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ATH EN S RENAISSANCE SCHOOL

ACS – RENAISSANCE SCHOOL AND VIRTUAL PROGRAM POLICIES

POLICY: ILB

THE ATHENS RENAISSANCE SCHOOL, A NON-TRADITIONAL PUBLIC EDUCATION FRAMEWORK AND THE VIRTUAL

PROGRAM OPTIONS

The Athens City School System offers a non-traditional public education provided through the Athens Renaissance School. Courses are developed and taught by highly qualified, certified teachers or facilitated through high-quality online curriculum aligned to the ALSDE-CCRS.

SCOPE AND DELIVERY

Instruction at the Athens Renaissance School is delivered through traditional face-to-face instruction, non-traditional virtual facilitation, or a blended combination of the two. The system’s learning management system (LMS) and other innovative instructional technologies house our course curriculum that allows teachers to facilitate teaching and learning. Each student and their parent(s) develop a customized personal education plan with an administrator and/or counselor that allows teachers to utilize the system’s instructional policies and procedures, Alabama’s College and Career Standards, best practice frameworks, state assessments and PLAN 2020 when developing and building lessons and facilitating classes. All Athens Renaissance School courses are accredited and approved by the Athens City Board of Education.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Athens Renaissance School courses and programs are free for enrolled full-time students meeting the residency requirements of Policy JBC, and available for a non-resident student tuition fee for enrolled full-time, non-resident students who meet Policy JBCB eligibility requirements and Athens City Schools enrollment procedures. Students who enroll through Policy JBCB for non-resident students are offered courses based on availability.

Students may enroll on either a full-time or guest-enrollment basis through their customized learning plan. Guest enrollment students may pay a fee relative to the number of courses they take. Guest enrollment students are offered courses based on availability.

Students who choose to take courses above and beyond a full course load may be required to pay tuition for the additional courses if they plan to graduate early.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND TESTING PROTOCOL

The Athens Renaissance School is governed by the policies and procedures of Athens City Schools. All policies adopted by the Athens City Board of Education and all applicable administrative code and laws adopted by the State Board of Education and Alabama Legislature are applicable (to the extent that they are not otherwise waived pursuant to the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013). All policies and procedures adopted by the Athens City Board of Education apply to the Athens Renaissance School programs unless expressly stated within this policy (ILB) or attached addendum.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

The Athens Renaissance School monitors student attendance in accordance with all applicable statutes set by the state of Alabama, as well as reports all truant students to the appropriate legal authorities. Parent(s)/guardian(s) with legal responsibility for a child between the age of six (6) and seventeen (17) years of age are responsible for the student’s attendance in a public school unless otherwise exempt by law. In the event that a Renaissance student is truant, the parent(s)/guardian(s) are subject to all penalties provided for under Alabama’s Compulsory School Attendance Law.

Renaissance School attendance is based upon one of two methods or a combination of both. Traditional attendance is measured by the physical presence of the student at the Athens Renaissance School facility. Non-traditional attendance is measured through the completion of lessons/assignments consistent with the student’s customized learning plan, and developed for students in every course that includes the due dates for each assignment. Students are required to remain on-pace and complete all assignments with a minimum score of 70%, to be considered present and attending, as well as to progress in the course. Simply logging into the learning management system (LMS) or course is not considered attending for purposes of Alabama’s Compulsory School Attendance Law.

The attached addendum is designed to ensure the efficient and effective operations of our innovative programs and the ultimate mastery and achievement of those students enrolled while also securing academic integrity.

POLICY: ILB-A

PARTICIPATION OF NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL AND HOME-BASED PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM STUDENTS IN

ATHENS RENAISSANCE SCHOOL COURSES/PROGRAMS

Upon satisfaction of full-time or guest enrollment requirements at the Athens Renaissance School, the Athens City Board of Education allows students to participate in the courses and programs of the Athens Renaissance School as a full-time enrollee or guest enrollee, notwithstanding such students’ enrollment in non-public schools or participation in home-based private educational programs.

The Athens City Board of Education distinguishes between students residing inside the school district and students residing outside the school district. ACS-BOE policy JBCB relates to the admission of non-resident students, and sets out additional requirements prior to such students being subject to full-time admission at the Athens Renaissance School.

Transportation to and from Athens Renaissance School classes, programs or activities shall be the responsibility of the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), except as otherwise specifically provided.

Authority/References

Ala. Code § 16-11-9 (1975); Ala. Code § 16-1-11.2 (1975).

Athens City Schools Blended and Virtual Program Options

ADDENDUM TO POLICY ILB

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

Application for Enrollment

Students applying or enrolled in Athens City Schools must meet directly with the Renaissance School administrator or counselor to determine eligibility and whether this option best serves the student’s individual learning style. Where the student meets the eligibility requirements and upon recommendation of the administrator or counselor, ARS personnel, the student and their parent or guardian will build a customized learning plan for the best program option. When the student does not meet the eligibility requirements, these requirements may be appealed to the Superintendent or designee for review. Upon reviewing the student’s application, the Superintendent or designee will notify the student and Renaissance School personnel if the appeal has been approved or denied.

Primary and Secondary Enrollment

The Athens Renaissance School has two (2) types of enrollments for students: full-time enrollment and guest-enrollment.

Full-time students enrolled at Athens Renaissance School take all required courses through traditional instruction, virtual program, or a blended combination of these options. All state accountability assessments are administered for all options and the resulting data is attached to the Athens Renaissance School.

Guest enrollment students are not enrolled full-time at Athens Renaissance School. They are enrolled at another school (system, state, public, private, or home school), but they are taking one (1) or more courses via the Renaissance School with all accountability data residing at the students’ full-time enrolled school. Athens Renaissance School will work with each guest-enrollment student’s full-time school to schedule requested classes in order to ensure the student’s full-time graduation requirements are met. However, the student’s full-time school must remain responsible for scheduling that may result in guest-enrolled students not meeting the requirements of the student’s full-time school.

Student Eligibility

Ë Full-Time Enrollment The Athens Renaissance School strives to ensure that all models of instruction, including blended and virtual teaching and learning models, are available for the best educational placement of each student enrolled. The curriculum is extremely rigorous and requires that students be highly motivated and self-disciplined. To ensure that students will be successful in this environment, full-time enrollment requires that the student must have and maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) and have completed and passed at least one (1) blended or virtual course. In the event that the student does not meet the eligibility requirements for full-time enrollment, the student may submit a waiver request or enroll on a part-time basis until all eligibility requirements are met. The waiver request will include the following:

1. School counselor recommendation from current school of enrollment 2. Principal recommendation from the current school of enrollment 3. Student statement of interest 4. Academic history or transcript

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5. Athens Renaissance School readiness survey Upon receipt, the Renaissance School principal will review the waiver request to determine readiness and approve, deny, or request additional information.

Ë Guest Enrollment Part-time enrollment at Athens Renaissance School is open to all students consistent with the guidance presented above, but does not meet the GPA requirement. First time, part-time students are limited to enrolling in two (2) half-credit courses during their first semester. Upon successful completion of the student’s course work, part-time students will be allowed to enroll in one (1) or more courses at the discretion of the student’s counselor and/or principal at the school of full-time enrollment.

Ë Withdrawal (Full-time and Guest Enrollment)

Athens Renaissance School strives to ensure that our traditional, blended and virtual teaching and learning models offer the best educational placement for each student enrolled. When in the best interest of the student, students will be withdrawn from underperforming classes and enrolled in a more appropriate placement option. Withdrawal reasons include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. During the first two weeks of the semester, the student has made no significant progress in his or her course(s),

2. The student has extensive, documented, blended or virtual truancy issues and needs the accountability of daily physical attendance at a traditional setting or school,

3. The student is no longer attending Renaissance, and/or 4. The student no longer qualifies for enrollment because of the 2.0 GPA requirement

(full-time enrolled students only) Students not actively participating in the blended or virtual course(s) during the first two weeks of the semester will be transitioned back to their zoned school if full-time, or face-to-face classes at Renaissance. Full-time students utilizing blended and virtual classes and no longer meeting the GPA requirement will be withdrawn from those classes, at the end of the semester, and transitioned back to the zoned school or placed in face-to-face classes at Renaissance. Full-time students with extensive blended or virtual truancy will be transitioned back to the zoned school or placed in face-to-face classes at Renaissance at the end of the nine-week grading period. When the student is withdrawn and transferred to another school, the Renaissance School administrative staff will communicate with the new or previous school regarding the transfer.

Ë Re-Enrollment Limitations (Guest Enrollment)

The Athens Renaissance School strives to ensure that the non-traditional teaching and learning modality is the best educational placement for each student enrolled. When in the best interest of the student, guest enrollment students will not be allowed to re-enroll at Renaissance on a part-time basis until such time that the student can demonstrate the academic readiness needed to be successful. Such reasons include, but not limited to, the following:

1. The student has extensive, documented, blended and virtual truancy issues and needs the accountability of physically attending a face-to-face classes or traditional school, or

2. The student has failed one (1) or more previous non-traditional classes. If the full-time school of enrollment needs to withdraw a guest enrollment student during the semester, this must be coordinated and pre-approved by the Renaissance

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School administrator.

Ë Student Transfer (Full-Time Enrollment)

Requests to transfer to the Athens Renaissance School on a full-time basis are limited to Athens City Schools’ students or non-resident students that meet Athens City Board of Education Policy JBCB. A student may submit a waiver request of the policy to include information about any particular hardships or other extenuating circumstances that warrant a waiver of the policy. Upon receipt, the Superintendent or designee will review the waiver request and approve, deny, or request additional information. ACADEMIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Graduation Requirements

The Athens Renaissance School’s standards and curriculum are designed to challenge students and prepare them for college and the workforce while also providing flexibility in terms of pacing, time, and location. Full-time students are required to take, at minimum, six (6) credits per year at either the traditional or accelerated pace. Students must complete the minimum state requirements of twenty-four (24) credits to graduate. Students may receive “graduate” status upon meeting all requirements, but will remain a student enrolled full-time in Senior Seminar until their 4-year cohort’s spring graduation ceremony. Table 1: Graduation Requirements

Subject Area: Traditional, Blended or Virtual Courses: Credits Required: Mathematics Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, & (1) additional math 4 Credits English English I, II, III, and IV 4 Credits Science Biology, a Physical Science, and two science electives 4 Credits Social Studies World History, US History I&II, Econ. & Government 4 Credits CTE/Social Science Personal Finance, Career Planning 2 Credits LIFE Wellness Lifetime Wellness and Health 1.5 Credits Electives Leadership/Mentoring/Individual project class 1 Credit Electives Fine Arts, Foreign Lang, Career Tech, other core class 3.5 Credits Total Credits Required to Graduate: 24 Credits

Credit for Traditional, Blended and Virtual Courses

Full-time students receive credit via Athens Renaissance School. Guest-enrollment students receive credit via their full-time school. All courses taken at Athens Renaissance School can be transferred to any other ACS school or Alabama public school for graduation purposes without limitation. Students interested in transferring credits outside of Alabama public schools should first check with the prospective district.

Course Grading Policies and Procedures

Athens Renaissance School’s grading policies and procedures are governed by ACS Board policy on student grading procedures.

Final Exam Requirements

In order to receive credit for blended and virtual courses, students are required to take all final exams in a proctored setting. In the event that a student does not pass the final exam, but passes the course based upon completion of course assignments, the student will be required to demonstrate mastery via alternative assessments to ensure that academic integrity is not compromised. Only until the student can demonstrate mastery of core

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course content will the credit be issued when the student fails the final exam.

Ë Final Exam Proctoring

The purpose of the final exam is to assist in validating that the student has demonstrated mastery of key course concepts and state standards. To maintain academic integrity of all ACS courses, any exam worth equal to or more than twenty percent (20%) of the entire course grade/average MUST be proctored. This authenticates the work of the student and assesses overall mastery.

Ë Testing Protocols for Exams

To protect academic integrity, the following testing protocols will be followed when administering an exam equal to or greater than twenty percent (20%) of the course grade/average:

1. When the identity of the student is unknown to the proctor, the student MUST present a photo ID when taking the exam.

2. The student MUST log into the course and the proctor is required to compare the photo ID and the student’s name as it appears in the learning management system (LMS). Any discrepancies MUST be reported to the Principal of Athens Renaissance School for further investigation.

3. Once the identity of the student has been matched against the student’s login or screen, the proctor should then ask the student to log into the exam. If applicable, the proctor will be prompted to enter a password for the exam. When appropriate, the proctor, not the student, must enter the password provided by the Renaissance School administrator.

4. All exams must be taken on system computers and students are NOT allowed to bring or use their own computer unless off-sight testing has been pre-approved.

5. Unless otherwise permitted by the teacher, students must turn off and store all cell phones and/or other smart devises during testing with the exception of a calculator for math courses.

6. Students may use ONE (1) 5x8 index card during testing with handwritten notes only. Also note that when exams are being administered for guest-enrollment students away from Athens City Schools or at the school of full-time enrollment, the proctor MUST follow the above protocols. Protocols for administering state assessments are outlined by the ALSDE and must be strictly followed for all test administration.

Ë No Exemption of Final Exams

Athens Renaissance School final exams are the culminating assessment used to determine mastery of key concepts and state standards. Additionally, the proctored exam authenticates the work of the student and maintains the integrity of non-traditional courses. Therefore, no exemptions are granted for final exams, except in classes with end-of-course testing (i.e. – Advanced Placement, college courses, or ALSDE required testing).

Ë Exam Administration (Full-Time Enrollment)

Full-time students are required to take all exams worth more than or equal to twenty percent (20%) of the course grade/average at the Athens Renaissance School or other approved testing locations.

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Ë Long Distance - Virtual Exam Administration (Guest-Enrollment)

Long distance guest-enrollment students are required to take all exams worth more than or equal to twenty percent (20%) of the course grade/average at the student’s school of full-time enrollment unless arranged at another approved testing location.

For exams requiring proctoring, a Renaissance School administrator will provide an approved testing window to all partner schools. No later than two weeks before the testing window opens for guest-enrollment students, the Renaissance School will provide applicable schools with the necessary information and training needed to administer the exam. The full-time school of enrollment is responsible for contacting Athens Renaissance School administration and scheduling any assistance needed for administering exams for guest-enrollment students consistent with the prospective school’s testing administration schedule, as well as providing testing dates and times to students.

Ë Early Exam Administration

Blended and virtual learning allows Renaissance students the opportunity to learn at an accelerated rate and complete a course early and at various points during the semester. For optimal performance on exams, students will be allowed to take the exam upon completion of the course. For exams requiring proctoring, full and guest-enrollment students may make an appointment at the Athens Renaissance School’s or any other approved testing center and take the exam early. Students may also take proctored exams at the regularly scheduled testing date and time. Only students that completed all coursework will be allowed to take the exam early.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

Renaissance School Attendance

The Athens Renaissance School monitors student attendance in accordance with all applicable statutes set by the state of Alabama, as well as reports all truant students to the appropriate legal authorities. Parent(s)/guardian(s) with legal responsibility for a child between the age of six (6) and seventeen (17) years of age are responsible for the student’s attendance in a public school unless otherwise exempt by law. In the event that a Renaissance student is truant, the parent(s)/guardian(s) are subject to all penalties provided for under Alabama’s Compulsory School Attendance Law.

Ë Physical and Pacing Guide Attendance

Renaissance School attendance is based upon one of two methods or a combination of both. Traditional attendance is measured by the physical presence of the student at the Athens Renaissance School facility. Non-traditional attendance is measured through the completion of lessons/assignments consistent with the students customized learning plan, and developed for students in every course that includes the due dates for each assignment. Students are required to remain on-pace and complete all assignments with a minimum score of 70%, to be considered present and attending, as well as to progress in the course. Simply logging into the learning management system (LMS) or course is not considered attending for purposes of Alabama’s Compulsory School Attendance Law.

Ë Non-traditional Truancy

For purposes of compulsory attendance, a student is considered truant when the student is 5


more than fifteen (15) percent off-pace in one (1) or more blended or virtual course(s). Please note that missed, incomplete, and failing assignments may be used in the calculation to determine whether or not a student is on-pace in the course as outlined via the pacing guide. Once a student is truant (fifteen (15%) percent off-pace) and appropriate interventions have been initiated, the student will continue to be considered truant until such time that all assignments have been completed and the student is back on-pace. In cases of truancy, the principal and/or administrative staff, as well as ACS officials will intervene consistent with the schedule presented in Table 2. Table 2: Non-traditional Truancy Intervention Schedule

PERCENTAGE OFF-PACE IN THE COURSE: STUDENT INTERVENTION:

Five (5%) Percent When the student is five (5%) percent behind in the course, the teacher will communicate directly with the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) that the student is off-pace.

Ten (10%) Percent

When the student is ten (10%) percent behind in the course, the Principal of Athens Renaissance School will send an official notification to the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) that the student is off-pace. Such notification will include the ACS truancy policy and early-warning requirements for violating Alabama’s school attendance law.

Ten (15%) Percent

When the student is fifteen (15) percent off-pace, the Principal of Athens Renaissance School will send an official notification to the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) notifying all parties that the student is truant and in violation of Alabama’s Compulsory School Attendance Law. Additionally, the principal will notify the system’s Attendance Officer who may initiate the issuance of legal notifications and juvenile court intervention.

NOTE: When it is a guest-enrollment student, the school counselor and principal from the student’s school of full-time enrollment will receive notification that the student is off-pace for intervention purposes. Additionally, nothing in the virtual truancy policy prohibits or restricts Athens City Schools from initiating legal action against a Renaissance School student and/or parent(s)/guardian(s), at any time, for failure to remain on-pace.

Student Code of Conduct

All enrolled students are subject to the ACS Student Code of Conduct and all rules contained therein. Internet access is required for all students and students must use this access in a responsible, safe, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Use of the Internet must be in accordance with the Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy located within the ACS Board approved PowerUP Handbook. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and students must sign a Student Technology Acceptable Use Form upon enrolling. This form will be maintained in each student’s permanent record. Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is fundamental to a successful non-traditional learning experience and ultimate student mastery. The Athens Renaissance School requires students to honor this principle and, in doing so, protect the validity of the student’s intellectual work. For students this means that the student, without unauthorized help of any kind, completes all academic work. Academic integrity means the following:

1. The student will complete each assignment independently and without help. 2. The student will not practice plagiarism in any form. 3. The student will not cheat in any form. 4. The student will not allow other individuals to copy their work. 5. The student will not misuse content from the Internet.

Plagiarism is defined as copying or using ideas or words from another individual and presenting those ideas or words as the student’s own. Cheating is defined as influencing or

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leading by deceit, trickery, or artifice, as well as practicing fraud or trickery. Note that collaboration with another individual on any assignment must be pre-approved by the assigned teacher. Teachers suspecting that a student has violated this policy may choose to facilitate random and unannounced oral and/or written assessments. If a student has violated the Academic Integrity Policy, Athens Renaissance School will intervene consistent with Table 3. Table 3: Academic Integrity Intervention Schedule

Violation # Intervention:

Violation #1

The teacher notifies the student and parent/guardian that the student has violated the Academic Integrity Policy. Subsequently, the student receives a zero percent (0%) on ALL assignments submitted in violation of the policy. The teacher also informs the student and parent/guardian that a second violation will be reported directly to the Principal and may result in ultimate removal from the course and/or school.

Violation #2

The teacher notifies the principal of the second violation. The principal sends an official notification to the student and parent/guardian noting that the student is being administratively withdrawn from the course and/or school. The student and parent/guardian may also request a meeting with the principal and teacher to discuss any extenuating circumstances.

The Athens Renaissance School may take additional student disciplinary action as outlined in school board policy or the ACS Student Code of Conduct. All Renaissance students are required to review the policy contained herewith and affirm their understanding before beginning the coursework. Discussion Based Assessments (DBAs)

To further ensure academic integrity and that the student has fully grasped the course content, students are required to complete Discussion Based Assessments (DBAs) with the assigned teacher. DBA assignments will take place by phone call, face-to-face, or via videoconference using technologies such as Skype or Google-Hangout. At the end of most modules in the course, students may be required to complete and pass the DBA before progressing to the next module. The DBA addresses student comprehension, evidence of learning, prompting, focus, and clarity with the assessment graded accordingly.

Traditional, Blended, and Virtual Class Size Limits

Class sizes will not exceed those limits established by AdvancED Standards for both traditional and non-traditional classes. To ensure rigor and academic integrity of all courses, non-traditional teachers responsible for teaching accelerated courses will be divided by .5 of the AdvancED Standard class size. When traditional and non-traditional courses are combined to have the necessary enrollment sufficient to offer the accelerated course, the class size will be determined with the traditional student counting as one student and the accelerated student counting as two (2) students.

Enrollment Fees

Ë Full-time Athens City Residents Athens Renaissance School is a public school with students able to enroll and attend during the regular school year and as part of the full course load at no cost for any student who is enrolled as an ACS student. Ë Full-time Non-Athens Residents Non-Athens residents may enroll as a full-time Athens Renaissance School student upon payment of a non-resident student tuition fee upon satisfying the criteria in the ACS Non-Resident Student Admissions Policy.

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Ë Guest Enrollment Additionally, guest enrollment students of Athens Renaissance School may pay a fee in the amount of $300.00 per credit, as well as all other costs associated with taking the course, unless otherwise agreed to in a contract with Athens City Schools and the guest-enrolled student’s full-time school system. Note: A fee is needed because Athens City Schools will NOT receive public funding for guest-enrolled students. Ë Full Course Load For full-time or guest-enrolled students wanting to take a course in addition to a full course load, a fee may be charged equal to ACS-BOE approved summer school fees for each additional half credit in a non-traditional course if pre-requisite numbers are not met. Ë Summer School Athens Renaissance School offers credit-recovery and summer school course offerings for both resident and non-resident students and provides another extended learning opportunity for students. Summer school is not covered under the Alabama Foundation Program funding and therefore, summer school is fee-based. An approved fee schedule is included in the ACS – Student Handbook and is assessed for each half-credit course taken by an enrolled Athens City Schools student. A fee in the amount of $150.00 will be assessed for each half-credit course taken by a non-enrolled student. Additionally, late summer school registration will incur a $25.00 fee. Guest-Enrollment Monitoring (Primary School of Enrollment)

For guest-enrollment students not attending Athens Renaissance School, the student’s full-time school of enrollment must monitor the student during the regular school day if the non-traditional course block/period is scheduled during school hours. Athens Renaissance School will monitor and address the student’s academic progress in the course, as well as any truancy issues that arise. However, the full-time school of enrollment must physically monitor the student during the regular school day. This may include requiring that the student report to a study hall, lab, library, etc. during the non-traditional course block/period. Schools may also choose to schedule the course at the end of the school day and dismiss guest-enrollment students early or at the beginning of the school day with students arriving late. If the school chooses to do so, the school is responsible for monitoring late arrivals and early dismissals, as well as collecting the appropriate permission forms.

Athletic and Extra-Curricular Programs (Full-Time Enrollment)

At this time, Athens Renaissance School does not have an athletic program available for full-time students. Guest-enrollment students are allowed to participate with their full-time school if they meet all other Alabama High School Athletic Association requirements. Teacher Communication Policy

Effective communication is vital to the success of non-traditional students. It is required that the teacher maintains some daily contact with the student and/or parent/guardian. The following standards are required of all teachers:

1. Teachers are required to have and maintain Internet access for communication purposes.

2. Teachers are required to have a working telephone number and supply the number to Athens Renaissance School for distribution to all stakeholders.

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3. Teachers are required to utilize the ACS-issued email address in communicating with the student, parent/guardian, and administration.

4. Teachers must post class announcements in the learning management system (LMS), at minimum, weekly to include outlining assignments due and including the teacher’s contact information. Daily postings are required for NCAA approved courses.

5. Teachers must respond to all student and parent/guardian questions within twenty-four (24) hours Monday through Friday with the exception of weekends in the same mode in which the communication was received.

6. Teachers will grade all assignments within seventy-two (72) hours of receipt with the exception of weekends with written academic feedback when appropriate.

7. Teachers will complete all Discussion Based Assessments (DBAs) as scheduled with the student.

8. Teachers must communicate with the parent/guardian and student when the student is more than five percent (5%) off-pace in the course.

9. Teachers must communicate with Renaissance School administration when the student is more than ten percent (10%) or more off-pace in the course so that administrative staff can intervene.

10. Daily, teachers must facilitate and monitor group discussion boards to ensure that student discussions are appropriate and academically focused.

11. Teachers must communicate, at minimum, twice during each 9-weeks with the parent/guardian regarding the student’s academic progress (i.e., Progress Report Communication).

12. When a student misses the mandatory orientation, the teacher is required to conduct a Welcome Call upon the student completing the make-up orientation option.

Modifications to these expectations may be made by the school administration.

Right to Privacy

The Athens Renaissance School must abide by student privacy guidelines set forth under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Only the following persons will have access to student records:

1. Athens Renaissance School staff, school counselors, principals, and teachers that have a legitimate educational or legal purpose for accessing student records.

2. Appropriate administrative support staff members and other professionals that have a legitimate educational or legal purpose for accessing student records. Some schools of full-time enrollment may assign a lab facilitator to help non-traditional students, during a lab course block/period, complete the online course. Facilitators will have limited access to the student’s course and strictly for educational purposes. Facilitators will not have access to personal information regarding the student.

No member of the Athens Renaissance School is authorized to release student information without the written permission of the student’s parent/guardian and without approval of the Principal of Athens Renaissance School. Names, images, and/or coursework of students will not be published in print, video/film, or the web without written student and parent/guardian consent. The right to consent or refuse consent to release student information transfers to a student once he or she reaches the legal age of law or unless a court order otherwise authorizes. All Athens Renaissance School students are provided a unique password to access the course(s). It is the student's responsibility to keep his or her password confidential and notify Athens Renaissance School if that password has been compromised.

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Authority/References

Ala. Code § 16-11-9 (1975); Ala. Act No. 2015-89.

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FILE: JBCB

ATHENS CITY SCHOOLS

NON-RESIDENT STUDENT ADMISSIONS – POLICY

The Athens City Board of Education recognizes that a child must generally be a bona fide resident in the area served by the School System in order to attend its schools. However, the Board of Education, upon the Superintendent’s recommendation, may allow students residing outside the area served by the school system to attend Athens City Schools in certain situations as discussed herein. The Superintendent and board may establish criteria for the admission of such non- resident students and may also require the payment of tuition in connection with their admission. The school system does not provide transportation to and from school or homebound instruction outside of the Athens City School attendance zones.

Admission of Non-Resident Students

Requests for admission by parents, guardians, or custodians of students who do not reside in the Athens City Schools district, but who wish to enroll their child in the school system as Non-Resident Students will be considered by the Superintendent if:

1. The non-resident enrollment is for educational reasons; 2. The parents, guardians, or custodians provide transportation to and from school;

and 3. The parents, guardians or custodians pay the non-resident student tuition fee in

a timely manner as established by the Athens City Schools Board of Education.

The Superintendent and board have the discretion to accept or deny the request for enrollment of Non-Resident Students. Their decision whether to accept a Non- Resident Student may be based on consideration of the following factors, as well any other factor which could show that the student’s admission would have a positive or adverse impact on the school system:

1. Whether the student is in good standing at his/her resident school, including but not limited to consideration of any disciplinary issues at his/her resident school;

2. The class size of the grade level in which the student is enrolling at any Athens City School;

3. Whether the transfer places an undue burden on the Athens City Schools;

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4. Whether the applicant has been convicted of possession, use, or distribution of any controlled substance, including marijuana; or whether the applicant has been convicted of any weapons violation;

5. Whether a student’s need(s) can be accommodated with current staffing and program offerings and/or whether the student’s enrollment adversely affects the programming for resident students;

6. Whether the transfer would adversely impact capacities of programs, classes, grade levels, and buildings within the district;

7. Whether there is exceptional and compelling personal hardship unique to the student and/or the student’s family;

8. Whether the student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s) are employed by the school system; and

9. Whether all members of the same family residing in the same household are treated the same.

The superintendent (or designee) has the discretion to deny any and all transfer requests without presenting the same to the board.

The admission of a non-resident student shall continue from year-to-year unless such admission is cancelled or discontinued as set forth herein.

In connection with the above factors, the board reserves the right to annually establish capacities of programs, classes, grade levels, and buildings within the district, upon consideration of recommendations provided by the administration which take into account current and projected enrollments in light of physical, fiscal, and human resources projected within the district.

Placement of Non-Resident Students

Non-resident students transferring to the school system from other schools or other school systems shall be placed by the Superintendent in those classes or at those grade levels for which their previous educational experiences appear to qualify them. The Athens City Schools reserves the right to change or modify such placements on the basis of later information, testing, or investigation.

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Cancellation of Enrollment

A non-resident student’s enrollment in the school system is not a property right of the student (or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s)), and the student (or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s)) shall not obtain any vested rights with respect to the enrollment. A non- resident student has no guarantee, expectation or right that such enrollment will be available to the student for any succeeding year.

The non-resident student’s enrollment is subject to cancellation at any time (e.g., during an academic semester) by the board of education, on the Superintendent’s recommendation, upon the student violation of any school rules and/or policies. Moreover, an admitted non-resident student’s enrollment is not guaranteed from year- to year, and may be discontinued at any time by the board of education, on the superintendent’s recommendation, upon consideration of the student and the needs of the school system (including but not limited to a review of the factors set forth above concerning admissions). Whether or not the non-resident student (and/or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s)) shall have an opportunity to confer with the Superintendent and the board prior to any such discontinuance or cancellation, with any information relevant to the Superintendent’s recommendation, is within the discretion of the Superintendent.

Moreover, if: (i) during or after the admission acceptance process, the Superintendent finds that the applicant has misrepresented any material information concerning the application process, or (ii) after acceptance, the transfer student fails to pay any required tuition, then the Superintendent may decline or revoke any admission of the non- resident transfer student.

Non-Resident Student Tuition

The Superintendent shall collect tuition from non-resident students enrolled or enrolling in Athens City Schools, as follows:

1. Non-resident students shall pay One Thousand Two Hundred dollars ($1,200.00) per year to attend Athens City Schools.

2. Tuition shall be due in advance at a time set by the Superintendent before the new school year or semester, and shall be paid at the Office of the Superintendent of Education. The tuition is non-refundable under any and all circumstances.

3. The Superintendent may charge reasonable late fees in connection with the failure to timely pay tuition.

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4. There shall be no tuition charged for non-resident students whose custodial parent(s) or legal guardians, at the time such tuition is due, own (i) any interest in a business and (ii) real property on which such business is located inside the city limits of Athens. Such students shall still be required to follow all other criteria and regulations contained in this policy except for paying tuition. The custodial parent(s) or legal guardians of any non-resident student(s) falling within this exception must provide proof of business and real property ownership (including proof that any and all ad valorem property taxes for such property has been paid).

5. There shall be no tuition charged for non-resident students who are enrolled in the school system because their parent(s) and/or guardian(s) are employees of the school system.

6. No non-resident student that was enrolled as of May 1, 2014 (or their siblings) shall be required to pay the tuition.

7. The Superintendent may waive or reduce the tuition required of a non-resident student in a case where the non-resident student’s enrollment is based on an exceptional and compelling personal hardship, and there is also financial hardship.

General

The Superintendent of Schools shall implement this policy, and develop administrative guidelines and forms necessary for the same

Athens City Schools will not discriminate concerning non-resident student transfers on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicapping conditions, including limited English proficiency, in its decision, nor will it enforce this policy in such a manner that would otherwise violate state or federal law or court order.

SOURCE: Athens City Board of Education, Athens, AL ADOPTED: May 15, 2014

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NON-RESIDENT STUDENT ADMISSIONS – FORM

Student’s Name:

Date of Application: Age: Entering Grade:

Birth Date: Siblings:

Legal Guardian’s Name(s):

Address: Home Phone:

Cell Phone:

Present School District:

Legal Guardian Signature:

Note: 1) Complete an application for each child. 2) Attach a summary of the reason(s) you wish

to transfer to Athens City Schools and staple it to this application.

Principal:

Superintendent:

Board Approval:

Board Denial:

Date:

Date:

Date:

Date:

Interview Date: Assigned Administrator:

NON-RESIDENT STUDENT ADMISSIONS – Administrative Guidelines The following criteria will be used for accepting transfer students. A transfer student is one whose legal residence is not within the boundaries of the Athens City Schools District. 1. A student requesting a transfer shall complete the application for Transfer of Non-Resident Student Admissions – Form and submit it to the Athens City Schools Superintendent’s office on or before July 1st. Applications submitted after July 1st may be considered. Transfers shall be reviewed on a yearly basis by the building principal and recommended to the Superintendent. 2. The superintendent or designee will review each transfer request application. 3. Following the review of the application, the superintendent or his designee will schedule an interview (in person or by phone) with the parent and student. 4. Once the interview has been conducted a recommendation will be developed by the superintendent or designee as to whether or not to accept the transfer student based upon policy and the application of the policy after the interview. 5. Once the Board of Education makes the final determination, the legal guardian will be notified. 6. Any acceptance of a student pursuant to this policy shall be limited to no more than one school year. Acceptance of a student for all or part of a year shall not be construed as a guarantee of continued enrollment in this district beyond the year of acceptance.

Athens City Schools will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicapping conditions, including limited English proficiency, in its decision.

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