Graduation rate

^4 VAst. To: (Mb: Re: PagM: CC: Urgant For Review Pteaw Comment .'Mti: A- X h/WA D^artoent Office: 324-2162 FAX: 324-0543 PtaM Roply Ptane Recyde t^aJAfefe^Es.^-j.r S s i 55i* 'di AS -Iidnd ISIQ HOSCcatral XA>dr Kai McOdlaa Fafhview TotM Ccatral lA lair irar Farinriew Mcdekan issr Year 4 < 98-99 fof Gndoates Zl3 2?5 20T 225 211 k3^ 303 Til nr TST 12ff w Little Rock School District Pupil SCTvices Department Numbo' of Graduates Defined by Race A GcDdcr) White i6 51 49 n Tf 231 ,.i>. 109 15 78 S8 TT White Fanalci 106 41 48 22 56 M f i' 134 5y 74 64 IT Black MeW BbcltPcnuEM Other Md Other Fcmda 55 55 55 48 5315 lOT 55 29 881 19 5^ 156 91 55 93 95 T5I 63 79 y T y 4 1 3? 1 1 I 13 J 3 s 3 6 1 y I t 0 O' r CDLITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCE CENTER 3001 PULASKI STREET LITTLE ROCK, AR 72206 TO: Board of Education FROM
T. Kenneth James, Superintendent of Schools PREPARED BY: onnie Lesley, Associate Superintendent for Instruction DATE
February 28, 2002 SUBJECT: Proposed Emergency Revision to Policy IKF: Graduation Requirements General Background Information During 2001 the Arkansas General Assembly passed and the Governor signed Act 1748, which requires all students in grades K-9 to participate in at least one hour per week of physical training. The implementation of this requirement in grade 9 cannot be done without adding a course in physical training for the semester in which the freshmen are not enrolled in the mandated one semester of Physical Education. After much discussion, the high school principals decided to recommend that the course be added for all those students who are not eligible for one of the following waivers from the requirement: 1. Students participating in marching band during the fall semester. 2. Students participating in drill team during the fall semester. 3. Students enrolled in dance courses at Parkview Magnet High School. 4. Students who are participants in organized cheerleading activities. 5. Students engaged in an in-school or after-school athletic program. 6. Students enrolled in a JROTC program and who participates in drills. 7. Students who walk to and/or from school, if the walk requires at least one hour per week and provided that the parent/guardian documents each week that the student walked to and/or from school. 8. Students who are engaged in an after-school recreational program sponsored by the school or other organization, if physical activities are scheduled for at least one hour per week. 9. Students who provide written documentation from the provider of at least one hour per week of physical activity or training in a private or community-based program. 1 Board of Education - Memo February 28, 2002 Page 2 In order not to have to add another one-semester course to the graduation requirements, the staff recommend that students without waivers be allowed to substitute the one semester of required Physical Training for one semester of English language arts, which LRSD requires, but is not required by the State of Arkansas. Students with waivers will be expected to go ahead and take the one semester of English language arts (either English, Journalism, or Communications). The specific wording is in bold at the bottom of the attached pages. Fiscal Impact The additional physical training requirement will necessitate the creation of several sections of this course. However, students in the course will not be taking something else, so no additional staff will be required. Minimal funds that can be covered in the existing Curriculum budget will be necessary for teacher training. Recommendation That the Board approve on second reading the proposed change in the graduation requirements. BAL/adgLITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT NEPN CODE: IKE GENERAL EDUCATION GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS The Little Rock School District Board of Education believes that students should graduate from high school possessing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for responsible citizenship, life-long learning, and productive employment in our modem economy. Programs for post-secondary preparation will be available to equip students for the advanced training that will be needed for the work of the 21' century. The Little Rock School District will be responsible for providing the educational opportunities and experiences that will enable our students to take full advantage of post-secondary education and employment opportunities available to them after graduation. Diploma-Earning Options A student may earn a diploma from a Little Rock School District high school in one of four ways. Each has different requirements and different numbers of required units of credit. 1. 2. 3. 4. Diploma from any of the five high schools for completion of the required 24 units for the classes of 2002 and 2003
or the required 26 units for the class of 2004 and after. Diploma from any of the five high schools for completion of the Recommended Curriculum of 27 units for the class of 2003
or 28 units, including at least eight Pre-Advanced Placement or Advanced Placement courses, for the class of 2004 and after. Hall High School students may take University Studies courses as substitutes for Pre-Advanced Placement and/or Advanced Placement courses. Diploma earned at the Accelerated Learning Center for completion of the 21 units required by the State of Arkansas. Diploma with waived or altered requirements established by an Individual Education Program (lEP) team for a student identified with disabilities. Even though the graduation requirements may be changed by the Board of Education during the time a student is enrolled in high school, the requirements established for a students graduation class (assuming graduation in four years of high school) are those he/she must meet, even though he/she may require more than four years to earn the necessary number of units. Units of credit will generally be earned in grades nine through twelve, except that one unit of Algebra I (or higher-level mathematics) and Level I (or higher level) of foreign language may be earned in grade eight. High school courses taken before grade eight will not satisfy a unit of credit toward graduation. (See policy IKEC for list of credit- earning options.)Transfer Students All transfer students must meet the graduation requirements of the Little Rock School District in order to receive a diploma. The LRSD high school will accept transfer credits and grades for students who previously attended accredited high schools. Additionally, students who transfer into a Little Rock School District high school from a home school must attend at least two semesters in order to receive a high school diploma (see IKED and IKED-R). They must attend at least four semesters in order to be eligible for rank-in-class (see IKC-R). Foreign Exchange students who complete the senior year in good standing may, at the discretion of the principal, participate in the graduation ceremony. Magnet Program Seal Students who participate in the Districts high school magnet programs may meet the magnet curriculum requirements through completion of the designated Career Focus courses established for each magnet. In order to receive a Magnet Seal, magnet students must complete the requirements of the magnet program. Students transferring into a magnet program after the freshman year may earn a diploma from that high school, but they will not earn the Magnet Seal. Arkansas Scholars Seal A special Arkansas Scholars seal will be affixed to the diploma and transcript of a student who meets the following standards established by the Arkansas Scholars program
1. Earn a grade of C or above in all courses. 2. Achieve a 95 percent or better attendance record for each of the four years of high school. 3. Complete high school in eight consecutive semesters. 4. Complete successfully at least three units in science, three units in mathematics, three units of social studies, and four units in English. Honors Diploma Seal A special Honors Seal will be affixed to the diploma and transcript of a student who meets the following standards: 1. Completes the units required for the Recommended Curriculum, which includes and goes beyond the requirements of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board for unconditional admission to any public two-year or four-year institution of higher education in Arkansas and which includes, but goes beyond, the requirements for eligibility for the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship. The Recommended Curriculum also reflects the admission requirements of the most competitive universities in the United States of America.2. Successfully completes a minimum of eight Pre-Advanced Placement or Advanced Placement courses over a four-year period. Hall High School students may take University Studies courses as substitutes for Pre-Advanced Placement and/or Advanced Placement courses. Other approved dual-credit courses offered to LRSD students in collaboration with area colleges/ universities may also be substituted for the Pre-AP or AP requirement. 3. Earns a grade-point-average of at least 3.5. Recognition of Graduates Each high school may design its own traditions to commend and celebrate the achievements of the following sets of graduates
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. the valedictorian and salutatorian
students earning an overall average of 3.5 or above
students earning Magnet Program, Arkansas Scholars, and/or Honors Diploma Seals
members of the National Honor Society or similar honors organization
scholarship recipients
students with perfect attendance throughout high school
and students whose other achievements are worthy of special recognition. Participation in Graduation Ceremony In order to be a participant in the graduation ceremony, the student must be within one unit of completing the graduation requirements and must have paid the tuition for the one-half or one unit to be taken in summer school (or, alternately, in another approved credit-earning program). All high school students and their parents will be informed in writing of this expectation when course lists and graduation requirements are published for the spring registration process. Principals will make a determination of potential graduates at the end of the junior year and each quarter of the students senior year and inform students and their parents immediately if it is determined that the student is in danger of not graduating. Such students will be advised of all the appropriate credit-earning options, including, but not limited to, evening high school, summer school, correspondence courses, online courses, credit-by-examination, and placement at the Accelerated Learning Center. Award of Diploma The award of the high school diploma will not be made until all graduation requirements are met. Specific Course Requirements The following table specifies the required courses for graduation for each curriculum area.High School Graduation Requirements Little Rock School District Required, Classes of 2002 and 2003__________________________ English4 units English I (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP)
and English n (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP)
and English ni (ESL, Regular, Pre- AP, or AP)
and English IV (ESL, Regular, or AP). ______________ Oral Communications1 unit Communications I or Debate I Mathematics3 units Algebra I (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP)
and Concepts of Geometry (ESL or Regular) or Geometry (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and Algebra II (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP) or Statistics (ESL, Regular, or AP) Science3 units Active Physics (ESL or Regular) or Physics I Pre-AP
and Biology I (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP)
and Chemistry I (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP) Effective fall 2002, a grade 9 student without a waiver from the Act 1748 physical training requirement may substitute one semester of Physical Training for one semester of English language arts to satisfy graduation requirements. Students with an approved waiver must take the one semester of English language arts. Required, Classes of 2004 and After English4 units English I (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP)
and English n (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP)
and English III (ESL, Regular, Pre- AP, or AP)
and English rV (ESL, Regular, or AP). ______________ Oral Communications1/2 unit Communications lA or Debate lAone-half unit English Language Arts1/2 unit* One-half unit from any English, Journalism, or Communications course. Modem Grammar (1/2) is recommended. Mathematics3 units Algebra I (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP)
and Concepts of Geometry (ESL or Regular) or Geometry (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and Algebra II (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP) or Statistics (ESL, Regular, or AP)
and Science3 units Active Physics (ESL or Regular) or Physics I Pre-AP
and Biology I (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP)
and Chemistry I (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and Required, ACC Students English4 units English I (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP)
and English n (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP)
and English ni (ESL, Regular, Pre- AP, or AP)
and English IV (ESL, Regular, or AP). Oral unit Communications1/2 Communications lAone-half unit Mathematics3 units Algebra I (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP)
and Concepts of Geometry (ESL or Regular) or Geometry (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and Algebra II (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP) or Statistics (ESL, Regular, or AP) Science3 units Physical Science or Active Physics or Physics I
and Biology I
and One additional unitRequired, Classes of 2002 and 2003_________________________ Social Studies3 units Civics (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP) or United States Government (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and World History (ESL, Regular, Pre-AP or AP)
and United States History (ESL, Regular, or AP) Physical Education1/2 unit Physical Education LA Health and Safety1/2 unit Health and Safety Fine Arts1 unit One unit from art, dance, drama, or music Technology1 unit One unit from any of the approved technology courses. Career Focus3 units Three units from any of the approved Career Focus programs. Electives4 units Required, Class of 2004 and After Social Studies3 units Civics (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP) or United States Government (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and World History (ESL, Regular, Pre-AP or AP)
and United States History (ESL, Regular, or AP)
and Physical Education1/2 unit Physical Education lA Health and Safety1/2 unit Health and Safety Fine Arts1 unit One unit from art, dance, drama, or music Technology1 unit One unit from any of the approved technology courses Career Focus^3 units At least three units from any of the approved Career Focus programs. Electives6 units A fourth year of mathematics, science, and/or social studies are recommended. Required, ACC Students Social Studies3 units Civics (ESL, Regular, or Pre- AP) or United States Government (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and World History (ESL, Regular, Pre-AP or AP)
and United States History (ESL, Regular, or AP) Physical Education1/2 unit Physical Education LA Health and Safety1/2 unit Health and Safety Fine Arts1/2 unit None Career Focus3 units Three units from any of the approved Career Focus programs. Electives3 units Total24 units Total26 units Total21 unitsI Recommended Curriculum The Board of Education recommends that students elect the challenge of a more rigorous graduation plan than the minimum requirements, including at least eight Pre-Advanced Placement or Advanced Placement courses (or University Studies courses at Hall High or approved dual-credit courses). Recommended, Class of 2003______________ English4 units English I (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and English II (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and English III (ESL, Regular, Pre-AP, or AP)
and English IV (ESL, Regular, or AP).___________ Oral Communications1 unit Communications I or Debate I Mathematics4 units Algebra I (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and Concepts of Geometry (ESL or Regular) or Geometry (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and Algebra II (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP) or Statistics (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and One additional unit of advanced mathematics. Science4 units Active Physics (ESL or Regular) or Physics I Pre-AP
and Biology I (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and Chemistry I (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and One additional unit_______ __________________________ Social Studies4 units Civics (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP) or United States Government (ESL, Regular, or Pre-AP)
and World History (ESL, Regular, Pre-AP or AP)
and United States History (ESL, Regular, or AP)
and One additional unit__________________________________ Foreign Language2 units Two units of any one foreign language_________________ Physical Education1/2 unit Physical Education lA________________________________ Health and Safety1/2 unit Health and Safety____________________________________ Fine Arts1 unit One unit from art, dance, drama, or music_______________ Technology2 units Two units from any of the approved technology courses. Career Focus4 units Four units from any of the approved Career Focus programs. ______________________________________ Electives0 units___________________________________ Total27 units Recommended, Class of 2004 and After Same Oral Communications1/2 unit Communications lA or Debate lA English Language Art! 1/2 unit* Any one-half unit from English, Communications, or Journalism______________________________________ Same Same Same Same Same Same Same Same Same Electives1 unit Total28 units Effective fall 2002, a grade 9 student without a waiver from the Act 1748 physical training requirement may substitute one semester of Physical Training for one semester of English language arts to satisfy graduation requirements. Students with an approved waiver must take the one semester of English language arts. TWmA - jUtW cttot'wuxj' A (J.}. <iL.c- ,r'C-Pi.,zfe3+ P/U-v-M-kM<<b> "''''^' GVA-wzf<J I Afi Individual Approach to a World si April 12, 2001 X ih To: From: Board of Education Dr. Richa^d^^lutl^ I Director - Human Resources Through: Dr. Ken James, Superintendent Subject: Reassignment For your information, the following reassignment was finalized on Monday, February 4, 2002. Reassignment: reassigned from her current position as Principal a Rightsell Elementary to a Gifted and Talented Teaching position at King Elementary, effective February 11,2002. Specialist at Rightsell, has agreed to fill in as acting" principal until a permanent Principal is selected.' 810 W Markham Litde Rock, Arkansas 72201 501-324-2000 fax: 501-324-2032 www.lrsd.kl2.ar.us 1 Agenda RECEIVED FEB 2 8 20112 OFFICE OF DESEGREGATION MONITORING Little Rock School District Board of Directors' Meeting February 2002 LITTLE ROCK High School Parkview J.A. Fair McClellan Central Hall 1987-88 Graduates at Ark. public colleges/univ. 84 62 NA 119 97 College Remedial rate for 1987-88 graduates Eng. Math Read. 26.2% 38.3 21.4 AVERAGE 28.6 16.1% 21.7 14.5 17.4 NA 20.2% 27.7 20.2 22.7 15.6% 31.5 13.4 20.1 State remediation average 40% NORTH LITTLE ROCK High School Northeast Ole Main 1987-88 Graduates at Ark. public colleges/univ. 137 81 College Remedial rate for 1987-88 graduates Eng. Math Read. AVERAGE 13.9% 39.5 13.9 22.4 17.3% 29.7 17.3 21.4 A******************************************** PULASKI COUNTY SPECIAL High School Mills Jacksonville Oak Grove Robinson Sylvan Hills North Pulas. 1987-88 Graduates at Ark. public colleges/univ. NA 72 38 34 121 70 College Remedial rate for 1987-88 graduates Eng. Math Read. AVERAGE NA 25.0% 41.8 25.7 30.8 21.1% 25.0 13.2 19.7 14.7% 21.2 14.7 16.8 9.1% 29.7 13.4 17.4 10.0% 25.7 11.9 12.5PULASKI COUNTY 1989-1990 School Year School District LITTLE ROCK NORTH LITTLE ROCK PULASKI CO. SP. Expense oer ADA STATE RAITK % Change 5 Years in Last $3,227 23 +15 $3,124 28 -3 $4,409 6 -30 Kills Voted State average 26.8 35.90 36.30 35.90 ADM STATE RANK 22,374 1 9,363 4 21,229 2 # Teachers K-12 STATE RAJ
k 1,840.5 1 615.0 1,288.0 2 Avg. Teacher Salary K-12 STATS RANK $25,385 $22,955 $26,395 3 36 7 # Certified Personnel STATE RANK 1,991.1 668.0 1,407.0 1 4 2 Avg. Salary Cert. Pers $26,531 $24,083 $27,511 STATE RANK 4 34 3 Superintencent Salary $88,000 $69,310 $79,272Spanks ! FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18,1992 . 'THE DROPOUT RATE HAS DROPPED ff^N'T . -n^Ar lAfOf^OERFUL'^, Nou) ALL TNE little /pascals L)Ho USED T'O hang oor oN STREEr CORNERS have gone BALL ro SCHOOL... AcTiON I'sf fl (0 0 0 0 Q 'i V8| ( >^1 .. 'l'/ I > ll in A Tf^ a'H 1 B. r ^i5J el Ji 1992 Arkansas Democrat-Gazelle & Jeffrey HuddlestonArkansas Demcxnat (gazette WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 1993 Copyright 0 1993, Utile Rock Newspapers. Inc. School dropout rate hits 4-year low of 3% in 91-92 Dropouts Continued from.Page IB BY CYNTHIA HOWELL Democrat-Gazene Education Writer Arkansas school dropout rate reached a four-year low of 3 percent in 1991-92, but the number of dropouts remains in the thousands, according to figures released by the state Department of Education. A total of 5,900 students in grades seven through 12 dropped out last year, the latest year for which figures are available. That number is down from: 6,884 dropouts in 1990-91, when the dropout rate was 3.6 percent. 7,714 in 1989-90, when the rate was 4 percent. 8,101 in 1988-89, when the dropout rate was 4.2 percent. The dropout rate is decreasing for both black and white students, according to the statistics. Black students dropped out at a rate of 4.3 percent last year, down from 4.5 percent in 1990- 91 and 4.9 percent in 1989-90. The rate for white students has fallen to 2.6 percent from a high , of 4 percent in 1988-89. 's-- Ofiicials in the states school^ districts reported that students left school last year for a variety of reasons, the most prevalent being lack of attendance, which was the case for 1,813 students. Another 1,774 dropped for lack of interest in school, and 563 didnt return after being expelled or suspended. A total of 522 left because of marriage or pregnancy. 111 left because of economic hardship, 93 left because of health problems and 51 because of problems related to the use of alcohol or drugs. Another 738 were dropped from the rolls for unknown or unspecified reasons. Failing grades accounted for 116 dropouts, while 98 had conflicts with school and 21 had conflicts with peers. Arkansas dropouts, 1988-92 wiagpir- .The chart shows the fotat'entollinentancl dropouts for Arkan public schools for the school years 1988-89? through 1991- ENROLLMENT ----------------- rX - BLACK WHITE 1991-92 45^1 145,72T 1990-91 1989-90 1988-89 44,359 144,341 44,362 145,686 44,099 147,945 TOTAL 2,844 193,778 2,489 191,189 2,191 192339 2,084 194,128 o o o a DROPOUTS 1991-92 1990-91 1,971 2,013 1989-90 2,154 1988-89 2,160 PERCENTAGE 1991-92 4.3% t- 1990-91 , 4
5% 1989-90 S : 43% 1988-89., ^.43% I SOURCE: Def^q<^Educafl0ft 3,827 4,777 5,493 5,859 -A' 6% 3J% 33% '<0% 102 94 67 82 3.6% 3.8% 5,900 6384 7,714 8,101 3.0% 3.6% r. S'! & 3.1% 4.0% 33% -V 4 Vit' * The state dropout report notes that 349 students were in- carcerated.in 1991-92 and 112 students died, but those numbers are not included in the overall dropout numbers. State laws have been passed in recent years to encourage school attendance. Those laws include making the compulsory school attendance ages 5 through 17, and prohibiting schools from dropping, suspending or expelling students despite excessive absences. If a student has excessive absences, parents can be fined or the student can be referred to juvenile court. Another means of promoting school attendance is a state law that calls for withholding or revoking a persons drivers li- MICHAEL STORgyZ AftenwrOwnocraMTii I iqjjjg cense if the person is 14 or .ql^., er but under 18 and not>m school. Charles Lacefield, mahagec of driver control in the state, D^ partment of Finance and Administration, said Tuesday that 1,485 drivers licenses belonging to dropouts were suspend ed in 1991-92. As of April 1 thjS year, a total of 763 licenses had been suspended. T' In Pulaski County, the thre '** school districts reported 1,1Q3 dropouts in grades sevM through 12. Specifically, a total of 640 stif dents dropped from the LittLg Rock School District, which was 5.5 percent of the Oct. 1 official enrollment for the secondary schools. The Little Rock rate See DROPOUTS, Page 12B was down from 5.8 percent and 662 dropouts in 1990-91. The number of dropouts in the high schools ranged from 15 at Parkview Magnet High School to 181 at Central High. In North Little Rock, 205 students dropped out, which was 5 percent, down from 5.6 percent last year and 227 students. The number of dropouts was 116 at North Little Rock High School. West Campus, and 64 at the East Campus. The Pulaski County Special School District had the lowest dropout rate among the three districts. A total of 348 county students dropped out, which was 3.8 percent, down from 4.1 percent and 39Ostudents in 1990-91. The number of dropouts in the high schools ranged from 36 at Oak Grove and Robinson high schools to 58 at Jacksonville High School.Arkansas Democrat (DjucIIc FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1998 < LR schools raising graduation requirement Board gives initial approval to making high-schoolers complete 24 instead of 21 credits : BY TRACY COURAGE . ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-OAZErrE The Little Rock School Board gave initial approval 'Thursday to proposed changes in the district's graduation policy that would require higli school students to complete 24 instead of 21 credit hours to graduate. A second vote in December would make tlie changes final. ' If approved, the new requir^ ments would exceed the 21-unit graduation minimum set by the state Board of Education. 'They would take effect for the graduating class of 2002. Theres a big push right now that came from the desegregation plan arid the Strategic Initiative that said our-kids need to do better, said Bonnie Lesley, the districts associate superintendent for instruction. One way is to get students into more rigorous courses. Such class requirements and course offerings are also more in line with what colleges and universities want to see on prospective students' ti'anscripts, Lesley said. Students would be required to complete 17 units in the common core, three units in a career-focus program, and four electives. The proposed common core credits include four units of English
ing any computer skills course. three units of social studies, including world history, U.S. histoiy and either civics or government
three units of math, including Algebra I . . and geometry, thi'ee units of science, also will encourage their children to including biology, single units of oral enroll in the most rigorous courses, communication, fine arts and tech- Some say the students who nology applications
and half-units of arent going to college wont need it, ...................... ........... but theyre the ones who need it the physical education and healtli. For the career focus program, students would choose classes from 15 areas, such as humanities, sciences, marketing, fine arts, food pro- including six pre-advanced placeduction, trades and industp' and Ju- ment courses and two advanced nior Reserve Officer Training Corps, placement courses, and maintain a New state requirements make 3.5 average would receive an honors geometiy, biology and one unit of seal on their diplomas. physical science mandatory for grad- nation. Also, Advanced Placement European History can no longer be substituted for tlie world history requirement Proposed district changes would require students to earn a full credit of fine arts instead of a half-credit and one unit in teclmology applications, which can be fulfilled by tak- Although students must earn 24 units to graduate, school officials will encourage them to,take 27 units. Lesley said she hopes parents most because its the end of their formal education, she said. Students who complete 27 units. Those students would also have to pass two years of foreign language. Algebra II, one additional course in science and social studies and four credits in a career-focus or magnet progiam aiea. 'The proposed giaduation requirements would still allow a competency-based diploma for students who attend tlie Accelerated Learning Center at Metropolitan Vocational Skills Center. The center is an alternative education program for students who have fallen behind in their classes. They would receive diplomas after completing the state Board of Educations minimum 21 requirements. In other business, the board voted to implement Megans Law, which establishes a registiy for convicted sex and child offenders. Little Rock police will assess offenders who move into the district and notify school district officials of those posing the greatest safety risk. District officials will in turn notify school personnel, students and their families The board also expelled a junior high pupil over an off-campus firearms possession charge.ArJ<ansas Dcim locrat W(0azcl^ *-g?LP5Y! .DECEMBER 18. 1998 ' LR School Board lifts graduation standards Students need 27 credits to graduate in 2002 BY CYNTHIA HOWELL ARKANSAS DEMOfRAT-OAZETn
A divided Little Rock School Board voted Thursday to raise the 21-credit graduation requirement health and physical education, one in technology and three credits in one of the 15 new career-focus areas. Bonnie Lesley, associate super- to 24 credits for most students be- intendent for instruction, said the ginning with the class of 2002. higher standards were prompted Board members took the action by changes in graduation requireduring a lengthy meeting in which ments at the state level and in ad- representatives of tire state and lo- mission requirements by some cal teacher unions confronted state universities. them with questions about the de- Lesley also said that student ef- layed pajTuent of some salaiy and forts to meet the requirements will other anticipated benefits, includ- be eased by the fact that the dis- ing late paychecks next month. The new graduation policy permits students at the districts Accelerated Learning Center to earn tricts high schools have already converted, or plan to convert, from six classes a day to seven or eight courses a year. As a result, some a diploma upon meeting the mini- students should complete grades mum state requirements of 21 units. But students at the five tradi- nine through 12 with 28 to 32 credits. Board members Katherine tional high schools will have to Mitchell and Mike Daugherty op- eam at least 24 credits, and the posed increasing the requirement. district is recommending that they earn 27. The 24-unit requirement will tion rates. saying that the more stringent requirement would lower gradua- include four credits in English, one in oral communications, three each in math, science and social studies, one in fine arts, one in Superintendent Les Camine has said that the districts dropout rate in grades seven through 12 eX- See STANDARDS, Page 4B j Standards Continued from Page 18 ceeds 30 percent. I've never heard that increasing the number of courses a student takes will make a student a better student." .Mitchell said. Lesley said research indicates reached. Camine said the letter was written long before the contract settlement. A federal court has already ordered the state to reimburse all three Pulaski County districts for the insurance underpayments, but an assistant principal at j Cloverdale Junior High, as princi- pal at Henderson Junior High. He j pai ai tienueisun juuiui iii&u. replaces James Washington who is , Teachers on Thursday also questioned why they must taking another district position, i Buck is expected to assume his j new role in February. Buck, who previously taught at Henderson. was one of nine candidates inter- i viewed for the job. I that increased requirements don t . cau.se increases in the dropout wHlt Ulltil Jan. 4 tO get rate. .She also said the district will be able to provide greater support their Jan. 1 paycheeks. to struggling students through a yj asked that the multimillion-dollar National Set- , .. ence million-uoncu iNrtuuuai ..... ... . , -1 Foundation grant received district Consider I earlier this year. distributing the checks . On the issue of employee bene- - I fits. Classroom Teachers Associa- Saturday, Jan. 2. Camille 1 tion officers told the board that teachers had thought the district would absorb a S14-a-month in- said he would explore the crease in employee health insurance benefits and that the most ex- perienced teachers would get an zlppiojop increase in their longevity stipend uvviaiuii. possibility and notify teachers by today of the once the board adopted the 1993- 99 teacher contract in November. Those increases have not oc- 1 curred, and district officials told the board that the intent in the contract settlement was for those increases, along with a 4.5 percent pay raise, to be paid once the state reimburses the district for recent underpayments in teacher retirement and health insurance funds. The contract language does not specify when the benefits are to be paid. Eleanor Coleman, a former union president, said Camine indicated in a September letter that the benefits would be paid once a teacher contract agreement was distribution of the money among the three districts is in dispute. .A court hearing on the issue is set for Jan. 5. Teachers on Thursday also E Approved cutting the current school year short by three days so June L 2. and 3 can be used for staff training. a Approved a 1999-2000 calendar
of 173 student days, five short of . . the 178 days required by the state ' Department of Education. The ' state has tentatively approved the reduction so the district can use the days for staff training. Accord- ' ing to the calendar, classes will i start Aug. 24.1999. and end June 1. 1 2000. In a break from current practice. President's Day and Columbus Day will be student hol- idavs so staff can train. a .-Agreed to rename the district's Student Assignment Office on 501 Sherman St. ns the Student Registration Office. "I don't care what it is called as long as the emphasi.s is on customer sendee.'' board questioned why they must wait niember Baker Kurrus said, until Jan. 4 to get their Jan. 1 paychecks. They asked that the district consider distributing Oie checks Saturday, Jan. 2. Camine said he would explore the possibility and notify teachers by today of the decision. Part of the probB Reviewed a report on the district's efforts to prepare its com- outer technology systems so the.v won't malfunction when the date leni is that the Jan. 4 checks have changes to Jan. 1. 2000. The potential problems exist in systems that record years only by the last two already been printed and would have to be redone. The board also: Q Voted to hire Lawrence Buck,Arkansas Democrat '^(QazcUe ( FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18. 1990 NLR scores show headway, slippage, School Board told Students results on national lest down in 3 age groups, up in 5tli, 1 Oth grades UY I RACY CtniKAt ili AKKANSA'i 01 MIM KAI (>AZI III North Little Rock Sclmol Dis tricl sludenls scores on a national lest climbed in two grades compared with last year but fell in three olher.s a.s the district's overall score.s again fell below the national average, the School Board learned Thursday. Fifth- and lOlh-gradei's scotrd higher than last years Icsl-taker.s, while s<-orcs for the sixth, eighth and ninth grades dropped. Seventh-grade overall .scores did not change. Nmtli Little Rock fif th graders earned u complete battery score on the Slanfoixl Aeliievcmenl Test Ninth Edition, or SAT 9, at the 3(ith percentile belter than or Hie same as 36 percent of the national group taking the test. That score by fouilh gradi\ will prepare slo- denl.s belter. Between 5.5 percent and (X) percent ofNoilh Little Rock's students (jualify for free or reduced lunches, and differenee.s in family income may account for some ofthedispar ity between Ihe district's high and low perforniei's. Smith s
nil. We lake sludenls as we gel Ihem, Smith said. But some haven't had the same oppoituni- lie.s as others. Theyre behind to start with.'' In other business, the board approved the Hrsl reading of a policy that would re<piire individuals or groups wishing to be on the board's agenda to submit a detailed description of their topics at least seven days before Ihe boards meeting. The policy, which could be ap- represents an increase from last proved on .second reading at the years32nd percentile ranking. In addition: board's .Ian, 21 meeting, would al.so limit the individual or group's Sixth graders scored at the 35lh presenlaliun to 10 niiiinles. al- percentile, down from last years :i8lh percentile. Seventh-graders scored in the 39th percentile, same as last year. Eighlh-gradcv.s earned a 37th percentile ranking, a drop from last years 39lh percentile. Ninlh-gradcrs dropped, from the 40lh percentile last year to 4Glh this year. B Tenth-graders scored in the 4(5111 pcrcenlile, up from last years 40lh percentile. The .50lh percentile is consi<l cred average in reading, math, language, science and social studies. lim Dyer, the districts director though the board could grant cx- ceplioiLS to the rule. Board President Debra Rogers said Ihe proposed policy steni.s from parenls complaints to her about the length of board meetings, specifically lengthy presenta- lion.s by Ihe Pi'rsonnel Policie.s (Jommillee. The hoanl has asked the com niillec to submit its meeting min- ule.s and rcporls before meetings. The connniltce replied it doesnt have enoui'h lime between teacher meetings and board meetings to prepare minutes. Our intent i.s to gel eveiylhing in advance so we can have a fair of federal programs, pointed out that students take the SAT 9 three l e.ading of it," Rogers said. weeks after school stalls, so their scores reflect what tliey learned in But coininiltee Chairman Louene Lipsmeyer said the board earlier grades. " ha.s not asked other presejiteis Uir All schools ranked below the written descriptions oflopics to be Mill percentile, except for Indian dLscussed, including Tluirsday ...... -................ nighl'spresentaliononSmarlSlart Hills Elementary fifth-graders, who scored at the 53rd percentile
Lakewood Elementary fifth- graders, who scored al the GOlh and the SAT 9 test scoix*s. What you have done is shut down any conniiunicafion between the teachers, the public and the percentile
and Lakewood sev- -- ------------ -- . ciith i
radcr,s, who scored al tlie bo.ard." l.ilKincycr said. 31st percentile. The slate require.s fifth-, .sev- Here are the balteiy percentile enlh- and lOlh graders to be test- rankings I'ur individual schobls and the grades tested: cd, but .school districts can decifle H Amboy (fifth) 46 to do additional testing. Bellwood (fiflh) 48 Test results, which arc broken Boone Park (fifth) 1(5 down by .student sex and race, al.so (h e.slwoml (fiflh) 49 ................................... (Jh'nview(fif(h)2l reflect a growing (li.spnrily. While girl.s were the highest seoi'cr.s in grades seven through 10, and while Indian Hills (fifth) 53 B Ijikewood (fifth) (50 B Lvneh Drive (fifth) 20 boys .scored the highest of any student groups dislrictwide in grades Meadow Park (fifth) 32 five and six. Black boy.s scored the North Heighl.s (fiflh) 28 lowest at all grade levels. Park Hili (fifth) 2(5 White fiflh-gi*ade boys at Indian H Pike View (fiflh) ^) I Hills, who placed in the 78Ui per- R Seventh Street (fifth) 46 i ccntile, were the highest-scoring RPoplarStrcct(sixlh)35 { group districtwide. H Ixikewood Middle (seventh) 5P Individual school scores ranged R Lakewood Middle (eighth) 48 from a IGlh-pcrccntile ranking for R Ridgeroad Mi<ldle (scvcntli) 3.5 Boone Park Elemcntai'y fifth- B Ridgeroad Middle (eighth) 37 ! gradcr.s to Lakewood Elementaiy B Rose City Middle (seventh) 28
rifth-gradcr.s'(>t)lh ranking. R Rosi' Oily Middle (eighth) 25 The scores aren't what wed R Argenla Academy (sixlh) 9
like to report." Superintendent R Argenta Academy (sevcnlh) 2 James Smith said. Wed like to re- H Argenla Academy (eighth) 8 J port an 8Uth percentile, bul we SAigcnla Academy (ninth) 16 . cant. Smith said he liope.s Ihe Smart Slait initiative, the slate's new approach to getting pupils to perform al grade level in reading and math (10th) 4(5 Argenla Academy (lOth) 39
Nori II Little Rock High Sehmd Ea.sl (ninth) 47
North Lillie Ruck High-East jwjirtr mail maar Tlr Arkansas Democrat WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1999______________ County schools add 3 credits to number needed to graduate BYTR.ACYCOUR.4GE .ARK.\SS.\S DEMOCR.W<i.AZETTE Beginning in the 2000-2001 school year. Pulaski Count}- Special School District students must earn three extra credits to graduate. The school board voted Tuesday to increase its graduation requirements from 21 to 24 credits. : Included in what will be 167
mandatory units are four English units, three math units, three science units (including one life sci- i ence unit, one physical science unit and Science Technologj- III), three social science units (including one unit of American histoiy): 7
physical education unit, one health and safety credit in ninth I grade. 7: fine arts unit, 7
oral spokesman. I communication unit and one key- In other business, the school board approved the 1999-2000 school calendar. Classes will begin Aug. 19 and end June 1 with spring break scheduled for March 27-31. The board also voted to refinance S26.2 million in bonds at a keyboarding unit. The district is adding the keyboarding unit to the current 157
mandatoiy units. In the 2001-2002 school year, students will need to earn 24 credits, but the course require- ments will be more specific. For lower interest rate. In mid-De- e.xample. the three mandator}' cember. the board also voted to math units must include one unit refund S5.8 million in bonds. of algebra or its equivalent and one geometry unit. The three social science units will include world history. U.S. histoiy and -k unit of civics or government. Graduation requirements at all three school districts in Pulaski combined should save the district County now exceed the state's 21- unit graduation requirement. The Little Rock district voted in December to increase graduation requirements from 21 to 24 credits, effective for the graduating class of 2002. The credits include 17 common core" units, three career-related units and four electives. North Little Rock students must now complete 25 credits, nine of which are electives. Beginning in the 1999-2000 school year. North Little Rock students must earn 26 units to graduate. The district increased its graduation requirements three years ago when it began block scheduling. said Shara Brazear. North Little Rock School District State law allows a school district to refinance bonds if the refunding will save at least SIOO.OOO. said Don Stewart, the districts assistant superintendent for business affairs. The refunding of both bonds more than SI million. Stewart said. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10. 2000 ' LR Board increases graduation requirements ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE The Little Rock School Board approved new graduation requirements Thursday, increasing the minimum number of credits students must earn before they can get their diploma. Under the new policy for the state's largest school system, the minimum number of credits required for graduation will increase from 24 for students graduating in 2002 and 2003 to 26 for students graduating in 2004 and beyond. The two additional credits will be electives. Counselors will recommend students take an additional year of mathematics, science or social studies. An oral communication course. now one unit of credit, will be- credit courses may substitute for come a half unit. To make up the other half unit, the new policy requires a half-unit of English language arts any English, journalism or communication course
modem grammar will be recommended. Students in what the district calls its recommended curriculum a more rigorous academic program that reflects admission requirements of the most prestigious universities in the nation also face new requirements. The number of credits required increases from 27 for students graduating in 2003 to 28 for students graduating in 2004 and beyond. Under this change, the recommended curriculum will require at least eight pre-advanced placement or advanced placement courses. University studies courses at Hall High or approved dualpre- advanced placement and advanced placement courses. The old policy specified that the student had to complete at least six pre-advanced placement and two advanced placement courses, according to a memo from Marian Lacey, assistant superintendent for secondary schools. District officials sought the changes in graduation requirements because of the effect of block scheduling a college-style class schedule in which students can take four courses one day and four courses the next. Now, most students can complete 23 credits of the required 24 units in three years because of block scheduling, Lacey and Bonnie Lesley, associate superintendent for instruction, said in an Oct. 26 memo to the School Board. With block scheduling, high school students can earn as many as eight credits a year, or 32 credits over grades nine through 12. Block scheduling has been in place since the 1999-2000 school year for all five of the districts five high schools. Students earning diplomas at the Accelerated Learning Center will continue having to meet 21- credit requirement, which is the minimum required by the Arkansas Department of Education. And students can continue to earn diplomas with waived or altered requirements established by an Individual Education Program team for a student identified with disabilities. SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2002 Mills High School names top grads Justin Vines, son of Lanny and Rose Vines, will graduate as Wilbur D, Mills valedictorian. Robert Alford, son of Joe and Joyce Alford, and Jessica Scott, daughter of James and Patricia Scott, are the salutatorians. Vines will attend the University of Arkansas. Alford will attend Swarthmore Collie. Scott will attend the University of Kansas. J.A. Fair names its top graduates Steven Nichols, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Nichols, graduated as J.A. Fair Magnet High School valedictorian. Amanda Earnest, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Earnest, was the salutatorian. I Nichols will attend the University of Arkansas. Earnest will attend Bayior University in Waco, Texas.encouraging sign about me public schools: Go for it Little Rocks school board may in- of high school po^l to go before Se school tod next month would increase that min- K-S2, more we e.xpect of ourselves, the the better we may do. When our standards are low- now performance may be, too. nr,^ to lower : wuuiu increase mat min- but student 3^/. encouraged to tiy for Zl.
This much in life is certain: The . can meet j maintain loflj' stan- to the students trj^ng to meet these standards, for h to the school board: Go Arkansas Democrat Established 1878 Arkansas'^azclte Established 1819 Arkansas Democrat ^(gazette Arkansas Newspaper Walter E. Hussman, Jr., Publisher Griffin Smith, jr. Executive Edit^ Paul Greenberg Editorial Page Editor Paul R. Smith K P / General Manager Lynn Hamilton VP / Operations John Mobbs Advertising Director Larry Graham Circulation Director Estel Jeffery, Jr, Director of Promotions I
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