Notes

Outline

State Statue: Grade 3 Retention Miami-Dade County Public Schools Florida Department of Education

Intervention and Remediation: It’s the Law Section 232.245, Florida      Statutes, Pupil Progression, is now Section 1008.25, Florida Statutes, Public School Student Progression

Public School Student Progression Still provides for no social promotion: focus of state concern is on 3rd grade reading Effects over 2,000 third grade students with disabilities

Public School Student Progression Districts must allocate remedial and supplemental resources in the following priority: First, students deficient in reading by end of grade 3 Then, students not meeting performance levels required for promotion

Students with Reading Deficiencies AIP/SSP and IEP/Section 504 Plan must describe: Specific deficiencies in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary Desired performance in these areas Instructional/support services provided

Students with Reading Deficiencies Schools must monitor progress Districts must assist schools/teachers in implementing research-based activities for low-performing students

Students with Reading Deficiencies If a student’s reading deficiency is not remediated by the end of Grade 3, as demonstrated by scoring at Level 2 or higher on FCAT in reading for grade 3, the student must be retained.

Students with Reading Deficiencies Parents must be notified in writing: That the child has a substantial reading deficiency That, if the deficiency is not remediated by the end of grade 3, child will be retained, unless good cause exemption

Students with Reading Deficiencies Parents must be notified in writing: Notification must include a description of current and proposed supplemental remedial services

Social Promotion No student can be assigned to a grade based solely on age or other factors that constitute social promotion No administrative placements

Social Promotion Appropriate alternative placement for a student who has been retained two or more years is now required District may exempt students from mandatory 3rd grade retention only for good cause

Good-cause Exemptions State requirements for Good-Cause Exemption apply to: Students with reading problems Students who have had remediation but still do not score above Level 1 on Reading FCAT in Grade 3

Good-Cause Exemptions A student with disabilities whose IEP indicates participation in FCAT is inappropriate LEP with < 2 years of ESOL

Good-Cause Exemptions 3. Student demonstrates acceptable performance on alternative standardized reading assessment approved by State Board of Education

Good-Cause Exemptions 4. Student with portfolio showing reading skills equal to or above FCAT Level 2 performance

Good-Cause Exemptions 5. A student with disabilities, taking FCAT, whose IEP or 504 Plan show intensive remediation in reading 2+ years but still deficient in reading and previously retained in K-2

Good-Cause Exemptions Any 3rd grade student receiving intensive remediation in reading 2+ years but still deficient in reading and previously retained K-2 for a total of 2 years. If promoted under #6, intensive reading instruction must include: An altered instructional day AIP/SSP/IEP/ Section 504 Plan with diagnosis and specific reading strategies

Request for Good-Cause Exemptions If an alternate assessment or a portfolio are the basis for the request: Teacher submits evidence to principal that promotion is appropriate based on student’s academic record Principal reviews/discusses with teacher and determines promotion or retention

Request for Good-Cause Exemptions For an alternative assessment or a portfolio as the basis for the request: Principal recommends promotion in writing to superintendent Superintendent accepts or rejects principal’s recommendation in writing

Annual Reporting Continued annual reporting to parents regarding the progress of each student towards achieving expectations in reading, writing, math & science Progress reports for students with disabilities must be issued as regularly and at the same time as reports that are sent to non-disabled students

Annual Reporting Beginning in 2003, the district must        publish in local newspaper & submit to      SBE by September 1: Policies/procedures on retention/promotion Number/percent students in 3-10 at Levels 1 and 2 on FCAT reading by grade Number/percent retained  3-10 grade Number promoted for good cause by each category of good cause Revisions to policy on retention/promotion from prior year

SBE Enforcement SBE has authority to enforce compliance DOE provides technical assistance

Questions