BTW Must Offer Choice

A preliminary list of Schools that must offer choice was recently released by the Louisiana Department of Education. BTW, deemed Academically Unacceptable, was among 12 Caddo Parish schools so identified under the terms of the No Child Left Behind act.

"Each consecutive year that a school is labeled Academically Unacceptable, it moves to a higher level of AUS (2-6+). Each higher level has additional and more stringent consequences for the school and can eventually lead to take-over by the state."

BTW, already in AUS 2, was required to "offer Supplemental Educational Services (SES) if it is a Title I school. The U.S. Department of Education defines Supplemental Education Services as "tutoring or extra help provided to students in reading, language arts/English, and math from approved providers." This "extra help" must be offered outside of regular school hours. These schools also must receive additional assistance from the school district along with additional support from the LDE."

Corrective Actions List Mandated by NCLB:
1. Replace school staff
2. Implement new curriculum
3. Decrease management authority
4. Contract an outside expert
5. Extend the school year or school day
6. Restructure

BTW is now in AUS 3. "Schools in AUS 3 continue the remedies from AUS 2. They must also write reconstitution plans with assistance from the district and add one item from a corrective actions list mandated by NCLB. The state also offers the support of a Distinguished Educator when funding is available."

All interested alums should be on high alert. You should plan to attend the next announced meeting of the alumni foundation. We must be at the table when any planning is taking place and be prepared to support our school as required.

Stay tuned!