Little Rock School District (LRSD) Athletic Task Force Report Findings

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LRSD ATHLETIC TASK FORCE REPORT FINDINGS Committee Members Junious Babbs Sandy Becker Rett Tucker Skip Rutherford May 25, 2001 Taking into account the seriousness of recent allegations related to the LRSD Athletic Program, Task Force Committee Members were assigned with the following charge: 1. Address issues that have come to the forefront that relate to LRCH athletic program/ player eligibility. 2. Investigate eligibility issues and/ or concerns at LRCH. 3. Provide a detailed report of findings. 4. Availability to investigate activities and finding of LRSD school allegations. 5. Report to the Superintendent and Board in an expeditious timeline. Introduction Since Thursday, May 17, we have reviewed questions raised about the Little Rock Central High Varsity Boys Basketball team and specifically player eligibility. In this process we have met with Associate Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Bonnie Lesley
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary School Services Dr. Marian Lacey
Athletic Director Ray Gillespie
Central Principal Rudolph Howard
Central Assistant Principal John Kelly
Central Assistant Principal Dr. Dan Whitehorn
Central Head Basketball Coach Oliver Fitzpatrick
and Central Registrar Jane Welch. All were very cooperative. Chris Heller, the Little Rock School District Attorney, served as our legal advisor. We reviewed the policies of the Arkansas Department of Education, the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) and the Little Rock School District. When records were examined, committee members Rett Tucker and Skip Rutherford--since they are not employees of the school district--did not see individual names. In order to protect student confidentiality, each player was assigned a number. When records containing student names were examined, the student names were redacted. Committee members Junious Babbs and Sandy Becker, because they are school district employees, did see names. The committee examined several issues and looked at both the second semester of the 1999-2000 school year and the first semester of the 2000-2001 school year. The second semester of 1999-2000 was a determining factor for eligibility during the first semester of 2000-2001. The first semester of 2000-2001 was a determining factor for eligibility during the second semester of this year. Basketball season included both semesters during the 2000-2001 school year. All Central basketball players consent forms and physicals were complete and on file. The Student Registration Office reviewed its records and confirmed that all Central basketball players were properly enrolled in Central High School. While Central's consent forms, physicals and school assignment records were in order, a lesson learned is the importance of updated eligibility data collection through the use of technology and monitoring systems. - 1 - Eligibility Eligibility requirements are different for those who make a 2.0 grade point average or better than for those who make less than a 2.0 grade point average. For those who make less than a 2.0 grade point average, the AAA Rule 10 B applies. It can be found on pages 33-34 of the 2001 AAA Handbook. (Attachment A) During the 1999-2000 second semester, the average grade point for the Central basketball team was 2.785. Eleven of the 16 players made a 2.0 or better. Six of those made a 3.0 or better and two of the six made a 4.0 or better. Of the five players who made less than 2.0, two were not eligible and did not play during the first semester. Three players who made less than 2.0 participated under Rule 10 B. During the 1999-2000 second semester, none of the Central players had a grade change. During the 2000-2001 first semester, the average grade point for the Central basketball team was 2.780. Fifteen of the 16 players made a 2.0 or better. Six of those made a 3.0 or better, and one of the six made a 4.0. One player made less than a 2.0 and did participate in the Supplemental Instruction Program (SIP) under AAA Rule 10 B. Supplemental Instruction Program (SIP) The schedule for SIP at Central is: Monday/Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday/Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Two sessions each week are required to meet the minimum of 100 minutes per week required by the Arkansas Department of Education. (Attachment B) Students may also attend either or both of the other two sessions to make up absences. There are two SIP coordinators at Central: one responsible for the morning session and one responsible for the afternoon session. Coaches are assigned to monitor student athlete participation in SIP. The athletic department handbook contains a notification form to be sent by the SIP coordinator to the coach in the event an athlete misses a required SIP class. - 2 - These safeguards are important because if an athlete misses only one unexcused SIP class and does not make it up within the same week, he or she then becomes ineligible. According to a detailed report from Dr. Lacey, the one Central player participating in SIP did not meet the eligibility requirements. (Attachment C) During the week of January 8-12, the student did not meet the 100-minute requirement because of an unexcused absence from his SIP class. At that time--according to the Little Rock School District's SIP Plan (Attachment D) and confirmed by the Arkansas Activities Association, the student became ineligible. Under SIP guidelines once a student becomes ineligible at any time during the semester, he or she is ineligible for the remainder of the semester. According to Dr. Lacey's report, the student in question also did not meet the SIP eligibility attendance requirements during the weeks of January 15-19, February 26-March 2 and March 5-9. Coach Fitzpatrick said he was not aware of the player's January SIP absences until he was informed by the committee on May 23. The committee also reviewed the AAA Rule 15, which is found on pages 35-36 of the AAA 2001 handbook. (Attachment E) This is the hardship exemption rule. The committee was informed by the principal and the head basketball coach that neither knew of a basis for the application of a hardship exemption in this case. Therefore, we believe the student athlete was ineligible beginning January 12, 2001. Students enrolled in SIP are required to have no unexcused absences in order to remain eligible for athletics. The student's attendance records also indicate he had unexcused absences during the first semester of 2000-2001 school year. It is therefore possible that the student became ineligible before January 12. The Little Rock School District administration learned about this on April 27. Dr. Lacey immediately began to research this matter. During the time period between the week of January 8 and April 27, timely attendance checking and monitoring did not occur. For three months, there apparently was no supervisory safety net for the only Central basketball player in SIP. The system in place broke down. We find this regrettable, even though it was the student's responsibility to attend the class. After reviewing this very unfortunate example, we believe it could have and should have been prevented. - 3 - One lesson learned is that there should be documented and mandatory 24-hour notification from the SIP coordinator to the coach, principal, school athletic administrator, athletic director and assistant superintendent for secondary school services of each unexcused absence by an athlete who is attending for eligibility. We also endorse what the Little Rock School Board said in its May 17 statement: that it plans to meet with the incoming superintendent to clearly state policies and procedures and to confirm lines of authority, responsibility and accountability to ensure compliance. (Attachment F). In addition, the district should clearly define who will be doing the required reporting to the Arkansas Department of Education and the AAA. Grades During the first semester 2000-2001, 13 of the 16 Central players had no grade changes. Changes made for two players had no impact on eligibility at all. One player had changes made in four subjects and also received credit for a Plato course. According to the registrar at Central, "the Plato program is offered to all students who have failed or are failing a course or courses in the mainstream curriculum. It allows each student to progress at his or her own pace so those students complete the coursework at different times. There are no quarter grades or exam grades--only final grades. The teacher or facilitator gives the registrar the grade upon each student's completion of the work." In addition to the Accelerated Learning Center and the Alternative Leaming Center, the Plato program is offered at Central, Fair, Hall and McClellan. The schools view it as an alternative education program. In 1999-2000, there were 123 students in the program at Central and no varsity basketball players. In 2000-2001 there were 144 students in the program at Central and one varsity basketball player. The one Central varsity basketball player who was in the Plato course in the first semester 2000-2001 received a "B" in Algebra I. He registered for the program on August 9, 2000 and began class on August 23, 2000. His grade was turned in on January 26, 2001 and was posted on January 30, 2001. The course subject and the grade were posted manually by the registrar because the course had been listed in the computer as Plato and not Algebra. The student athlete did not participate in any varsity basketball games prior to January 30, 2001. - 4 - Questions have arisen about whether Plato course credit should count in the grade point average. According to the Little Rock School District Curriculum publication, if it is an alternative education program, it should be counted as part of the grade point average. (Attachment G) If it is a credit by examination program, it should not. (Attachment H) While we think there needs to be an official district interpretation, Plato has been treated as an alternative education program at Central, Fair, Hall and McClellan since its inception. It has been counted in the grade point averages of all students who participated at these schools. The athlete in question was treated just like everyone else. Along with the "B" Plato Algebra credit, grade changes in four subjects resulted in the student's athletic eligibility. (Attachment I) With all the grade changes and with the "B" in Plato Algebra, he made a 2.0. Letters from each of the teachers who changed the grades are enclosed with the report. The student and teacher names are redacted. (Attachments J, K, Land M) Grade changes are not uncommon in LRSD high schools and grades are often changed for good reasons. The discretion of teachers and administrators to change grades is broad. The committee found no evidence that athletes were the primary beneficiaries of grade changes. According to the documentation, in one course this student received extra credit for purchasing and donating two novels to the class. In another class the student's first semester grade changed due to improved performance in the early part of the second semester. We seriously question whether or not these changes comply with the District's grading policy. (Attachment N) We believe procedures should be implemented which include time limitations on both grade changes and make-up work. In cases of multiple grade changes involving one student, we believe central office administrative oversight should be required. Even though teachers and administrators currently have wide discretion in making grade changes and while the student became eligible as a result of these four changes, we find them troubling. Central's registrar said when she learned of them she notified the school's principal. We think her notification was appropriate. However, we also conclude, notwithstanding this one very unique case, that grade changes for other players on the Central basketball team have been justified, rare and unrelated to eligibility. The schools should monitor student athlete grades not only because of eligibility but to make certain that academics are stressed as well as athletics. - 5 - Recruiting On the matter of recruiting, the Little Rock School District is one of only three school districts in Arkansas which have more than one high school. The AAA rules are written primarily with the other 307 districts in mind. The AAA rules do not specifically address the unique issues of intra-district recruiting. LRSD is unique in Arkansas because recruiting of students is an essential element of the district's voluntary desegregation plan. LRSD has established a number of school choice options, including magnet schools and specialty programs to attract students. The problem comes when students are recruited by high school coaches solely for athletics. There is presently no LRSD board policy differentiating between the expected recruiting for desegregation purposes and recruiting solely for athletic purposes. The AAA rules, which prohibit recruiting but do not define it, have not served as a significant deterrent. The District should take steps to define and prohibit impermissible recruiting of student athletes. This recommendation is not intended to limit a school's ability to inform students about all programs and extra-curricular activities available to them. Attendance Attendance is another issue of immediate concern. In our review, we have concluded that computerized attendance records do not necessarily correspond with teacher recorded attendance records. For example, in Central's block scheduling system, there is a first period "A" course and a first period "B" course. When the report cards are issued, the period one absences for both "A" and "B" are combined rather than listed separately. Parents, therefore, do not have an accurate accounting of the first period "A" absences or the first period "B" absences. This in itself makes monitoring and compliance more difficult. It also justifiably subjects attendance records to questions about accuracy. - 6 - For example, according to computerized attendance records received just yesterday afternoon, three students exceeded the maximum number of allowable unexcused absences during the first semester 2000-2001. (Attachment 0) They, nevertheless, received credit for the courses. One of the lessons learned is there needs to be an additional procedure in place by which each coach receives regular and accurate attendance reports for his or her athletes to verify their eligibility. Currently, the procedure appears to be 'hit and miss.' Conclusion In summary, we believe the issues and problems with Central basketball eligibility for the most part are reflective of district-wide issues. Throughout this report, we've attempted to make it clear that the lessons learned are lessons for the entire district, not just for Central High School. The vast majority of these problems were the result of inadequate procedures, benign neglect and poor organization - all of which can be fixed in a timely manner. We believe the board will do just that and, along with a new superintendent and new athletic director, put the mechanisms in place to get it done. Without diminishing the significance of the findings in this report, it is important to note that the committee found no evidence of an intent to knowingly use an ineligible player. The facts, to the best of our ability, are now before you. We have completed our task within the 10-day time frame. Following any questions you might have, the committee will have concluded its assignment. - 7 - nsas Activities Asso 3 920 Ric-hards ~oad. North Little Rock,. AR' 72117 501-955-2500 FAX 501-955-2600/955-2521 Building Citizenship Through Activities Partlcipation ATTACHME TA t ' t \ : . Amateur- Tryouts Scholarship (Academics) Rule 8. AMATEUR. A. The amateur rule for eligibility in interscholastic athletics requires the student to engage in sport solely for the pleasure and physical, mental, or social benefit derived from participation in sports and to whom sport is nothing more than an avocation. B. The junior high or senior high student who violates the amateur rule in any of the AAA-sponsored sports may lose eligiblility in that sport for up to one full year (365 days). C. Violations. A student may not: 1. Compete under an assumed name. 2. Accept monetary awards or compensation. This includes: cash
gift certificates
expenses for a trip or any other of this type award. 3. Accept gifts or awards exceeding $100.00 in value unless the gifts or awards are given under the auspices of the school
however, the student may receive awards of equipment in golf, tennis and road races as permitted in the amateur rules of the USGA, the USTA, and USATF. 4. Receive remuneration for coaching, instructing, or preparing any person for competition
except, he may receive from an organization offering instruction in sport skills to youth, monetary compensation on an hourly basis or as a salary for teaching basic skills. 5. A student who has participated interscholastically may not permit his name, picture, or person to be used to advertise, recommend, or promote a firm or a product. NOTE: An athlete may be named a player of the week or game and be presented a certificate or plaque provided there is no advertising connected with the pie-ture or announcement. NOTE: A team picture may appear on a calendar or poster. This indicates support for the school. 6. Compete with or against a professional except in: a. Pro-Am golf meets
when the scores of the professional and the amateur are not combined for a team score
7. Appear in a competition before or during a professional event except as approved by the Arkansas Activities Association. NOTE: Since it is impossible to cover all instances of possible violations to the amateur rule, it is suggested that the Executive Director be consulted in any questionable case. Rule 9. TRYOUTS. A. A student may not play with a college or a professional team without losing eligibility for up to one year in the sport played. B. A student may not try out for a college or professional team during the school year without losing eligibility for up to one year in that sport. NOTE: A tryout consists of athletic demonstrations relative to a specific sport in the presence of a coach, scout, or official representing an institution or club. Rule 10. SCHOLARSHIP. (Academics) A. Junior high. A student promoted from the sixth to the seventh grade automatically meets the academic eligibility (scholarship) requirements. A student promoted from the seventh to the eighth grade automatically meets the academic eligibility requirements for the first semester. The second semester eighth grade student and the first semester ninth grade student meet the academic eligi bility requirements for junior high by successfully passing four (4) academic courses the previous semester, three of which shall be in the core curriculum areas specified by the Arkansas Department of Education's Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools. Ninth grade students must meet the senior high academic eligibility by the end of second semester in order to be eligible to participate the fall of their tenth grade year. "'8. Senior high. A student who does not meet the Arkansas Department of Education's requirement of a 2.00 GPA or has not met the proficiency standard defined by the State Board of Education on the state criterion-referenced tests or achieved at or above the fiftieth percentile on the basic battery on the normreferenced test may continue to participate by meeting the following requirements: b. Semi-professional baseball games
however, the stu- / dent must compete within the definition of ama- V 1. The student must have passed four academic courses teurism . in the previous semester. Any of these four courses for 2000-2001 AAA Handbook - Page 33 which concurrent high school credit is earned may be from an institution of higher learning recognized by the Arkansas Department of Education. 2. The student must be enrolled in and attending a supplemental instruction program approved by the Arkansas Department of Education, or a supplemental instruction program meeting ADE guidelines as approved by AAA. 3. The student must have no unexcused absences for the current semester or its equivalent. 4. The student must have no school disciplinary action for the current semester. School disciplinary action may be defined by the school but, as a minimum, the policy shall state that a student has been disciplined when being placed on suspension where the student is out of school for a period of time. 5. The student must have no known criminal convictions. Academic Course: An academic course is one for which class time is scheduled and which can be credited to meet minimum requirements for graduation
which is taught by a teacher required to have state certification in the course, and which has a course content guide approved by the Arkansas Department of Education. NOTE: P.E. may be considered an academic course for one full credit within the 21 minimum credits. The first time a P.E. grade appears on the transcript in grades 9-12 is when it will be considered an academic course. C. ALTERNATE COURSE CREDIT. A student may satisfy the requirement by successfully completing a course(s) failed or courses(s) needed or an equivalent course(s) in a summer term(s) or a correspondence course(s) approved by the Arkansas Department of Education for granting credit for graduation requirements. Such credit shall be applied to the previous semester. NOTE: When the same course is repeated, the former grade may be replaced. When a substitute course is completed, the grade shall be added to the courses for the previous semesters and the GPA recomputed. D. SPECIAL EDUCATION (HANDICAPPED). A student must have earned passing grades in four academic courses of the I.E.P. for the previous semester. In junior high three of the four courses must be in the core curriculum areas (Math, Science, English, Social Studies). E. CHANGING ELIGIBILITY STATUS. A student may Page 34 - 2000-2001 AAA Handbook regain or lose academic eligibility the first day of classes in a new semester. Eligibility shall be determined twice per year, once at the beginning of the fall semester (August/September) and once at mid-term (December /January). Rationale - An athlete must first be a student and must meet certain minimum academic requirements. R.!!k..11. INELIGIBLE IN ANOTHER STATE. A student who is ineligible in any sport under the rules of the state association in the state of the student's residence will, upon transfer to any AAA member school be ineligible for interscholastic competition. If Arkansas' rules are less restricitive than the rules of the state where the student has been attending, the student may become eligible to participate in interscholastic competition in Arkansas upon the approval of the Executive Director. Rationale - To prevent parents from shopping for a school in Arkansas when their child is ineligible in their home state. Rule 12. PARTICIPATION ON NON-SCHOOL TEAMS. A. TEAM SPORTS 1. A student who is a member of a school's athletic team and who has engaged in interscholastic competition may not try out for, practice with, or otherwise participate with, or be a member of a non-school athletic team in the same sport, in season, without losing eligibility for up to a full year (365 days) from the date of such participation with the non-school team. This limitation shall apply to the team sports of football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, and soccer, except that in baseball, softball and soccer, a member of an interscholastic baseball, softball or soccer team may try out for or practice with a non-school team on days when the school team does not practice or play
however, this exception for baseball, softball and soccer shall not apply in weeks the school team is i!)volved in AAA-sponsored championship tournaments. 2. Participation on a non-school athletic team in the same sport, in season, shall define in season as the AAA established beginning date until the end of the state tournament in that sport for grades 9-12 in the sports of football, volleyball and basketball. 3. Students in grades 7-9 shall have end of seasor, defined as, when their high school team has been eliminated from qualifying competition for anJ conference, region or state championship for the sports of baseball, softball and soccer.
, ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RULES AND REGULATIONS ESTABLISHING THE ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN COMPETITIVE INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES Revised September 2000 ===-== =-=================--~=== l[oo J\!'E~LATORY AUTHORlT~'.---~ 7 i-01 \ These regulations shall be known as Arkansas \ \ Department of Education Regulations Governing \ School DistJict Academic Requirements for Student Participation in Competitive Interscholastic Activities. [ l.02\ These regulations a,e enacted pmsuant to the State \ \ Board of Education's authority under Arkansas Code 1 ___ Annotated 6-11-l OS and 6-15-202 (1999 Repl.). \[!i(i_]j:uRPOSE ] 1 2.01 The purpose of these regulations is to set forth for \ school districts the Standard for Academic Requirements for Competitive Interscholastic Activity 1 \ Partici~ation which schools must meet in order to be \ i accredited. the acadermc standards for public school competitive \ The further _Purpose of these regulations is to est~b_llsh interscholastic activities. [ooJ DEFl l ITIO s 3.01 "Competitive Interscholastic Activities" as used in these regulations mean those school-sponsored 1 activities in which students from two or more schools are competing for the purpose of receiving an award, 1 rating, recognition, or criticism, or qualification for additional competition. These regulations apply to 1 r competitive interscholastic activities only. 3.021"Supplemental Instruction Program" as used in these I regulations means an additional instructional o_ppo:1unity for identified students_ outside of their ume m the regular classroom and 1s further defined as: \ \ 3 .02. l a program verified and certified by the. \ \ administration of the local scho_o~ distnct 1 and the sponsors of the compet1 tl ve \ interscholastic activities in which the school I district participates, and r--T 3.02.2\' a program directed by a state-certified 1\[L - -_,1. \ classroom teacher, and 3 .02 .3\ a program z-
i
d
, an assessment of \ the factors contributing to the student's TT CHM TTB \ \ l__JI !!inadequate academic performance, and I 1:====:~=== 3.02.41 a program designed to provide instruction I specific to the needs of the student in subject 1 areas where he is experiencing inadequate performance by providing assistance to the student by teachers, volunteers, or other I students who are proficient in the identified I J subject areas and that the instruction is focused on improving the student's skills in I the identified subject(s), and =-:==3=.0=2=_==:5 a program which requires identified school J personnel to contact the student's parent(s) 1
====
====, or guardian(s) to explain the supplemental instrnctional program to discuss the recommended course of action to meet the needs of their student, and the identified school personnel is required to keep a record of the contact made and the responses of the parent(s) or guardian(s), and 3.02.6 a program with procedures defined by the local district for monitoring student progress that includes requiring a progress report to be filed each grading period from the classroom teacher(s) in the subject a.rea(s) where the student's inadequate perfonnance has occuned with t11e report(s) sent to and held by the district's appointed director of the program. ~ ,========================== 3.03 "Academic courses" as used in these regulations means ==== those courses that are identified in the Arkansas Department of Education's Standards for !Accreditation of Arkansas Public Sclzools as one of the 38 course offe1ings or is a definable course for which class time is scheduled and which can be credited to meet the minimum requirements for graduation and is taught by a teacher required to have State certification in the course, and has been approved by the Arkansas Department of Education. Any of these courses for which concurrent high school credit is earned may be from an institution of higher education recognized by the Arkansas Department of Education. 3.03 .1 Physical education (PE) may be considered an academic course for one full credit within the 21 minimum credits required for graduation by the Arkansas Department of Education's Standards for Accreditation of !Arkansas Public Sclzools, and for eligibility I purposes, the first time the PE ~a.de app_ears on the transcript in grades 9-12 1s when 11 r- - ............. ~ .............. .:wvv 1.ltlll L.JI llwill be considered an academic course. I 3.03.2 A student may satisfy an academic requirement by successfully completing academic course(s) failed which must be repeated and passed
or academic course(s) needed
or an equivalent course(s) in a summer term(s)
or a correspondence course(s) approved by the local school board for granting credit for graduation requirements. If the identical course(s) is/are taken in the regular school year, in summer school, or by correspondence, the better grade(s) may be substituted for computing the Grade Point Average of the student for
=== the previous semester. 3.03.3 If an academic course, as defined in Section 3.03, is scheduled for 90 minutes per day every day of the semester as in the case of schools set up on block schedules and the student passes the course, then that course can be counted twice toward meeting the requirement for students to pass four ( 4) academic courses as used in any following section. 1 4.00 I ST Al~DARD: COMPETITIVE INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES POLICY ,--- 4.01 Each school district shall adopt and operate by a written policy specifying the requirements for competitive interscholastic activity pru.ticipation which shall include, but shall not be limited to, the requirements set forth herein in Section 5.00. LJ ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETITIVE INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION 5.01 The State Standard Requirements for Junior High Effective Spring Semester, 1997-98 School Year. A student promoted from the sixth to the seventh grade automatically meets scholarship requirements. A student promoted from the seventh to the eighth grade automatically meets scholarship requirements for the first semester. The second semester ei_ghi1_1-gi:_aje student meet~ the scholarship req~fre"m~ntsf.9r:iu11.i,or 1ugh ff he has successfuliy passed-four-(4) acad~giic courses the previous semester, three (3) of which shall be in the core curriculum areas of math, science, social studies, and language arts specifi.ed by the Arkansas Department of Education's Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools. I S.02 jjThe first semester ninth-grade student meets the I II scholarship requirements for junior high if he has successfully passed four ( 4) academic courses the previous semester, three (3) of which shall be in the core cuniculum area of math, science, social studies, and language a.tis specified by the Arkansas Department of Education's Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Sclzools. :===:=========================: 5.03 The second semester ninth-grade sh1dent meets the scholarship requirements for junior high ifhe has successfully passed four (4) academic courses the previous semester which count toward his graduation ~ requirements. 5.04 Ninth-grade students must meet the requirements of the senior high scholarship rule as set forth herein in Sections 5. 0 5 and 5. 06 by the end of the second semester in the ninth grade in order to be eligible to participate the fall semester of their tenth-grade year. Student promotions at the seventh and eighth grades meet scholarship requirements for participation in competitive interscholastic activities. 5.05 The State Standard Requirements for Senior High Effective Spring Semester, 1997-98 School Year. In order to remain eligible for competitive interscholastic activity, a student must have passed four ( 4) academic courses the previous semester and either: 5.05.l Have earned a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 from all academic courses the previous semester, or Have met the "proficiency perfo1mance standard" as defined by the State Board of Education on the state crite1ion-referenced literacy end-of-course test in the eleventh-grade for twelfth-grade eligibility, or ' Have met the "proficiency performance standard" as defined by the State Board of Education on the state criterion-referenced ~lgebr~eGme-try-efi&- urse tests, or ~chieved at or above the 50t ( percentile on the Basic Battery on the norm-referenced test administered by the state, for tenth-and eleventh-grade eligib ty, or 5.05.2 Loca~ds..m~1:resfa waiver from the State Standard by submitting a plan following a required fo1mat to the Department of Education to implement the procedures for a supplemental instruction program outlined in Section 5.06. The LJLJIIDep~rtment will review the pla~ and approve:! or disapprove the requested waiver. LJ If th: student has passed four ( 4) academic courses the previous semester but does not meet any one of the requirements in Section 5.05.1, then the student must: 5.06.1 Be enrolled and attending a supplemental instruction program of at least 100 minutes duration each week outside the regular school day in the subject areas where inadequate performance has occurred. and Have no unexcused absences for the cunent semester or its equivalent and Have no school disciplinary actions for the current semester or its equivalent or known := criminal convictions. 5.06.2 A policy statement defining "school disciplinary action" for purposes of imposing a sanction under Section 5.06.1 shall be adopted by the local school board and distributed to the schools prior to enforcing a sanction. As a minimum, the policy shall state that when a student has been disciplined by being placed on suspension where he is out of school for a period of time will be defined as a "school disciplinary action" for the pw-poses of these regulations. 5.06.3 At the end of each semester grading period (December/January or May/June) if it is detelTilined by the supplemental instruction program director that the student in the supplemental instructional program is not meeting the State Standard Requirements in Section 5.05.1 for participation in competitive interscholastic activities, the student must remain in the supplemental instructional program during the following semester grading peiiod. 5.06.4 Sanctions. At any point the student falls out of compliance with any criteria in Section 5.06.1 during the semester, he wi11 be immediately suspended from competition for the remainder of the semester and must remain in the supplemental instructional program in order for his eligibility to be reconsidered at the end of the semester. If a I student fails to participate in the supplemental instructional program during ! any semester, then eligibility can only be LJLJ regained by the student earning a Grade Point Average of2 .0 from all academic courses lhe previous semester. 5.06.5 lf a student is declared ineligible at the end I of the fall semester and only participates in interscholastic competitive activities during the fall semester, he must be placed in the supplemental instrnction program and meet the requirements in Section 5.06.1 during the spring semester in order to be considered for eligibility the following fall. The same requirement applies to a student who only participates in spring semester activities. He must be placed in the supplemental instruction program and meet the requirements in Section 5.06.1 during the next fall semester in order to be considered == for eligibility in the following spring. 5.06.6 For the purposes of meeting the supplemental instruction requirement in Section 5.06.1, a "week" shall be considered to begin and end with the close of the official school day on Friday. 5.06.7 Any school district which would like to submit an alternative proposal for providing the supplemental instruction program during the school day may request a waiver from the State Board of Education for this requirement. These waiver requests will be considered by the State Board of Education on a school-by-school basis. School district officials seeking this waiver may need to appear before the State Board at a regularly scheduled meeting. 5.06.8 Any school district which requested and received a waiver as described in 5.06.7 from the State Board of Education following the effective date of the 1997 revisions will not have to reapply for this waiver as of the effective date of the 2000 revisions. 5.06.9 Reporting requirement: At the end of each school year, any school with an approved supplemental instruction program must file a report with the Department of Education on fom1s provided by the Department or electronically as directed by the Department. r, Students with disabilities under IDEA function under conditions specified in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) in order to be considered eligible to Ill lp:11 arKeau.stale.ar.USIU(J 7.hlrr LJ participate in competitive interscholastic activities. In order to be considered eligible to paiticipate in these activities, students with disabilities must pass at least four ( 4) courses required by the sh1dent's IBP. LJ The regulations as set forth herein in Sections 5 .01 through 5.07 establish the minimum academic requirements for participation. Noncompetitive interscholastic activity and competitive intrascholastic activity participation are not affected by these regulations. ~\PENALTY I 6.01 Any school which allows a_st.udent toyarticipate in _~ ~o.wpetttive interscholastic.activity w~o is ineligible as defineq by these rules and regulations must rep<::>rt such a violation inunediately upon discovery of the violation to the Director of the Department of Education. = 6.02 A school will be placed in probationary status for allowing a student who has not met the established academic requirements in Section 5 .00 to participate in competitive interscholastic activities. Such probationary status will begin with the school year in which the violation occurs. If an eligibility violation occurs during either one of the next two following academic school years, then the school will be placed in loss of accreditation status. :== 6.03 These regulations establish the minimum requirements a school district's policy on competitive interscholastic activity participation must meet in order for schools in the district to be accredited. Local school districts are not precluded from implementing higher standards in their efforts to improve student achievement. ADE Homepage OF THE ELIGIBILITY OF TT J J GRADE BASKETBALL PLAYER CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL ~elow is the timeline, indicating dates of occurrences and actions: MAY 1 6 ?.001 pril 27 received a phone call from Mrs. Laura Flanigan, Assistant Athletic Director. A returned call to Ms. lanigan indicated that she had information that had not attended SIP since January, yet he had played in the state tournament. (The January date proved inaccurate
rather, March 1, 2001, was the verified date.) I called Mr. Howard, who agreed to investigate. In the meantime, Ms. Flanigan had stated that she would check the SIP logs for verification of attendance. Mr. Howard reported his findings (see Mr. Howard's message below. His April 31 e-mail, and packet are on file). I, had stopped SIP. However, he should not have been in SIP" because of 5.05 of the Arkansas Department of Education Rules and Reaulations. Ms. Flanigan reported her findings as copied from her memo. (Her April 30 memo and accompanying packet are on file.) A section from her memo follows: After a careful check of the sign-in sheets, I found that the student in question, did indeed stop attending the required SIP sessions on 3/1/01, as well as missed sessions on several occasions prior to that date (1/9, 1/18, 2/27)
from that point on he was ineligible to participate in athletics with the Little Rock School District. However, .. participated in the 2001 AAAAA Central State Basketball Tournament and Championship for Central High School. Students are given the opportunity to make up sessions missed because an (a.m. & p.m.) session is offered to students. According to the records, no attempt was made for make-up. According to the rules and regulations of the program, no absences are allowed (that includes class absences) while in the program but as you can see from the enclosed attendance log, T &Dwas listed absent on a daily basis. That violation in itself would disqualify a student from participation. This phase of the program should be monitored by the school administration but I realize that they are as I am, stretched to the limit and time is not always available to keep on top on all of this information so I am forced to look this up on the computer when I have the opportunity to do so. ATTACHME TC Reviewed all data from Mr. Howard and Ms. Flanigan and talked with Dr. Ed Williams in Evaluation and Testing. The findings are as follows: -1 est data provided by the school does indicate above 50 percentile on the basic battery for W&U, however, the data represent the results of C 10th grade testing, rather than "previous semester" as stipulated in SIP rules and regulations. Mrs. Flanigan's data appear accurate and complete. Dr. Williams reported that there were no test results for the previous semester because 11th graders do not take the Stan&rd 9 Test and the end-of-level tests are pilot tests. Therefore, had no test results for his 11th grade year, making the 5.05 invalid. Mav 7 Discussion of situation in the Superintendent's Cabinet meeting. Dr. Carnine advised legal consultation with our lawyers. Telephone conversation with Clay Fendley, who advised that I seek answers from an interview with Mr. Howard, the student, (SIP coordinator), and Coach..., NC , finding out if the coach and principal knew that the student was not in SIP. Other questions to be answered: Did someone tell the student to stop? Did talk with anyone at the school? Did we intentionally, purposefully violate policy or was this a mistake in reading the regulations, etc.? ,, ,cerviews held with Mr. Howard, John Kelly (assistant principal in charge of athletics),~, ~,and :a I- ,~ I explained my findings to Mr. Howard and Mr. Kelly, informing them of the problem with the test scores and, consequently, eligibility. At this point it seemed that we played an ineligible player in some games, including the state tournament. Mr. Howard and Mr. Kelly both acknowledged that the first time they knew of the possibility of Ii iJeing ineligible was April 27. Neither was aware that a Q had stopped going to SIP. Mr. Howard admitted at this point that J a did not attend SIP the week before the state tournament and the documentation does not help. eported that he "stopped going." (He had no reason.) He stated that no one told him to stop. reported that she gave the coaches a copy of the attendance log after the Tuesday and Thursday sessions and that she had told tr :while passing him in the hall), "I haven't seen you in SIP." had responded "he didn't need to go anymore." stated that he first found out tha I had not attended SIP on April 27. He - [i:her stated that he had delegated the responsibility of attending the SIP class and the checking of "1e attendance logs to his assistant. ddendum - Ma 14 2001 1:30 .m. talked with Mr. Ray Lumpkin, Arkansas Department of Education. A summary of the conversation r 11lws: ,S ,He received a call from il T I C approximately two weeks ago, inquir~out the 5.05 section of the SIP. Mr. Lumpkin emphatically stated that this section applies to eligibility only for the 10th and 11th grade years. For the athlete to be eligible during the 12th grade year, he must either have passed the four .\:lasic courses, with a 2.0, or attend SIP--not missing a day. If the athlete misses one day unexcused, "he's ineligible immediately." He added, "The sanctions imposed by the Arkansas Department of Education are different from those imposed by the Arkansas Activities Association: the first time - we give a warning
second time - the school loses its accreditation." Mr. Lumpkin further mentioned that about "three or four weeks ago, Mrs. Flanigan had invited him to a meeting with the high school coaches where he talked about SIP." SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM PLAN A. Describe how you plan to offer the required 100 minutes of supplemental instruction each week outside of the regular school day for the students, and how you will monitor attendance. The Little Rock School District will use the 1997 ADE Rules and Regulations Establishing the Academic Standards for Student Participation in Competitive Interscholastic Activities as the eligibility rule-s for the District (attached), - The--Little Rock-school- District -will-operate a-supplemental instruction program outside the regular school day for students in grades nine through twelve who are participants in competitive interscholastic activities (including cheerleaders and drill team members) and who have passed four academic courses the previous semester but have failed to maintain a 2.00 grade point average during the semester preceding participation. The program will be developed in each secondary school by the principal and faculty and will be directed by a certified teacher (coordinator) at each building. The coordinator at each building will be assisted at each program session by a coach or sponsor who is working with students involved in the program. Students wishing to continue as participants in competitive interscholastic activities will attend two hours per week of supplemental instruction in those courses in which their grades fall below the required 2.00 grade average. After the roster of participants is developed by the school coordinator, attendance will be recorded for each session. B. How will the factors contributing to the inadequate academic performance by students in the Supplemental Instruction Program be assessed? Explain what assessment tools will be used. The supplemental instruction program will be based on an assessment of factors that contributed to the student's inadequate performance. Teachers of the courses wherein the student performed below the 2.00 grade level will identify the concepts that were not sufficiently mastered by the student and will provide instructional materials to be completed during the supplemental instruction program. The concepts will be identified from a review of the course objectives that were not successfully mastered and/or a profile of the concepts not mastered on standardized tests. ATTACHME TD C. Describe how the program will be designed to specifically address the needs of the students in the subject areas where assistance is needed (i.e., math, science, social studies, language arts, etc.). Include in your explanation whether or not you will use classroom teachers, volunteers, and/or students who have demonstrated knowledge in the identified subject areas. If the student tutors are used, what criteria will be used to identify these students? Instructional materials identified by the teacher will be provided to the coordinator of the supplemental instruction program for each participating student. Those materials will be distributed to the student for completion during the program sessions. The coordinator may be assisted in the program sessions by other teachers, volunteers, ---- - - - ---- or--by---peer--tutors (students- who- have -demonstrated mastery -ef-the concepts, as evidenced by making a 3.00 grade point in the course in which assistance is being provided). D. Who will contact the student's parents or guardians to explain the supplemental instruction program and how will this process be documented? The coach/sponsor of the student who wishes to participate in the supplemental instruction program will contact the student's parent and explain the program and the recommended course of action to reestablish the student's academic eligibility. The coach/sponsor will record the contact and any parental response to the program. E. Explain the procedures that will be used to monitor student progress while the students are in the supplemental instruction program. Be certain to include as one of the requirements a progress report to be filed each grading period by the classroom teachers in the subject areas where the students are experiencing difficulty. The supplemental instruction program director is required to keep a copy of these progress reports on file. Progress of the students participating in the supplemental instructional program will be monitored quarterly by use of the interim progress report for all students who are failing, are near failure, or who are working below capacity, Interim reports will be complet~d l>y the classroom teacher at the mid-point of each quarter and will be sent home to the parent, and a copy provided to the coordinator of the program. Progress will also be monitored by the distribution of quarterly grade reports by all teachers. Grade reports will be sent home to parents, and a copy will also be provided to the program coordinator. Both interim and quarterly grade reports will be retained by the program coordinator for each student who participated in the program. F. Explain the procedures you will use during the semester, and the end of each semester (December/January or May/June, to determine if the students in the Supplemental Instruction Program maintain eligibility. Include in the explanation how the requirements in Section 5.03 of the rules and regulations wlll be monitored. Students who choose to participated in the supplemental instruction program will maintain their eligibility during the semester by having passed four academic courses the previous semester (with PE counting as an academic course the first time it appears on the transcript in grades 9-12), by attending sessions of the program, having no unexcused absences or out-out-school suspensions for the current semester, and having no criminal convictions during the current semester,- -- --- - - -- - - ---- -- - - - - If, at the end of the semester (January/June), it is determined by the program coordinator that the student in the supplemental instruction program is not meeting the State Standard Requirements in section 5.02.1 of the ADE Rules and Regulations Establishing the Academic Standards for Student Participation in Competitive Interscholastic Activities, the student must remain in the supplemental instruction program during the following semester grading period. At any point the student falls out of compliance with any criteria in Section 5.03.1 during the semester, he will be immediately suspended from competition for the remainder of the semester but remain in the supplemental instruction program in order for his eligibility to be reconsidered at the end of the semester. If a student is declared ineligible at the end of the fall semester and only participates in interscholastic competitive activities during the fall semester, he must be placed in the supplemental instruction program and meet the requirements in section 5.03.1 during the spring semester in order to be considered for eligibility the following fall. The same requirement applies to a student who only participates in the spring semester activities. He must be placed in the supplemental program and meet the requirements in section 5.03.1 during the next fall semester in order to be considered for eligibility in the following spring. Students with disabilities that have been documented under IDEA function under conditions specified in their individualized Education Program (IEP) in order to be considered eligible to participate in competitive interscholastic activities. In order to be considered eligible to participate in these activities, students with disabilities must pass at least ( 4) courses required by the student's IEP. A school will be placed in probationary status for allowing a st1.1dent who has not met the established academic requirements in Section 5.00 to participate in competitive interscholastic activities. Such probationary status will begin with the school year in which the violation occurs. If an eligibility violation occurs during either one of the next two academic school years, then the school will be placed in loss of accreditation status. Any coach/sponsor who knowingly violates the Little Rock School District plan for the supplemental instruction program, herein described, will be subject to the penalties set forth in the LRSD Policy IGD-R (1989-90). The Little Rock School District has chosen to implement a higher standard than the regulations required to improve academic -achievement by including grade nine students as a part of this program. The District Coordinator of the Supplemental Instruction Program is Ms. Laura Flanigan of the Athletic Office. Committee: Ray Gillespie, Athletic Director Laura Flanigan, Athletic Office Shirley Goodnight, J.A. Fair High School Sandra McFadden, Forest Heights Middle School Jay Pickering, Parkview Magnet High School Marcus Davis, Cloverdale Middle School Tiffany Gunn, Mcclellan High School Rashunda White, J.A. Fair-High School Nick Davis, Parkview Magnet High School rkansas Activities Associ . 3 920 Ricli.ar~s _RQa:d North Little Rock, AR 72117 501-955-2500 FAX 501-955-2600/955--2521 ite a '131.E .A. . S.PO.RT ll Building Citizenship Through Activities Participation ATTACHME TE '. . : . Non-School Participation Physical Exam - Hardship Exceptions 4. The definition of a non-school team includes one or more of the following: a. A team affiliated with and scheduled for participation in an organized league. b. A team participating against a team that meets criterion (1.) above. c. A team identified by a name or a uniform, and which participates in contests independent from league affiliation. NOTE: Practice is an activity involving the players of only one school's team. B. NATIONAL TEAM, OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, AND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLSPORT FEDERATION. An exception to A. above may be granted: 1. A National Team (and the actual, direct tryouts therefore), which is defined as one selected by the national governing body (NGB) of the sport on a national qualification basis, either through a defined selective process or actual tryouts, for the purpose of international competition which requires the entries to officially represent their respective nations, although it is not necessary that there be team scoring by nation
or 2. in an Olympic Development Program, which is defined as a training program or competition: a. conducted or sponsored by the United States Olympic Committee (USO()
or b. directly funded and conducted by the USOC member national governing body (NGB) on a national level (e.g. NGB national championship competition and the direct qualifications therefore)
or c. specifically authorized by a national governing body involving only athletes previously identified by the NGB as having potential for future participation in regional, national or international competition in the sport involved
Provided in 1, 2, and 3: a. participation, if during the school year, is approved by the student's school administration, and the Arkansas Activities Association is notified in writing by the principal at least 30 days prior to the date of the program
and b. the student makes prior arrangement to complete missed academic lessons, assignments, and tests before the last day of classes of the credit grading period in which that student's absence occurs
and c. the student misses no AAA-sponsored athletic event involving a team in that sport. Rationale - To prevent conflicts in coaching philosophies during the school season and to prevent athletes from being exploited by over-participation. .!Mu.3.. PARTIGPATION IN INDMDUAL NON-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES. A. A student who is a member of a school's athletic program as a participant in a sport and who has engaged in interscholastic competition in that sport may enter non-school competition as an individual during or outside of the school season for that sport. These individual sports include: Cross Country, Track, Gymnastics, Tennis, Golf, and Swimming. B. If a participant is school-sponsored, the activity must be sanctioned under Article II, Section 8, Rule 6, Sanction (Approval)' of Events. Rationale - Athletes may participate on an individual basis without harm to a team since they compete by themselves. This provides opportunities for individuals to participate in a normally limited season. .!M.e.._li. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION. In any year that a student engages in interscholastic competition, the student must present to the coach a physical examination verification prior to beginning practice. Rationale - The coaches and school administration must be assured that the athletes are physically fit prior to beginning practice as well as competition. ~fu!k...15.. HARDSHIP EXCEPTIONS FOR ELIGIBILITY. Upon petition from a student's school administrator, the Executive Director is authorized to waive the requirements of all eligibility rules except the age rule if the school develops acceptable proof based on the stated criteria for such a waiver. A. Residence Exceptions: 1. After an investigation, a court of law has removed the student from the parents or guardians and subsequently assigned the student a place of residence. 2. The student is an orphan or there is no record of the parent's whereabouts. 3. The student's parents are out-of-state residents and the student is attending school in a school district where the parents maintain a legal residence (military, etc.). 4. The student's parents(s) have abrogated their responsibility toward the student as parents. .S. The student's parent(s) employment requires absence from home a great portion of the time the student is home and have arranged residence with relatives or friends for the purpose of supervision. 6. The student is married and living with a spouse, having a parent with residence in school district, or a spouse who had an established residence in the district one year previous to the marriage. 7. A student having lived three continuous years at any time as a bona fide member of a family may establish the family heads as substitute parents with respect to the residence rule. 8. An extreme and unusual circumstance exists that is no fault of the student or the parents. NOTE: The Executive Director is authorized to specify limitations or contingency conditions as needed when giving approvals, to ensure that such student shall not be induced to another school district or played under the pretense of being eligible should the eligibility status change. NOTE: The petition shall not be authorized if the director obtains reliable information that the student is transferring to the petitioning school primarily for athletic purposes or as a result of inducement or recruitment. B. Exception to Other Eligibility Requirements. 1. There has been an extreme and unusual circumstance that is no fault of the student, the parent, or the school that has prevented school attendance sufficient to cause that student to be in violation of the drop-out rule or the scholarship rule or the semester rule. 2. The student has been identified as being in need of special education or other special programs of study as authorized by the Arkansas Department of Education regulations, but is subsequently required by the school to participate in non-recommended courses. NOTE: If negligence or irresponsibility on the part of Page 36 - 2000-2001 MA Handbook the parent or school has a significant influence relative to the student being ineligible, such negligence or lack of responsibility may be considered. Rationale - There should be the opportunity to make exceptions to all rules, except the age rule, if the proof can be substantiated . SECTION 2 NON-ATHLETIC COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES Ru.lLl, BONA FIDE STIJDENT. (Same as athletic Rule 4.) Rule 2. SCHOLARSHIP. (Same as athletic Rule 10.) .B..u.k.]_, SEMESTERS. (Same as athletic Rule 6.) .B..l!.!u, AGE. (Senior High same as athletic Rule 7, Junior High none.) fu!.le....5.. VOCATIONAL EDUCATION YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS. A student involved in a vocational education youth organization need only be a bona fide student of a school and meet the scholarship rule. The student may not participate in an interscholastic event on or after the twenty-first birthday. ~- HARDSHIP CASES. (Same as athletic Rule 15.) SECTION 3 - CHEER AND DRILL/DANCE SQUADS .R.u.lLl. ELIGIBILITY. Students participating as a member of a school's cheer or drill/dance squad must meet eligibility requirements for interscholastic non-athletic competitive activities. lMLZ,. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION. In any year that a student tries out for, or participates as a member of, the school's cheer or dance/drill squad, the student shall be required to have a physical examination prior to beginning an organized practice or workshop for .tryouts and shall present a signed statement or verification which shall be valid for one calendar year. Rl.!.iLJ, STUDENT PARTICIPATION. Only a school's cheer squad members are authorized to participate on the sidelines, floor, or field during an athletic contest. This does not include pregame, halftime, or postgame activities if authorized by the school administration. An individual who is designated as a part of the squad to stand or perform with the squad on the sidelines, floor, or field during an athletic contest or spirit competition (ex: mascot) shall meet all eligibility requirements of cheer and dance/drill squad members. ii: 'An Individual Approach to a World of Knowledge" For Immediate Release May 17, 2001 For more information: Dr. Katherine Mitchell Board President 370-5255 School Board Statement Regarding LRSD Athletic Program The Little Rock School Board is aware of the seriousness of the recent allegations relative to the district's athletic program and is taking an active role in resolving the issues. First, the board has called for a thorough and intensive investigation of the allegations. The administration has assured the board that the investigation will be substantially completed in 30 days and will provide information that will allow the board to take appropriate action. Secondly, the board will meet with Dr. Kenneth James, the incoming superintendent, to clearly state policies and procedures and to confirm lines of authority, responsibility and accountability to ensure compliance. Finally, the board will institute internal audit procedures to fairly test the district's compliance to rules and regulations. The board is committed to academic excellence and achievement of all students in this district as well as the principles of fair play in athletics and other extracurricular activities. The actions of the board will substantiate its firm commitment. ATTACHME TF 810 W Markham Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 www.lrsd.k12.ar.us 501-324-2000 fax: 501-324-2032 HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9 - 12) CURRICULUM CATALOG 2001-2002 Little Rock School District Division of Instruction 3001 S. Pulaski Little Rock, AR 72206 501/324-2000 www. lrsd. org ATTACHME TG LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT NEPN CODE: IKC-R CLASS RA.~, GS/GRADE-POINT AVERAGES All grades, except those noted in the "exceptions" below, earned for high school courses, including excess elective units, shall be used in calculating the grade-point average and rankin- class. Grades included in the computation are as follows: 1. Grades earned for high school courses, whether taken in the regular day, evening school, or summer school program. --->z,-,_ 2. Grades earned in alternative education programs, including those in LRSD, administered by school districts or other organizations which are accredited through their state department of education or a regional accreditation organization, such as North Central Association of Schools and Colleges ( CA). 3. Transfer grades from accredited schools outside the Little Rock School District. 4. Algebra I (or higher-level mathematics course) and Level I foreign language (or higher-level foreign language course) taken in the eighth grade. 5. Only one (1) unit of physical education (One-halfun.it is required
one-half unit may count as an elective. Therefore, only the grades for one unit of physical education shall be computed in the grade-point average.) 6. Grades earned in approved concurrent credit college courses offered in cooperation with institutions of higher education. 7. Grades earned in summer enrichment programs conducted by institutions of higher education, if the course and credit were approved by the District. (See IKEC-Rl.) 8. Failing grades, even for those courses re-taken. 9. First grades of courses retaken to improve understandings and skills. 10. Grade earned for one semester of Driver Education taken from an accredited high school. 11. Grades earned on credit-by-examination to make up failed courses. (See IKEC-R3.) 12. Grades earned in the District's home-bound programs. 13. Grades earned in approved correspondence courses. (See IKEC-R2.) 14. Grades earned in approved on-line or distance-learning courses. 15. Courses in which a student earns an C (no credit due to excessive absences). Regardless of the student's grade in a course for which he/she earns an C, the NC, which equals O points, replaces the grade and is used in the calculation of the grade-point average. 28 HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9 - 12) CURRICULUM CATALOG 2001-2002 Little Rock School District Division of Instruction 3001 S. Pulaski Little Rock, AR 72206 501/324-2000 www. lrsd. org TTACH IE TH LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT NEP" CODE: IKEC-R3 CREDIT BY EXAMINATION Purpose The following regulations provide guidelines for the administration of the credit-byexamination program, effective the 1999-2000 school year. Eli!!ibilitv Criteria In order to be eligible to earn credit by examination, a student must meet all the following criteria: 1. Be enrolled in grades 6-12
2. Have been enrolled, according to a review of school records, at least 55 scholastic hours for a semester core course. Exception: Keyboarding credit may be earned through examination at either the middle school and high school levels, without prior enrollment in the course, as per a waiver granted by the Arkansas Department of Education. 3. Be recommended for the credit by examination program by a teacher or counselor and the principal of the school
and 4. Have parent permission to take the examination for possible credit instead of retaking the course. Available Courses Credit by examination shall be available to students for the following courses: Middle School High School English 6, 7, 8 English I, II, III, IV Mathematics 6, 7, 8 Algebra I Keyboarding Geometry Achievement of Course Benchmarks Concepts of Geometry Civics World History United States History Keyboarding Examinations used to earn credit under this policy shall assess the student's achievement of course benchmarks and shall be properly evaluated by the Associate Superintendent for Instruction or designee before credit is granted. The District may develop the examinations or may purchase end-of-course examinations that are aligned with the State's curriculum frameworks. Examination Development The following procedures shall apply if examinations are developed locally for credit by examination: 1. All tests developed for credit by examination shall be written by staff in the Division of Instruction with the advice and input of classroom teachers. 2. Tests used for credit by examination shall be comparable in difficulty to semester examinations administered to students during the regular school year. 3. All tests administered for credit by examination shall be evaluated (graded) by a member of the staff of the Division of Instruction and/or a teacher in that subject area. Procedures The following procedures shall apply: 1. Credit-by-examination tests shall be administered at the end of each semester according to a schedule developed by the Department of Planning, Research, and Evaluation. 2. A student shall attain a passing grade in order to receive credit. 3. No student in grades 6-8 may earn more than one course credit each year through creditby- examination. No student in grades 9-12 may earn more than two total units through credit by examination. 4. Students are limited to one test administration per semester per course. 5. Students will be notified in writing of their examination grade and whether credit will be awarded. Such notification shall occur in time for decisions relating to summer school attendance can be made. 6. The credit-by-examination procedures shall be coordinated by the Assistant Superintendent for Planning, Research, and Evaluation (PRE), with input from appropriate curriculum directors and other staff. Grant and Record of Credit The grant of credit is subject to District approval. Credit obtained by this method shall be recorded on the permanent record for grades 6-8 and the high school transcript for grades 9- 12, upon written authorization by the Association Superintendent for Instruction. A student may not take the Keyboarding course for credit in both middle school and high school. Use of Credit V 1. Credit by examination shall not be used to gain eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities. 2. Credit-by-examination cannot be used by grade 12 students to earn eligibility to participate in graduation ceremonies since the administration of the tests occurs after the graduation ceremony. 3. Credit-by-examination may be used to earn promotion from one grade level to the next at the middle school and high school levels . . otice The District shall give reasonable notice of the availability of credit by examination in student handbooks and other documents made available to students and parents. 33 -LTTl_E r~~.JG:-\ t:'CHo
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,,C.... Yz.C\101 ~ ,(IC.. '/7Alo I & ATTACHMENT I ~-iom e roorn f=~ur11ber 3 JO 8M l cu1ren~ G. P.A. Cumu l ative G. P. A. P ER I OD ADBEf"lT 01 3 o~, e 03 "2. C4 8 To Whom lt May Concern: In the past few weeks there have been press reports, conjecture, and widespread speculation that a Central High student's grades were changed for unethical reasons. Namely, just so that be could play basketball. As a human being, I am hurt to have my name so recklessly and unfairly tied to such implications. As an educator, I am deeply troubled that these implications have been made without a thorough investigation into the facts at hand. I have never been offered the opportunity to explain myself. I have done nothing unethical. My true motivations for changing this student's grade have, up until now, .been my own private knowledge. That will change with this letter. In the beginning weeks of the third quarter, approached me about changing his grade "so that [he] could play basketball." I was unwilling to do so. I cited . low-test grades, his behavior problems in my class, and the fact that he had never attended the after-school tutoring that I offer every school day. I told that I had no reason to believe that changing his grade would accomplish anything. After our conversation, I saw behavior and attitude changes in that caused me to reconsider my unwillingness to change his grade. The behavior problems that I bad had with him completely disappeared. His attention span in class improved dramatically. His interest in Spanish, which had been low, began to grow. He came in for tutoring after school, and made a high score on a vocabulary quiz. Changing a student's grade in a conspiracy to maintain an advantage in athletics would not only be illegal, but it would also be unethical and immoral. That is something I would never do. However, I would also never deprive a student from participating in an activity that was a great motivator for him or her to improve academically. It was clear to me that, for , basketball was such a motivator. When I saw the difference in approach to Spanish, I realized it was due to his desire to play basketball. Consequently, I decided that a grade change was appropriate because it reinforced his academic improvement. These are the facts regarding the changes I made in grade in my class and my reasons for doing so. These reasons are rooted solely in . best interests and in nothing else. I would do the same for any one of my students, and feel good about it. And in hindsight, if I had it all to do over again, I would do nothing differently. As a teacher, I believe I have a responsibility to do everything in my power to help a student excel in academics. In this situation, as in every other situation with every one of my students, my actions were consistent with this responsibility. Sincerely, ATTACHME TT J HOWARD, RUDOLPH I, . TEACHERS OF . ELIGIBILITY INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE REASON FOR GR.P..DE CHAl~lGE . ) . Fn i:: 1 ht-- 1 TEACHER Qi= 0A teacher suoject CHANGED HIS: (CHECK ONE) 1st quarter grade _ 3rd quarter grade _ Exam Grade _ _ 2nd quarter grade_L 4th quarter grade _ _ Final Grade __ _ for the following reason: At e. eV\d D+ -=th~ 9 rc.{d 1n3 -:p-e
,-: od. 1 had. hot +vr-r1ed 1n h1':s -MO al rec.tp:e., pr-dkct Lt>h, c1 rntt.de his average n...,(D), H-e. -tvY-Y'\e-e~ 1n h,'.s ('C1pes,, bu+- 1Jo1 os were.. I oo hoo due.... -+o be, n<A 1 lo..,4e_. Q(\d ove 1,..0L l\ ov-o\ec,,+. V I ~ Did you , the teacher, initiate the change? __ yes __ no Did s~~~~ni:lse in)tiate tr change1 I X yes __ no Did you, the teacher, discuss. e chang~ with anyone? )S,_yes __ no Who? Indicate the nature of the discussion: ask'e rn-e... 111hoJ--- > rn, ssed baJ caused h,'~ YO-de, :6 h-e Ct 11D", I+o\d him \r\,'s py oJec
tbo Ls IJlOdb ~oo ptsi Is it "common prac1ice" to change students grades when warranted? yes _x__ ___ no Was any precedent set as a resu lt of your changing the grade? yes--.X_ ___ no ATTACHMENT K To: Mr. Rudolph Howard From:W .,,,... Date: May 18, 2001 Re: Grade change explanation Dear Sir: In reference to the grade that I changed on January 25, 2001 for . -, I would like to give a full explanation. On many occasions, students bring in missed or late assignments that when completed requires a change of grade. This was the case with . Because I felt he had an excusable reason for not turning in his required work, I allowed him to tum it in at a later date. The required assignment was a recipe file. The assignment was worth 200pts. Below, you will find a detailed e:i..-planation of his grades before and after his grade change. 1st 9weeks grade 20/20 100/100 80/100 75/100 25/25 40/100 0/50 425/610 possible 69.67 - 70% IC Before Grade Change 50/50 20/ 93/100 76/100 65/100 70/100 It
80/100 0/200----(Recipe files) 454/ 750 possible= 60%/ D Semester Calculations (Before) Grade charu!e 70 - 1st nine weeks grade 70 60 - 2nd nine weeks grade 60 7 6 - Semester Test 336 divided by 5 = 67.2/ D After Grade Charu!e 50/50 20 93/100 76/100 65/100 70/100 80/100 100/200 554/750 possible= 74%/C (After) Grade Chanire 70 - 1st nine wee!G gi"ade 70 7 4 - 2nd nine weeks grade 74 i 6 - Semester Test 36 divided by 5 = 72.8/ C Because all students ru:e beginners in cooking, their cooking labs are not calculated and therefore, are not counted against student grades. Statement Concerning eceived a 65 percent "D" his first nine weeks grading period. The "D" was due in part to his failure to hand in four textbook assignments. He asked if he could tum in the assignments late, but my answer was no. S earned a 79 percent "C" the second nine weeks grading period. His semester final was a 50 percent "F". His semester grade calculated out to be a 68 percent "F" and the grade sheet was given to the registrar. S _ f asked if I would look at the grade again and consider letting him make up past assignments. I agreed to look at the entire semester again. I realized upon review that letting turn in only two of the assignments missed from the first nine weeks would result in his grade being a "C" Further calculation, based on the new information, revealed his semester grade would have been a "C" and not a "D". At this point, I felt I had been unfair to ff and informed him that I would make a grade change. I am forwarding this information with the hope that it will in no way be used to violate or compromise 1$ rights under the FERP A Act. Sincerely, ATTACH IE TL iOWARD, RUDOLPH TEACHERS OF ELIGIBILITY INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE REASON FOR GRADE CHANGE EDWARDS CHANGED HIS: (CHECK ONE) 1st quarter grade _ 2nd quarter grade __ 3rd quarter grade __ _ Exam Grade __ _ 4th quarter grade __ _ ,/ Final Grade for the following reason: A~ Sf A+ d i/J ,A ltm7l /ILc--V!cXu. ~ _( I,{_ h /4. ~f-/F ,< I .=ii f fill- I L.,/ {
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fJ ~ . IU.a.h ,4 5t!Jt(Ef,7?:Z. Did you, the teacher, initiate the change? ~es __ no :Jid someone else initiate the change? __ yes Z Who? ________ / Did you, the teacher, discuss the change with anyone? _yes __ no Who? _______ _ Indicate the nature of the discussion: !s it "common prjCtice" to change students grades when warranted? yes~ ___ no Was any precedent set as a result Qf--1our changing the grace? yes_ ~ HOWARD, RUDOLPH Ta: TEACHERS OF ELIGIBILITY INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE ,...._ \SON FOR GRADE CHANGE ~,&TEACHER OF , teache,r --/-- subject/ EDWARDS CHANGED HIS: (CHECK ONE) 1st quarter grade _ 3rd quarter grade __ Exam Grade / / 2nd quarter grade__L_ 4th quarter grade _ _ Final Grade / Did someone else initiate the change? __ yes / no Who? ______ _ Did you
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.,. Is it "common pr,ittice" to change students grades whepwarranted? yes -1L ___ no Was any precedent set as a result of your changing the g~ade? yes__ no ATTACHME rTM :OWARD, RUDOLPH I,~ Teachers of Eligibility Investigating Committee Reason for Grade Change ,,, teacri-,r changed his: ~check one) <~ mTeacherof SU ect ff-0 1st quarter grade __ 2nd quarter gradeL f -~ 3rd quarter grade __ 4th quarter grade __ Final a.... rade .,f r-- (
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2&( ~ A',& ~A ZZ~~~ ' ,U,u?.,W ~ 44/ ,v ~.ii!hi ~ft<-~~~~ -i~ ~ (j:-,0'},-L,IV ..Zt70 _,,e ~ ~ T0:J ~ ~' .,,y signature below ~ests to the fact that I wis not coeroe"d 1n any way by anyone to make the grade cffunge and that ,. the change w..~ . s ma~ because the student's efforts in my class warranted a grade change. teacher's signature LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRJCT NEPN CODE: I.KA. GRJ\DING SYSTEMS The primary purpose of grading is to keep parents and students fully informed of a student's progress in meeting course standards and benchmarks and to provide teachers and principals with a continuous and accurate record of each student's achievement in order to assess the effectiveness of instruction. Grades for progress summary reports to parents are issued on a nine-week basis, semester, and/or yearly basis. While completely uniform grading criteria at and between all school levels may not be possible, the grading system is established with the intent of being fair and in having enough consistency to accomplish its purposes. The procedures for nine-week, semester, and yearly grading are set forth in the administrative regulations. It is the policy of the Board of Education that grades assigned to students for performance in a course shall reflect only the extent to which a student has achieved the expressed standards and benchmarks of the course. Academic grades shall not be reduced for disciplinary reasons except in the case oflate assignments or academic dishonesty. Neither shall academic grades be enhanced for disciplinary compliance or for other non-academic rewards. Variations in instruction, performance standards, and assessment strategies for students with disabilities shall be determined by the admission, review, and dismissal committee and included in the student's individual education plan. Teachers are responsible for adapting pacing, instructional strategies, materials, and assessments for students who have been identified as limited-English proficient. Revised: Septe!I_lber 23, 1999 Adopted: July 23, 1998 Legal Reference: AC.A. 6-15-902 Cross Reference: Administrative Regulation IKA-R ATTACHME T Senior High School Student Handbook ATTACHME TO ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES Penalties and Notification Procedures l. When a student has missed three or more unexcused absences in any class during one semester, the school attendance secretary shall notify the student's parents, guardians, or persons in loco parentis. Notice shall be via telephone contact by the end of the school day in which the absence occurred or sent via regular mail, with a return addressed envelope, no later than the following school day. Data from the student's Pupil Information Form will be used in this procedure. 2. When a student has six unexcused absences in any class during one semester, the school attendance secretary shall again notify the student's parent or guardian of the number of absences. Also, the student's building-level administrator shall schedule a conference with the student and his or her parent or guardian to discuss the student's absence pattern and its effects together with appropriate interventions. The administrator shall explain during the conference that course credit will be denied if the student receives seven (7) unexcused absences in a semester. 3. Course credit will not be denied if a student/parent/administrator conference is not held or if appropriate documentation of the student's absences has not been forwarded to the parent, at the student's address of record. However, a parent's failure to attend a conference or respond to notification of a conference will not circumvent the loss of course credit for the student. 4. Course credit shall be denied for each class in which a student has more than six (6) unexcused absences during one semester and when the administrative conference has been held, unless the principal or assistant principal finds there are extenuating circumstances of such that to deny credit would be unfair. 5. If the principal or assistant principal denies course credit, the student may appeal the course credit denial to the LRSD Student Hearing Officer [324-2170]. The student must request an appeal within 24 hours of the principal or assistant principal's final decision to deny course credit. 57 ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES 6. On the seventh unexcused absence, the parent/guardian shall be notified that a referral to the Pulaski County Juvenile Cour1 has been made in accordance with Act 1308, adopted by the Arkansas Legislature, March, 1997. 7. When a student who is fourteen or older has missed more thru seven (7) consecutive days without approval of the principal o assistant principal, the school attendance secretary shall notif
the Arkansas Department of Finance and AdministratiOJ (DF&A). DF&A may suspend the student's driver's license unti the student provides satisfactory evidence that he or she i attending school or has reached age eighteen. WARNING: The District will count three (3) or more class absences one day as a full-day absence. 58
This project was supported in part by a Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives project grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Council on Library and Information Resources.

<dcterms_creator>Little Rock School District</dcterms_creator>