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New/Revised Policies and Administrative Rules and Regulations (Revised in 2007)These are summaries of the new or revised policies and/or administrative rules and regulations that were approved by the Board on June 25, 2007 or July 2, 2007. School Uniforms and Dress Codes (#6.310)
Gang Prevention, Intervention, and Enforcement (#6.3102) The policy prohibits gang-related activities at school, school activities, and school-sponsored events. It elevates gang-related activity for elementary students from a Level 3 violation to a Level 4 violation (i.e., 3-5 day suspension); and elevates gang-related activity for middle and high school students from a Level 3 violation to a Level 5 violation (i.e., expulsion). The policy also mandates gang prevention counseling prior to returning to school for students disciplined for gang-related activity. Finally, the policy states that the district will seek to form partnerships with law enforcement personnel and community organizations to eliminate gang activity in communities and in schools. Student Behavior (#6.313) The policy revisions incorporate recent changes in Tennessee law regarding state-mandated expulsions of one (1) calendar year. The policy now lists making a threat, including a false report, to use a bomb, dynamite, and any other deadly explosive as a state-mandated zero tolerance offense. In addition, the revisions clarify that the Chief of Student Support Services in consultation with the Academic Superintendent, the Director of Alternative Schools and Programs and appropriate school personnel, will make the final decision on the alternative placement of a student who has been suspended. Revisions to the administrative rules and regulations state that the Academic Superintendent, in consultation with the Office Student Support Services and the Division of Student Enrollment will make the final disposition on all adjustment transfers, except those related to personal safety. The revisions to the administrative rules and regulations also state that, except for transfers and circumstances beyond a student’s control, the district will refer a student who has over ten consecutive or fifteen total unexcused absences in a semester to the Department of Safety for drivers’ license denial/revocation in accordance with state law. This applies to students who are fifteen years of age or older. The revisions to the Student Code of Conduct elevate being under the influence of an unauthorized substance at school (with no actual possession or use at school) from a Level 3 violation to a Level 4 violation and require mandatory referral to Alcohol and Drug Counseling (A & D). In addition, gang-related activity is elevated from a Level 3 violation to a Level 4 violation for elementary students (i.e., 3-5 day suspension) and to a Level 5 violation for middle and high school students (i.e., expulsion). It also mandates gang prevention counseling prior to returning to school for students disciplined for gang-related activity. Finally, the Code of Conduct incorporates the recent changes in state law that classify “bomb threats” as a zero tolerance offense. Summer Programs (#4.204) The revisions include language stating that students may attend a summer program for advancement and intervention rather than for promotion or make up. This clarifies that an intervention does not necessarily lead to a promotion. Promotion, Retention and Student Progress (#4.603) The revisions to the policy state that the district will provide enrichment strategies for students who are at or above grade level and intervention services to students who are one or more years behind in grade or who will not meet proficiency by the end of the school year. The revisions also state that summer intervention may be offered to K-8 students who fail to meet proficiency by the end of the school year and state that the principal will decide whether to retain a K-8 student who is unsuccessful after summer school intervention. Interventions also may be offered to 9-12 students who are retained in a course at the end of the school year. The revisions to the policy also require schools to document and monitor the progress of students in grades K-12 who are in need of intervention services by using the Student/Teacher Academic Report (STAR). Moreover, the revisions mandate the completion of a STAR before retaining a K-8 student, and require that differentiated services be offered to K-8 students who are retained. The administrative rules and regulations to the policy outline the district’s grading criteria and promotion standards. Promotion for students in grades 1-2 is based on satisfactory performance in Reading and Mathematics, determined by teacher assessments. Students in grades 3-5 must achieve a D (70%) or better in Reading and Mathematics. (Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year students in grades 3-5 will have districtwide assessments in Mathematics and Reading incorporated into their grades for those subjects.) Students in grades 6-8 must pass English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, but a student who fails only one course may be promoted at the end of the school year and repeat the failed course in summer school or at the next grade level. Additionally, in specific cases for grades 1-8, the principal of a student’s home school will decide whether to retain a student who is unsuccessful during summer school intervention. Finally, the revisions list grade classification standards for students in grades 9-12, outline interventions for high school students to recover lost credits, and provide academic acceleration for students behind in credits. For high school students English is not listed a gatekeeper course for grade classification. Honors and Advanced Placement Courses (#4.604) The revision to the policy requires that teachers, guidance counselors and other school staff encourage student participation in honors and advanced placement courses. The regulations to the policy, which are not attached, will be implemented in the 2008-2009 school year. Waivers (#4.607) The revisions address requests for waivers from Board policy or the Superintendent’s administrative rules and regulations. The Regulations establish a process for submitting and reviewing waiver requests. This list shows all policies adopted or revised to date in the year 2007. The Policy Name and Number will link to the official copy of the policy in .pdf format.
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