Science & Math AcademyMarch 22, 2010

“I don’t really try when it comes to the TAKS test. The only one that will really matter is when I am a junior.”

“If I fail, it is no big deal. I get to take it until I pass it.”

“Everybody makes a big deal about TAKS. No stupid test is going to keep me from graduating. Hopefully all of us will graduate by August.”

§61.1017(a) General Provisions In accordance with the Texas Education

Code (TEC), §29.0821, a school district may modify their instructional calendar to provide a flexible year program to meet the educational needs of its students, including providing intensive instructional services. A school district approved by the commissioner of education to implement an Optional Flexible Year Program may reduce the number of instructional days for certain students.

§61.1017(c) Program criteria(1) A school district may reduce the number

of instructional days during the regular school year for students who are not eligible for participation in this program to no fewer than 170 days.

(2) A school district must provide at least 180 days of instruction to those students who meet the eligibility criteria defined in subsection (b) of this section

Students who: Are not passing all their courses or who need

additional help in content areas. Did not pass the state administered TAKS

test . Have discipline or attendance issues. Students who will remain in school for the full

180 days will receive intensive instructional services in smaller group settings from certified staff.

Students with excessive absences can make up time.

Attend during regular school hours Have lunch and PE Focus on specific Math, Science, English

Language Arts, Social Studies content Make up work and finish projects Review released TAKS tests and study

guides

140+ Districts across the state:Valley View, Longview, Bryan, Pleasanton –

take 2 weeks before school is out (May19)High rewards but low or no

remediation

Groesbeck –takes a week before Christmas and the last 5 days of school as Flex Days.

High incentive but tutoring too far away

from testing dates

We would like to take flex days in a way that will:

1. Allow for intensive remediation for students in need

2. Serve as a motivator to improve:a. passing ratesb. attendance requirementsc. discipline issuesd. TAKS scores

SMA Plan would include: 1 day in September (24th) 2 Fridays before the ELA test 3 Fridays before the April TAKS

Administration 4 other days designated as Staff

Development & Parent Teacher Conference days

Students eligible for Flex-days must: pass all of their district coursespass the state administered TAKS testhave acceptable discipline and

attendance during the school year

What about the loss of teaching time? The district’s curriculum and instruction

team will work with teachers prior to implementation of OFYP to insure that

all required course content is compacted into the reduced number of days.

What if I want my student in school? Bring them on. We will have a program

for them too (tutoring younger kids.)

Will we lose funding? No. Our ADA will be based on 170

days instead of 180. We should get more money from the state with less students being absent.

What about lunch and transportation? It will all run like a normal school

day.

What if a student is absent on a flex day? Only Dr.’s notes will be acceptable for

an excused absence. Three unexcused absences will have truancy filed.

Will teachers be allowed the time off? No. All staff will be a part of the

remediation plan.

§61.1017(d) Approval Process

(2) Approval to modify the number of instructional days is limited to one year. (3) No approval will be granted that reduces the number of instructional days to fewer than 170 days.(4) The commissioner may require a school district to provide an evaluation that demonstrates the success of their approach as a condition of approval.

HISD will evaluate data regarding: Passing rates on state tests Attendance Discipline Passing rates in district courses Staff/student/parent reactions

Evaluation will be completed May, 2011

What questions do you have?

What are your thoughts?