall consult with the Superintendent when in their judgment borderline cases might create controversy between parent(s)/guardian(s) and the school;
Grade level/learning community placement may be based on the following criteria:
a. Academic achievement and ability as
indicated by progress on District Standards.
b. Academic achievement and ability as
indicated by standardized test scores;
c. Academic achievement and ability as
observed and assessed by the classroom teacher/learning community/teams;
d. Chronological age of student;
e. Size and physical development of the student;
f. Social maturity of the student;
g. Emotional maturity of the student; and
h. Attitudes and reaction of parents/guardians and student.
Procedures for Students Not Making Progress
Students
and parents or legal guardians will be notified in writing as soon as a lack of
progress is evident or that the student is in danger of failing a required core
course(s) in language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies.
·
Learning
community/teaching teams will focus on intervention strategies that lead to
corrective action for students not making adequate progress.
·
If there
is a continued lack of progress, a "corrective plan of action" will
be prepared by the learning community/teaching team outlining specific areas of
7600-R Promotion and Retention 7600-R-2
deficiency and options, that if followed,
will allow the student to receive a passing grade at the end of each marking
period.
·
The
"correction plan" must be completed and signed by both student and
parent/guardian and kept on file in the school office. Corrective plans
may require make-up assignments, additional
assessment opportunities, after school classes, tutoring, and/or summer
school. (Any cost incurred beyond the
regular school day will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian)
·
Upon
successful completion of academic core course requirements, the student will be
promoted to the next grade level.
Retention
Notification will be given to parents/guardians as soon as the teacher/team documents that retention may be recommended, and a conference is held with the parents/guardians in order to prepare them for the possible retention and to enlist their help in preparing the student.
Final
recommendation of retention shall be made to the principal within six weeks
before the end of the school year. At
that time, a conference should be scheduled with the Principal, teacher or
teachers, student, and parents/guardians. Every effort
shall be made to assure the presence of a parent/guardian at the conference.
The "K-8 Retention Recommendation
Form" must be completed for every student in K-8 that is recommended
for retention and a copy filed with the Deputy Superintendent.
No student shall be retained unless the provisions of the above have been complied with or evidence submitted indicating that every effort was made in attempting to comply with the provisions.
7600-R Promotion and Retention 7600-R-3
The potential failure of high school students should be called to the attention of both student and his/her parents/guardians by mid-second semester and an effort made to confer with the parent/guardian concerning the potential failure.
Promotions
Promotions from elementary school to middle school or from middle school to high school shall be determined by the sending building principal and management team and will be completed in conjunction with the receiving principal. A single failure will not necessarily require retention.
7610 Graduation Requirements 7610
[Special Note: Insert Separate #7610/page 1 in Place of This Page]
Credit Requirements
To graduate from the Flint Community Schools a student shall earn a minimum of 22 units for graduation in 2004; 23 units for graduation in 2005; and 24 units for graduation in 2006 The student shall further complete two majors and a minor.
In meeting the minimum graduation requirements, students
shall include specific units of credit as follows for
the graduates of 2004:
English 4 units Computer Education ½ unit
Social Studies 3 units Physical
Educ & Health 1 ½ units
Civics (½) Physical Education (1)
Economics (½) Health (½)
U.S. History (1) Fine
Arts, Foreign Language,
Mathematics 2 units Vocational
Education or Practical Arts 1 unit
(1 unit of Algebra required)
Science 2 units
Additional Math
or Science 1 unit
*****
In meeting the minimum graduation requirements, students
shall include specific units of credit as follows for
the graduates of 2005:
English 4 units Computer Education ½ unit
Social Studies 3 units Physical Educ & Health 1 ½ units
Civics (½) Physical Education (1)
Economics (½) Health (½)
U.S. History (1) Fine
Arts, Foreign Language,
Mathematics 2 units (or 3 units) Vocational Education, or Practical
Arts 1 unit
(1 unit of Algebra required)
Science 2 units (or 3
units)
*****
In meeting the minimum graduation
requirements, students shall include specific units of credit as follows for
the graduates of 2006:
English 4 units Computer
Education ½
unit
Social Studies 3 units Physical
Educ & Health 1 ½ units
Civics (½) Physical Education (1)
Economics (½) Health (½)
U.S. History (1) Fine
Arts, Foreign Language,
Mathematics (3 units) Vocational
Education, or Practical Arts 1 unit
(1 unit of Algebra required)
Science (3 units)
7610 Graduation Requirements 7610-2
Attendance Requirements
While eight semesters of attendance in the senior high school are generally required to complete the 24 units of course credit, some students may accelerate their academic program. Summer school and adult high school attendance may be used for this purpose. However, students may not be graduated in less than seven semesters of attendance in grades 9-12 unless approved by the Deputy Superintendent or his/her designee.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL
380.1166
7610-R Graduation Requirements 7610-R
To graduate from the Flint Community Schools, a student shall have met the units and attendance requirements.
Credit Requirements
1. Work Experience/Service
a. Work experience or service credit may not be counted as occupational credit.
b. No more the ½ unit (5 hours) of work experience (co-op excepted) may be earned in one semester. No more than 3 units (30 hours of work experience may be counted toward graduation.
2. Physical Education
Physical education waivers may be allowed for the following reasons:
· Medical and religious excuses. Written statements from a physician or clergyman must be presented and, if necessary, reviewed each year.
· Participation in senior high varsity and junior varsity sports, cheerleading, and marching band. (Participation in middle school sports does not qualify a student for a physical education waiver.)
· Extenuating circumstances. When determined that the best educational interests of a student may be served, waivers may be granted for other reasons as warranted. The Superintendent and/or his/her designee must approve waivers in this group.
Credit will not be granted for physical education waivers.
7640 Transfer of Grades and Credit 7640
Schools of the District shall accept as transfer credit coursework successfully completed at a school accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, or recognized state or regional accrediting agency of comparable standards, or coursework successfully completed at an accredited post-secondary institution.
In core academic disciplines, particularly disciplines like mathematics which are sequential in nature, the school administration may make use of transcripts, grades, previous teacher recommendations, textbook used, course descriptions, standardized tests, and/or a placement or proficiency test to recommend or determine course placement for a transferring student.
No credit will be granted for work done at another institution, which the student substantially repeats by taking an equivalent class within the District.
The granting of credits and placement of students is solely determined by the Flint Community Schools. If a student attends home school and enters a Flint Community School a team consisting of a building administrator, guidance counselor (where appropriate), and academic content representative from that receiving school will evaluate the student for proper grade placement and potential transfer of credit.
District officials will make decisions regarding acceptance of credit or grade level placement of students transferring from a home school based on appropriate testing and/or review home school work and curricula. Additionally, school officials shall consult with the parents or guardians, as well as interview the student, before making a decision.
7640 Transfer of Grades and Credit 7640-2
In core academic disciplines, transfer of credit from a home school will be contingent on the student demonstrating proficiency in the material through successful completion of a comprehensive final exam and/or other culminating exercise. Successful completion of a higher-level course in a sequential discipline may also be used to establish proficiency.
Transfer of credit in a non-core area may be accorded when the course is in line with the program of study in the District and is consistent with the content and expectations of similar District courses.
No grades will
be given (shown on transcript). Credits
given will be shown as "home schooling", with no GPA, using
"P" or "F" for grades.
The student, or his/her parent or guardian, may appeal the student’s subsequent grade placement and the decision to deny credits to the Board.
The Superintendent shall establish rules and guidelines
for the application of this policy in conjunction with building administrators
and academic departments.
For honors
recognition at the time of graduation, a home-schooled student must complete
the last three semesters in a District high school.
The Board follows
Michigan law as it applies to non-public schools, home-schools, and compulsory
attendance.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
7645 Dual Enrollment 7645
Definition
Dual enrollment, according to Act No. 160 and Act No.
258 of the Public Acts of 2000, occurs when a school district allows enrolled
students to attend courses at local colleges or universities, in addition to
their own high school, in an effort to meet students’ academic and career
needs. The District supports and encourages dual enrollment in postsecondary
coursework for eligible students as defined by state law. The Superintendent or
his/her designee shall provide and publish appropriate regulations for dual
enrollment consistent with the law.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 388.513-521
7645-R Dual Enrollment 7645-R
Qualifications/Eligibility
Students in grade 12
For dual enrollment purposes, a student in grade 12 is defined as one who has earned 15 units and will graduate in year 2001, 2002, or 2003. Graduates of 2004 will require 17 units.
The District requires an accumulative 2.7 G.P.A. to be eligible for dual enrollment as well as:
· Meeting the requirements of the District
· Following the requirements of the college, and
· Maintaining a grade point of 2.7 in the District in order to re-apply for the following semester.
1. Students in grade 12 are eligible if they have taken all of the MEAP High School Tests and are endorsed in the subject area in which they wish to dual enroll.
2. For Career and Technical Education courses, a student may be eligible if he/she has achieved endorsement in mathematics along with the qualifying score on a nationally or industry recognized job skills assessment test as determined by the Michigan Department of Career Development.
3. Students are eligible to dual enroll in college level courses in content areas for which there are no endorsements, such as computer science, foreign language, philosophy, religion, psychology, sociology, or anthropology, provided they have taken all of the MEAP high school test.
4. Students cannot have completed all the graduation requirements for a high school diploma.
Students in Grade 11
1. For dual enrollment purpose, a student in grade 11 is defined as one who has earned 10 units.
7645 Dual Enrollment 7645-R-2
2. The District requires an accumulative 2.7 G.P.A. to be eligible for dual enrollment as well as:
a. Meeting the requirements of the District
b. Following the requirements of the college
c. Maintaining a grade point of 2.7 in the District in order to re-apply for the following semester
Students in grade 11 are eligible if they have taken all of the MEAP High School Test and are endorsed in the subject area in which they wish to dual enroll in.
For Career and Technical Education courses, a student may be eligible if he/she has achieved endorsement in mathematics along with the qualifying score on a nationally or industry recognized job skills assessment test as determined by the Michigan Department of Career Development.
Students are eligible to dual enroll in college level courses in content areas for which there are no endorsements, such as computer science, foreign language, philosophy, religion, psychology, sociology, or anthropology, provided they have taken all of the MEAP high school tests.
Students in
Grade 10
Students in the tenth grade wishing to qualify for dual enrollment for the beginning of their junior year, may request in writing to the principal to take the HSPT for dual enrollment purposes during the fall retesting window. Students may take the test during the regular time the test is administered to eleventh graders.
Responsibilities
The student is Responsible For:
·
Contacting
his/her counselor for dual enrollment form (June 1 for fall semester classes;
December 1 for winter semester classes).
7645-R Dual Enrollment 7645-R-3
·
Taking
the dual enrollment form to the District’s business office for an authorizing
signature.
·
Applying
to the college and taking placement tests if required.
· Providing the college with a release transcript form.
· Planning the college schedule around the school schedule.
· Transportation/parking costs to attend college classes.
· Payment of application
· Textbook purchase
· Activity fees
· If a student drops the class after the official deadline for full refund, student is responsible for the full cost of the class.
· If a student fails the class, the student is responsible for the full cost of the class.
· School counselor must be notified if a class is dropped in order to schedule a building class replacement
· Enrollment in fall and winter terms only
· Two classes maximum per semester
· Successful completion (C grade or better) in the college class is a prerequisite for participating in dual enrollment again.
Eligible Courses
1.
Students
may only take courses that are not offered in the Flint Community Schools and
must exhaust the District's curriculum in the subject area in which they wish
to dual enroll.
2.
All
courses must be taken in fall or winter term of the college and apply towards
degree requirements of the post-secondary institutions.
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Credit
College class credit will appear on the high school transcripts as a pass/fail or letter grade if the class is for high school graduation credit. Once the first class session has been held, the class selected may be changed according to the add/drop deadline at the college.
Tuition and Fees
1. The District will pay the postsecondary tuition and mandatory course fees such as technology fees, material fees, registration fees, and any late fees charged by the college. Maximum reimbursement is the state portion of the student’s foundation allowance, adjusted to the proportion of the school year they attend the postsecondary institution.
2. When a student drops, does not attend, receives an incomplete, or fails a class the student will be responsible for the full cost of the class.
Guidance Counseling Services
Potential risks and consequences as well as potential benefits of participating in the program will be identified at the time the application for dual enrollment is submitted.
Students may go to the guidance services of the college for college concerns.
7645-R Dual Enrollment 7645-R-5
DUALL ENROLLMENT CONTRACT
This is to acknowledge we have received information in the following areas from the Flint Community Schools regarding dual enrollment (listed below).
· Eligibility for Dual Enrollment.
· Support services available from counselors and teachers.
· I understand that it is my (parent/guardian) responsibility to pay for courses my child does not complete, fails, or drops; also, charges for activity fees, application fee, books, and transportation are my (parent/guardian) responsibility.
· The District will not pay course fees for any students (parents or guardians) who have not followed the Dual Enrollment Policy/Procedure.
I
am enrolling at (college
or university) for
classes beginning and
ending
Name
of Course Course Number
Name
of Course Course Number
Student Name Student Number Grade
Address City
State Zip
Parent/guardian
Signature __________________Date Telephone
Student
Signature Date
Counselor
Signature
Date
Building
Administrator Signature Date
*Contract must be completed, signed, and submitted to the District’s Business Office
7650 Testing, Assessment and Research 7650
Purposes and Audiences for Student Assessment
Accountability –District Accountability to meet its slated goals, to all stakeholders
· Student progress in meeting state/District content standards
· Comparative progress as compared to state, country, world (global)
· Comparative progress in acquiring knowledge and skills necessary for success in post-secondary endeavors
Program Evaluation – ongoing feedback to school, teachers, community leaders, parents/guardians, principals, and District instructional leaders regarding the effectiveness of:
· Opportunities to learn for all students
· Specific instructional programs
Inform Instruction – timely and continuous data to teachers and support groups that:
· Clarifies and reinforces instructional expectations
· Guides and focuses instruction for individual classroom teachers
· Improves the quality of instruction
Feedback to students and parents/guardians –
frequent and regular feedback to individual students and their
parents/guardians.
· Students progress in meeting state/District content standards.
· Comparative progress in acquiring basic skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong learning and professional success.
· Students strengths and weaknesses
· Facilitate parent/guardian support
·
Students growth
7650 Testing, Assessment, and Research 7650-2
Certification -Learners – Student mastery of benchmarks
District-Wide Testing/Assessment Program
A basic District-wide testing and/or assessment program will be implemented at appropriate levels to evaluate the outcomes of a variety of instructional and other related educational programs, assess student progress toward the achievement of Standards as well as provide a foundation for program development and instructional enhancement. The basic program shall include both norm and criterion referenced achievement tests and shall be administered under the direction of the Superintendent or his/her designee.
The basic testing and/or assessment program will be supplemented through the use of other tests or assessments as needed or required. The coordination of all District-wide or all-grade testing will be accomplished through the office of the Superintendent or his/her designee.
School and/or Classroom Level Assessments
Tests in this category are designed at the school and/or classroom level and are intended to provide an assessment vehicle for determining student progress toward the achievement of Standards or final progress or achievement outcome. Each building Principal is ultimately responsible that the development, selection, application, communication, and use of school and/or classroom level tests/assessments are aligned with the District's Standards and follow testing/assessment purposes.
This section is
intended to cover all individual student assessment activities generally
conducted by building administrators and/or classroom teachers that are not
also part of a District-wide assessment/testing program. Tests or assessments
of a psychological or guidance-related intent are included in the next section.
7650 Testing, Assessment, and Research 7650-3
Psychological
and Guidance Oriented Testing/Assessments
Psychological,
diagnostic, projective, and non-projective examinations of individual students
or groups of student may be made only by the Board’s qualified and certificated
psychologists or diagnosticians or by other qualified and certified personnel
who have been approved by the Board or appropriate administrative officer
including the Superintendent and/or his/her designees. The utmost professional discretion and care
will be used when administering, scoring, storing, interpreting, and
communicating the results from tests falling within this category.
The District’s
guidance counseling staff, under the general direction of the Superintendent or
his/her designee, are encouraged to develop and/or use such tests that may be
available and consistent with the needs of the students (individual and group)
and District program initiatives. The
use of appropriate guidance-oriented related assessments are expected to
enhance student development and encourage personal and academic growth.
Testing,
Assessment, Surveys and Evaluations by Outside Groups or Agencies
Individuals, agencies, groups, companies, or educational institutions not part of the Flint Community Schools, excepting the State of Michigan or federal departments mandating non-voluntary participation as prescribed by law, desiring to administer tests, assessments, surveys, or program evaluations within the District, or utilizing children in their roles as students or District employees must first obtain written permission from the Superintendent and/or his/her designee.
In order to minimize the disruption of the school routine and educational practice, the consent and cooperation of the building principal must be obtained before tests, assessments, surveys, or evaluations by outside individuals, groups, or agencies may be undertaken within any school.
7650 Testing, Assessment, and Research 7650-4
In order to comply with requirements for certain educational programs funded in whole or in part by federal, state, local governmental agencies, foundations, companies, or contracting agencies retained by the Board, large scale evaluations or mass testing/assessment of students District-wide or within an entire school, grade, or department is permitted.
A copy of the
findings or report on any type of research conducted by individual agencies,
groups, companies, or educational institutions must submit their data findings
or conclusions to the Superintendent and/or his/her designee within two months
of the conclusion of the study.
Approved: July 11, 2001
Reviewed:
LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1081-1086; 380.1204a; 380.1172; 380.1278; 380.1279; 380.1279b; 380.1279c; R 340.1101-1107; AG Opinion #6148
7650-R Testing,
Assessment, and Research 7650-R
Use and Dissemination of Test Results
The results of all tests, assessments, or evaluations of pupils at the individual level, regardless of who administered the assessments or evaluations, will remain confidential, with discussion limited to pertinent stakeholders with a direct interest in the development and welfare of the specific student.
The results of mass testing or other District-wide assessments, statistical findings, and their interpretation may only be disseminated in accordance with procedures established by the Superintendent or his/her designee. Generalized results of mass testing may be given to parents/guardians and other authorized persons in the form of a report if adequate interpretation of said results accompanies the report. All explanations, interpretations, and analysis, whether spoken or written, shall be provided in an understandable format, consistent with the educational level of the recipient.
All standardized tests or assessments used for District-wide, whole grade, or school wide tests will be stored in a secure environment, unavailable to unauthorized individuals.
Psychological evaluations, behavioral reports, and academic records are all considered confidential information, subject to dissemination rules as may be allowable and provided through statute and other Board policies.
7650-R Testing, Assessment, and Research 7650-R
-2
Flint Community Schools
Office of Research and Evaluation
Dear Research Applicant:
Recently you indicated a desire to initiate a research project utilizing the Flint Community Schools. All research projects conducted within the school District must be reviewed and approved, in writing, prior to the beginning of any data gathering endeavors.
This systematic review is designed to accomplish several objectives. First, the nature of the study should enhance the mission, vision, and/or the strategic goals of the school system. Moreover, the Flint Community Schools is committed to protecting the rights of individuals, particularly since most research studies within schools involve human subjects. Finally, proposed projects must engage respondents in ways that maintain the safe, efficient, and orderly continuing operation of the school system.
In general, applicants will be notified of their proposal’s status within two weeks. In some cases research our office may contact applicants if additional information is needed to complete the review process. Please be as complete as possible in answering the review questions and other related items. Attach all supporting documents to this application. Supporting documents could include such items as a copy of the intended research instrument, survey, or questionnaire; letter from your professor indicating your participation and his/her supervision of your project; blank subject consent form; etc.
Applicants who complete an approved research project will be required to furnish this office with a completed copy of the final research report.
We welcome your interest in the Flint Community Schools as a potential research base. We are looking forward to reviewing your application. If you have additional questions, please let us know.
Sincerely,
