2016 -2017 Big Sur Charter School · 4 BSCS FAMILY HANDBOOK 2016-17 Admission Requirements BSCS...

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We believe

Big Sur Charter School Family Handbook

BSCS Mission

The Big Sur Charter School designs and implements personalized learning programs that meet the individual needs of each student. Through place-based education we promote creativity, understanding, and action in the arts and ecology.

Parents are Partners in Learning

The Community is our Classroom

Nature is our Teacher

We are all Artists

Big Sur Charter School 304 Foam St. Monterey, CA 93940 Phone: (831) 324-4573 Fax: (831) 884-5454 [email protected]

www.bigsurcharterschool.org

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2016-17 BSCS FAMILY HANDBOOK

Welcome to the Big Sur Charter School community! With programs in Monterey, and San Luis Obispo, Big Sur Charter School offers a vibrant alternative to traditional public schooling. BSCS builds relationships between home, school and community to ensure that students benefit from a diverse and experiential learning environment. We are committed to providing academically challenging programs that meet the individual needs of every student. Our Personalized Learning approach recognizes that not all students learn the same way. Our teachers will work with you to design learning programs that support your child in meeting educational and personal goals. You will work collaboratively with our staff to identify your child’s learning style, unique strengths and challenges, and create a personal learning plan. This handbook is designed to help you understand more about our school, so that you can fully participate as a partner in your child’s learning. We know that you want the best for your child. Let’s work together to provide your child with the support they need to be successful!

Dear Parents,

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome Statement …………………………...………………………………………...2 Admission Requirements ………………………..………………………………………4 Attendance Policy ……………………….……………………………………………….4 Behavior Expectations ……………………………..………………………………...….4 Complaint Procedure …………………………..………………………………………..4 Community Service ……………………………………………………………………...4 Curriculum ……………………………………………………………………………….4 Disenrolling ………………………………………………………………………………5 English Language Learners ……………………………………………….…………….5 Family Directory ………………………………………………………………………...5 Grades …………………………………………………………………………………....5 Health and Safety ………………………………………………………………………..6 Instructional Time …………………………………………………………………….…6 Learning Partner Programs …………………………………………………………..…6 Learning Periods ………………………………………………………………………...7 Lottery …………………………………………………………………………………...7 Master Agreement ……………………………………………………………………....7 Medication ……………………………………………………………………………....7 Monthly Parent-Student-Teacher Meetings …………………………………………...7 Newsletter ………………………………………………………………………………..8 Parent Advisory Council ………………………………………………………………..8 Parent/Guardian Expectations ……………………………………………...………....8 Parent Participation ……………………………………………………………………..8 Report Cards …………………………………………………………………………….9 Report of Missed Assignment ……………………………………………………….....9 Response to Intervention (RtI) ………………………………………………………....9 Special Education …………………………………………………………………….....9 Standardized Testing …………………………………………………………………..10 Student Records …………………..……………………………………………………10 Suspension and Expulsion ………………………………………………………….....10 Teacher Qualifications ………………………………………………………………...10 Transcripts …………………………………………………………………………..….10 Wait List ………………………………………………………………………………..11 Work Permits …………………………………………………………………………..11 Work Samples ………………………………………………………………………….11 School Policies Section …………………………………………………………...…12-30 (Parent Rights/Responsibilities, Independent Study, Truancy, Suspension and Expulsion, Internet, FERPA, LCAP, Uniform Complaint Procedures, Grievance, EL Reclassification) Parent/Guardian Signature Page ………………………………………………………31

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Admission Requirements BSCS admits students residing in Monterey County and all adjacent counties where we have a program. Families will provide a birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency for each student. We are a public school and do not charge tuition. All interested families are encouraged to schedule a pre-enrollment interview to ensure that parents and students understand the model of our personalized learning and home-school-community approach.

Attendance Parents are responsible for recording daily attendance by initialing the monthly calendar each day in which the student is engaged in learning activities for the school. Additionally, 3 original work samples for each Learning Period become part of the student’s permanent attendance record. The student’s teacher evaluates work for time value and may deduct attendance if in his/her professional judgment the work does not represent sufficient instructional time. If a student is not making adequate progress or misses more than two assignments in any Learning Period, an evaluation of continued enrollment will be made by the school as outlined in the Independent Study Policy (page 14).

Behavior Expectations Parents, students, and teachers will behave in a manner that is safe and respectful of others. Compassionate communication and actions will ensure that all students gain meaningful learning experiences in a nurturing and safe environment. Learning Center and Community Learning Partner programs are opportunities for students to practice group communication skills and cooperation. Adults will model respectful consideration of others by being on time and being mindful of the needs and goals of the group.

BSCS serves students, their families, and the community with respect for individuals and for the benefit of the whole school community. In the event that an individual has reason to believe this intent has not been met, that individual is welcome to express their concerns to the Director and to file a grievance with the BSCS Board. In the event that an individual has reason to believe a state or federal statute has been violated, a Uniform Complaint process will be followed. A copy of our complaint procedure is attached in the School Policies section.

Complaint Procedure

Community Service Students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to volunteer for a total of 15 hours each year. Teachers will provide students with guidance on community service opportunities and documentation.

Curriculum All students are provided a California standards-based curriculum and will work with their teacher to develop a personal learning plan. Additionally, students will have access to the resource library and may request other curriculum or materials to support their personal learning goals. All materials are the property of BSCS and must be returned in good condition at the end of each year or as required by the resource library. Parents agree to pay for all lost or damaged materials.

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Students identified as English Language Learners on the Home Language Survey are required to take the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) each year and will receive Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) from their teacher who has received the SDAIE training. Students designated as English Learners will be monitored for progress in English language development and, when appropriate, recommended for ELL Reclassification (page 30).

Students receive grades at the end of each Learning Period based on both the quality and quantity of assignments completed. K-8 students are evaluated with a 0-4 scale. Grades 7-12 students earn letter grades. Additionally, students receive a narrative evaluation at the end of each semester. 4 = Learning goal or standard exceeded = Letter grade A 3 = Learning goal or standard met = Letter grade B 2 = Learning goal or standard nearly met = Letter grade C 1 = Learning goal or standard not met = Letter grade D 0 - Learning goal or standard not attempted = Letter grade F

*Two Learning Periods with 0 in two or more subjects will result in a reevaluation of enrollment.

Family Contact Information Family contact information includes the phone numbers and addresses of all families who choose to be included. This information, available on ParentSquare, is for school use only and may not be used for mailing lists, promotion of business, religious, or other advertisement purposes.

Disenrolling The state of California allows students to be enrolled in only one school at a time, regardless of whether the schools are public or private. Parents must notify the school office when their child is enrolled in another school. Parents and students agree to attend a final meeting with their teacher to return curriculum and materials. When a request for cumulative records is received from the new school all student records will be mailed to the requesting school. If no cumulative record request is received by BSCS after a student is voluntarily disenrolled, the student will be considered truant. The school district where the student resides will be notified of the student’s disenrollment pursuant to Education Code §47605(d)(3) If a pupil is expelled or leaves the charter school without graduating or completing the school year for any reason, the charter school shall notify the superintendent of the school district of the pupil's last known address within 30 days, and shall, upon request, provide that school district with a copy of the cumulative record of the pupil, including a transcript of grades or report card, and health information.

English Language Learners

Grades

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BSCS recognizes that students benefit from group learning experiences and offers Learning Center and Community Partner programs. Attendance is voluntary, but not drop-in. Regular attendance is essential

to maintain optimal learning experiences for all students. Students may be dropped from BSCS group learning programs after 3 unexcused absences/tardies or for failing to follow the behavior expectations.

Student Expectations: • Be respectful of others. • Follow the direction of the group leader. • Be safe.

Parent/Guardian Expectations: • Be on time for drop-off and pick-up. • Parents/Guardians must sign-in and sign-out their children. • Provide transportation, water, snacks, and appropriate clothing. • If participating, ensure the safety of all students and model respectful behavior.

Parents/Guardians must notify the school if their child will be absent. • Only parents/guardians will be allowed to pick up students unless written permission from the

parent for another adult to pick up the child is on file in the office.

Health and Safety Big Sur Charter School believes that the health and safety of our students is our first priority. All students and staff will have the opportunity to review and practice safety procedures. A copy of the BSCS School Safety Plan is available on ParentSquare.

Instructional Time BSCS students learn anytime and anywhere. Parents are responsible for daily instruction and supervision of the student while he/she is completing assigned work, and for ensuring the submission of all completed assignments necessary for evaluation on the date on which they are due. The parent understands student(s) must complete adequate instructional time. If the student is not engaged in the required instructional minutes, as determined by the teacher, a written notification of an evaluation of continued enrollment will be sent to the parent. The following instructional minutes are required:

• 36,000 minutes in kindergarten (equivalent to approx. 3.4 hrs/day) • 50,400 minutes in grades 1-3 (equivalent to approx. 4.8 hrs/day) • 54,000 minutes in grades 4-8 (equivalent to approx. 5.1 hrs/day) • 64,800 minutes in grades 9-12 (equivalent to approx. 6.2 hrs/day)

Students will submit all assignments completed each Learning Period to review with their teacher. The teacher will review the completed assignments, and evaluate each student’s work for time value.

Learning Center and Community Partner Programs

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Learning Periods

In the event that BSCS has more students than we can accommodate, a random drawing will be held in May for fall enrollment and parents will be notified by June 1st. Interested families should complete the admissions request on our school website to be placed on the waiting list. We attempt to balance the grade levels, so not all grades will have openings each year. Siblings of enrolled students will have priority in admissions.

Medication For student safety, all medication to be administered at school must be:

• Labeled by a licensed pharmacist. • In the original manufacturer’s container with the student’s name clearly written on the container. • Accompanied by a written statement from the doctor detailing the method, amount, and time

schedule the medication is to be taken (this may be faxed and must be updated annually and when any changes are made).

• Accompanied by a written statement by the parent/guardian indicating the desire that the school staff administer medication to the student as ordered by the health-care provider.

• Handed to the school staff by the parent/guardian (not the student) except inhalers, which may remain with the student.

Monthly Parent-Student-Teacher Meetings Parents/Guardians and students agree to attend monthly in-person, email, or phone appointments. A monthly email check-in/consultation is required of all parents. Your teacher will send the monthly check-in near the end of every Learning Period and a response is required to meet the terms of your independent study contract. Parents may request phone or in person consultations. Consultations are typically 30 minutes per student, depending on need. If you are more than 15 minutes late to your consultation, your appointment will be rescheduled at a time that fits the teacher’s schedule. Rescheduling an appointment counts as one missed assignment. If two email or in-person consultations are missed, the parent will receive a Report of Missed Assignment and the school will evaluate continued enrollment with BSCS. For purposes of complying with independent study laws, missed consultations, high school meetings, tutoring sessions, counseling sessions, speech and/or language therapy sessions, or special education meetings will be considered missed assignments.

Each semester, parents/guardians, teachers and the student are required to sign the Master Agreement before the first day of insturction. The Master Agreement contains the courses and monthly consultation meeting times. The school cannot report attendance until the Master Agreement is signed by all parties.

Our school year is divided into 10 Learning Periods with a maximum of 20 school days each. Parents are required to meet with the teacher at least once every Learning Period or as outlined in the Master Agreement.

Lottery

Master Agreement

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ParentSquare

Parent/Guardian Expectations

Parent Advisory Council The Parent Advisory Council meets regularly to:

• Advise BSCS Board on family/student interests, needs, and activities. • Support BSCS mission and vision as described in our charter petition. • Plan and coordinate activities that foster parent partnership with the school. • Help to carry out the BSCS Fundraising Plan.

ParentSquare is our school’s primary communication tool. All school communication and calendars will be delivered through ParentSquare. It is every parent’s responsibility to ensure that the correct contact information is updated in ParentSquare and to read communication sent from the school. BSCS collects parent contact information once each year at enrollment. This data changes throughout the year for many families. Please help us keep you in the loop by updating your information in ParentSquare. * ParentSquare offers parents the option to keep your contact information private.

• Understand and comply with the terms of the Master Agreement. • Meet with your child’s teacher at least once every 20 days for consultation by phone, email or in-

person. • Scheduled meetings must be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance and rescheduled within 48

hours. • Implement your child’s Personal Learning Plan, including daily instruction and monitoring of

assignments. • Read all school communication and respond to requests from the school. • Attend school meetings and volunteer as needed. • Support your child’s participation in State required testing such as SBAC and other school

mandated assessments. • Acknowledge that all learning resources are the property of the school and all material must be

returned to the school upon proper notice.

Parent Participation Big Sur Charter School is committed to fostering partnerships between home and school. Parents are encouraged to volunteer for fundraising events each year. Your Parent Advisory Council Representative will provide you with volunteer opportunities and a Parent Participation Plan. Because the parent is the day-to-day teacher for BSCS students, we believe providing opportunities for parents to exchange ideas, strategies, and resources, is crucial to student success. For this reason, we ask each parent to participate in at least three Parent Advisory Council meetings or Home Educator Learning Programs during each school year. These activities are provided free of charge to parents/guardians of BSCS students.

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Report Cards BSCS provides progress reports monthly and report cards for all students twice a year.

• High school students who earn A-D grades in any course will receive the attempted number of

credits. A grade of “F” is not a passing grade and the student will not receive credit for the course. Students will have the opportunity to repeat failed courses for credit.

Report of Missed Assignment If a student is not completing the required assignments or if parents miss a scheduled meeting with the Teacher, a Report of Missed Assignment will be sent to the parent(s)/guardian(s) and a meeting may be

scheduled to implement strategies to support the student in meeting the requirements of the program. If a student does not meet the required instructional minutes, as determined by the Teacher, the student may be disenrolled from BSCS. (See Independent Study Policy)

Response to Intervention (RtI) Program

Special Education

All students with standardized test scores or progress reports indicating grade level standards are not met, will be considered for the Response to Intervention (RtI) program. A Student Success Team (SST), which may include parent(s)/guardians(s), the student, the student’s teacher(s), the school Director, the Education Specialist, and any other persons having knowledge of the student, will convene to identify the student’s strengths and weaknesses and to define strategies for improving the academic achievement of the student. The RtI program will be implemented by the teacher and parent(s)/guardian(s). Student progress will be carefully monitored. A student who fails to make adequate progress in the RtI program may be referred for Special Education.

BSCS is committed to meeting the needs of special education students and recognizes that independent study may be an appropriate placement for some students with special needs. Students with an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) will have access to all rights, services, and resources available to other students in the district. Parents and school staff work collaboratively to design the individualized education program for students with special needs. Parents take a lead role in implementing the plan and monitoring progress towards goals.

Personal Learning Plan

Each student will receive a monthly Assignment and Work Record and Home Study Guide for each subject. The Home Study Guide serves as a syllabus for parents, students and teachers and are a useful tool for keeping learning on track.

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Standardized Testing

Student Records Parents may request permission to examine their child’s student records in the presence of a school staff member. Copies may be provided at the parent’s request. Please allow 5 days for the completion of requested copies.

Every publicly funded school is required to administer standardized tests. Student non-participation in these tests can result in non-renewal of the BSCS Charter. BSCS expects all students in grades 3-11 to participate in required annual testing. Test scores are sent to parents and can be a useful tool in assisting families in measuring annual progress and planning curriculum. Tests include:

• Physical Fitness testing for grades 5, 7 and 9 • California English Language Development Test (CELDT) for English Language Learners • State Mandated Standardized Testing • BSCS Benchmarks and Assessments

Suspension and Expulsion Suspension or expulsion from Big Sur Charter School will be based on California Education Code, the BSCS Suspension and Expulsion Policy, and Independent Study Policy.

Teacher Qualifications A current list of staff and their professional qualifications is available upon request. Big Sur Charter School teachers hold California teaching credentials and participate in ongoing professional development.

Transcripts The BSCS Registrar will complete official transcripts. Transcripts will be completed at the end of the senior year of each student, or as requested for transfer or other purposes. A request for a transcript, including where it is to be mailed and how many requested, must be submitted in writing to BSCS. Two free transcripts will be supplied on request per semester. Each additional transcript will be $2. Please allow a minimum of one week for processing time. Mail requests to: Big Sur Charter School Transcript Request 304 Foam St. Monterey, CA 93940 Transcripts of previous high school work are necessary for accurate graduation planning. Initial planning can be done with an unofficial transcript; however, an official transcript must be received by BSCS prior to the student’s graduation. The student is responsible for providing all transcripts.

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Wait List

Work Permits

The main office keeps a list of interested families when enrollment in any of our programs is full. A public random drawing will be held in May each year and families will be notified by June 1st if their child has been selected. The wait list starts fresh each year and is not on a first come-first served basis. However, siblings of selected students will have priority.

Big Sur Charter School can issue a work permits to high school students who have received an offer of employment. Contact the office for an application. Students must be in good academic standing and have a 2.5 G.P.A. to receive a work permit.

Work Samples BSCS collects work samples each Learning Period for purposes of attendance documentation and to monitor student progress. These samples become part of the student’s attendance record and will not be returned to students.

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Parent/Guardian Rights and Responsibilities

School Policies Section

The rights of parents/guardians of students include, but are not limited to, the following: • To observe, within a reasonable period of time after making the request, their child’s classroom(s).

• Parents/guardians may observe instructional and other school activities that involve their child in

accordance with Board policy and Administrative Regulations adopted to ensure the safety of students and staff, prevent undue interference with instruction or harassment of school staff, and provide reasonable accommodation to parents/guardians. Upon written request by parents/guardians, the School Director/designee shall arrange for parental observation of a class or activity in a reasonable time frame.

• To meet, within a reasonable time of their request, with their child’s teacher(s) and the School Director.

• Under the supervision of school employees, to volunteer their time and resources for the improvement of school facilities and school programs, including, but not limited to, providing assistance in the classroom with the approval, and under the direct supervision, of the teacher.

• To be notified on a timely basis if their child is absent from school without permission.

• To receive the results of their child’s performance and the school’s performance on standardized tests and statewide tests.

• To have a school environment for their child that is safe and supportive of learning. • To examine the curriculum materials of the class in which their child is enrolled.

Parents/guardians may inspect, in a reasonable time frame, all primary supplemental instructional materials and assessments, including textbooks, teacher’s manuals, films, tapes and software. The school may charge an amount not to exceed the cost of duplication.

• To be informed of their child’s progress in school and of the appropriate school personnel whom they should contact if problems arise with their child.

• To have access to the school records of their child. • To receive information concerning the academic performance standards, proficiencies or skills

their child is expected to accomplish. • To be informed in advance about school rules, attendance policies, and procedures for visiting the

school.

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• Daily monitoring/verification of student learning

• The cost of replacement or repair for willfully damaged, lost or destroyed books, computers,

software and other school property

• Contacting the Teacher if special or extenuating circumstances will prohibit the student from turning in the assigned work by the due date

• Providing any needed transportation for all educational services offered by the school

• Ensuring their child participates in all State mandated assessments

• Maintaining communication with the school, including reading all newsletters or other written communications from the school to families

• Notifying the school if the student will be absent from a scheduled school event

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

• To receive information about any psychological testing involving their child and to permit or deny the administration of the test.

• To refuse to submit or to participate in any assessment, analysis, evaluation or monitoring of the quality or character of the student’s home life; any form of parental screening or testing; any nonacademic home-based counseling program; parent training; or any prescribed family education service plan.

• To participate as a member of a parent advisory committee. • To question anything in their child’s record that the parent/guardian feels is inaccurate or misleading,

or is an invasion of privacy and to receive a response from the school.

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BSCS Independent Study Policy

The Governing Board authorizes independent study as an optional instructional strategy for students in grades K-12. The Board recognizes that independent study is voluntary and requires a commitment on the part of students and families to meet the requirements of the program. Big Sur Charter School does not require students to participate in independent study and continuously provides students with the option of regular classroom instruction. Administrative Regulations: California Education Code 51745(c)(1)-(8) describes the legal requirements of the written Master Agreement that must be kept on file for each student. The Master Agreement will include the following: 1. The manner, time, frequency and place for submitting a pupil’s assignments and for reporting his or

her progress. 2. The objectives and methods of study for the student’s work. 3. The specific resources, including materials and personnel that will be made available to the student. 4. The maximum length of time, by grade level, that may elapse between the time an assignment is made

and the date of the completed work and the number of missed assignments allowed prior to an evaluation of whether or not the student should stay in independent study.

5. The duration of the independent study agreement, not to exceed one school year. 6. The number of course credits or other measure of academic accomplishment appropriate to the

agreement. 7. The statement that independent study is optional. No student is required to participate and is offered

the alternative of classroom instruction by the District. 8. Dated signatures prior to the commencement of independent study by the student, parent/guardian

and supervising teacher. The Governing Board of Big Sur Charter School recognizes that the time, manner, frequency and place for submitting assignments will depend on each student’s individual needs. The supervising teacher will determine, with the parent/guardian and student, a schedule for submitting assignments and reporting on student progress that best supports each student’s learning. The maximum length of time for students enrolled in grades K-12 with the Big Sur Charter School to report progress and complete assignments is 20 school days. Parents are required to submit monthly documentation to the supervising teacher including the following:

• Daily engagement attendance form signed by the parent/guardian • Work samples representing at least one day of educational activities

When a student completes less than 80% of the monthly assignments, as determined by the supervising teacher, an evaluation will be conducted to determine if it is the best interest of the student to remain in independent study. A written record of the evaluation will be maintained in the student’s permanent record. The evaluation can include the following supportive strategies:

• A letter to the parent/guardian • A required meeting between student, parent/guardian and supervising teacher • A required increase in the amount of time the student works under direct supervision of the

supervising teacher

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Supervision: The independent study of each student shall be coordinated, evaluated, and generally supervised by a certificated teacher. (EC 51747.5) The student/teacher ratio will not exceed 25:1 (Title 5 CA Code of Regulations Section 11704) Special Education: (EC 51745(c)) No individual with exceptional needs, as defined in Section 56026, may participate in independent study, unless his or her IEP specifically provides for that participation. Enrollment: (EC 51747.3) Students residing in Monterey County and immediately adjacent counties may enroll in independent study. Services and Resources: (EC 51746) The district’s independent study option shall be substantially equivalent to classroom instruction in quality and quantity. Students in independent study shall have access to the same services and resources that are available to other students in the district. The Big Sur Charter School will not provide funds or other things of value to the pupil or his or her parent/guardian that could not legally be provided to another student in the district. Responsibilities of Supervising Teacher: • Meet with students and parents/guardians to design and implement independent study program at the

beginning of each semester. • Evaluate student progress continually and provide written evaluations and assign credit at the end of

each semester. • Maintain all student records including, but not limited to, Master Agreements, Student Learning

Records, work samples and attendance reports. • Assign the time value of students work for attendance purposes. • Ensure that independent study is in accordance with legal requirements. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities: • Assist students in meeting the requirements of the signed Master Agreement. • Participate in design and implementation of independent study program, including choosing

curriculum and providing an appropriate learning environment. • Submit records and work samples on time to supervising teacher. • Attend beginning and of semester planning and evaluation meetings with supervising teacher. Students Responsibilities: • Meet the requirements of the signed written agreements. Record Keeping: (EC 11703) Records required for audit purposes must be kept for 3 years and include the following: • A copy of the school board policy and procedures regarding independent study. • A list of students who have engaged in independent study, identifying units of the curriculum

undertaken and units of the curriculum completed by each of those students in grades 1-8, and identify course credit attempted by and awarded to students in grades 9-12.

• A file of all agreements, including representative samples of each student’s work product signed or initialed by the supervising teacher indicating that he or she has personally evaluated the work.

• An attendance register based on the time values of student work assigned by a certificated teacher.

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Big Sur Charter School Truancy Policy Truancy Definition The Big Sur Charter School expects that both students and parents/guardians take responsibility for ensuring that students engage in the educational activities required by the terms of the written Master Agreement. Students enrolled in Big Sur Charter School must engage in an educational activity or activities required by the School on each of the days of the regular school calendar in order to be considered in attendance on that day. Due to the unique nature of an independent study program, the definition of "truancy" for Big Sur Charter School is defined in the policy below as more than 2 missed assignment in an attendance period or any missed appointment with the School. This is not the same definition of "truancy" in a traditional, site based school. Truancy Policy Pursuant to the Independent Study Policy adopted by the Big Sur Charter School Board of Directors, students who fail to demonstrate adequate completion of assignments or who miss a scheduled appointment will be subject to the truancy policy and an Evaluation Meeting may be held to consider whether it is in the best interest of the student to remain in independent study. Parents/guardians or adult students will be informed of this policy as part of the written Master Agreement signed each semester. A missed assignment is defined as completion of less that 80% of assigned work in any 20 day learning period, as determined by the assigned teacher. A school appointment may be defined as learning record meetings, scheduled tutoring, any testing appointments required by the school, special education meetings, or other scheduled meetings outlined on the written Master Agreement. First Truancy Notice When students miss an assignment or school appointment, parents/guardians will receive a Report of Missed Assignment letter and may be invited to attend an Evaluation Meeting to discuss possible strategies to support the student’s learning. Strategies may include individual or small group tutoring, parent coaching, or other methods to support the student’s success. Second Truancy Notice Students who continue to miss an assignment or school appointment will receive a second notice and an Evaluation Meeting will be held with the School Director or designee to determine if independent study is in the best interest of the child. Parents/Guardians, the student when appropriate, and other school staff will be invited to attend the meeting. The Administration shall take any information presented by the parent/guardian or adult student into consideration when determining whether it is in the best interest of the student to remain in independent study. Additional factors to be considered include but are not limited to the following: 1. student’s grades at the time of the evaluation 2. teacher observation/feedback 3. standardized testing data 4. student’s progress in independent study curriculum

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The Administration’s decision shall be provided in writing to the parent/guardian within three (3) days of the evaluation. The Administration may:

1. find independent study is in the student’s best interest,

2. place the student on attendance probation to be evaluated again at a later time,

3. use other alternatives to improve attendance, or

4. find that it is not in the student’s best interest to remain in independent study. If the Administration finds that it is not in the student’s best interest to remain in independent study, then the student shall be withdrawn from enrollment at the Charter School and the Charter School will notify the student’s district of residence. Appeal: The Administration’s decision that it is not in the student’s best interest to remain in independent study shall be subject to an appeal. In accordance with the Suspension/Expulsion policy and the terms of the Charter, parent(s) or guardian(s) of a student may request a hearing where the parent and the student shall be given an opportunity to participate and present facts relevant to the issues set forth in the notice from the Administration. Special Education Students Truancy Procedure: If the truant student is an identified Special Education student, the IEP team will be notified and an IEP meeting will be held to determine is independent study is an appropriate placement

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BSCS Suspension and Expulsion Policy Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion of Students Students may be suspended or expelled from the Charter School for any act specified in Education Code Section 48900. A list of enumerated offenses can be requested from the School’s Director. The parent(s) or guardian(s) of a student who receives a suspension or expulsion notice may request a hearing with the Charter School Board of Directors and be given the opportunity to present facts relevant to the issues set forth in the notice. The Charter School is committed to annual review of policies and procedures surrounding suspensions and expulsions. The Charter School administration shall ensure that students and their parents/ guardians are notified in writing upon enrollment of all discipline policies and procedures. Suspended or expelled students shall be excluded from all school and school-related activities unless otherwise agreed during the period of suspension or expulsion. Suspension Procedure Suspensions shall be initiated according to the following procedures: Conference Suspension shall be preceded, if possible, by a conference conducted by the Director or the Director’s designee with the student and his or her parent and, whenever practical, the Charter School employee who referred the student to the Director or designee. The conference may be omitted if the Director or designee determines that an emergency situation exists. An “emergency situation” involves a clear and present danger to the lives, safety or health of students or Charter School personnel. If a student is suspended without this conference, both the parent/guardian and student shall be notified of the student’s right to return to school for the purpose of a conference. At the conference, the pupil shall be informed of the reason for the disciplinary action and the evidence against him or her and shall be given the opportunity to present his or her version and evidence in his or her defense. This conference shall be held within two school days, unless the pupil waives this right or is physically unable to attend for any reason. No penalties may be imposed on a pupil for failure of the pupil’s parent or guardian to attend a conference with Charter School officials. Reinstatement of the suspended pupil shall not be contingent upon attendance by the pupil’s parent or guardian at the conference. Notice to Parents/Guardians At the time of the suspension, an administrator or designee shall make a reasonable effort to contact the parent/guardian by telephone or in person. Whenever a student is suspended, the parent/guardian shall be notified in writing of the suspension and the date of return following suspension. This notice shall state the specific offense committed by the student. In addition, the notice may also state the date and time when the student may return to school. If Charter School officials wish to ask the parent/guardian to confer regarding matters pertinent to the suspension, the notice may request that the parent/guardian respond to such requests without delay. Suspension Time Limits/Recommendation for Expulsion Suspensions, when not including a recommendation for expulsion, shall not exceed five (5) consecutive school days per suspension. Upon a recommendation of Expulsion by the Director or Director’s designee, the pupil and the pupil’s guardian or representative will be invited to a conference to determine if the suspension for the pupil should be extended pending an expulsion hearing.

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This determination will be made by the Director or designee upon either of the following: 1) the pupil’s presence will be disruptive to the education process; or 2) the pupil poses a threat or danger to others. Upon either determination, the pupil’s suspension will be extended pending the results of an expulsion hearing. Authority to Expel A student may be expelled by the Charter School Board following a hearing before it or by the Charter School Board upon the recommendation of an Administrative Panel to be assigned by the Board as needed. The Administrative Panel should consist of at least three members who are certificated and neither a teacher of the pupil or a Board member of the Charter School’s governing board. The Administrative Panel may recommend expulsion of any student found to have committed an expellable offense. Expulsion Procedures Students recommended for expulsion are entitled to a hearing to determine whether the student should be expelled. Unless postponed for good cause, the hearing shall be held within thirty (30) school days after the Director or designee determines that the student has committed an expellable offense. In the event an administrative panel hears the case, it will make a recommendation to the Board for a final decision whether to expel. The hearing shall be held in closed session (complying with all pupil confidentiality rules under FERPA) unless the student makes a written request for a public hearing three (3) days prior to the hearing. Written notice of the hearing shall be forwarded to the student and the student’s parent/guardian at least ten (10) calendar days before the date of the hearing. Upon mailing the notice, it shall be deemed served upon the pupil. The notice shall include: 1) The date and place of the expulsion hearing; 2) A statement of the specific facts, charges and offenses upon which the proposed expulsion is based; 3) A copy of the Charter School’s disciplinary rules which relate to the alleged violation; 4) Notification of the student’s or parent/guardian’s obligation to provide information about the student’s status at the Charter School to any other school district or school to which the student seeks enrollment; 5) The opportunity for the student or the student’s parent/guardian to appear in person or to employ and be represented by counsel or a non-attorney advisor; 6) The right to inspect and obtain copies of all documents to be used at the hearing; 7) The opportunity to confront and question all witnesses who testify at the hearing; 8) The opportunity to question all evidence presented and to present oral and documentary evidence on the student’s behalf including witnesses. Written Notice to Expel The Director or designee following a decision of the Board to expel shall send written notice of the decision to expel, including the Board’s adopted findings of fact, to the student or parent/guardian. This notice shall also include the following: Notice of the specific offense committed by the student; and Notice of the student’s or parent/guardian’s obligation to inform any new district in which the student seeks to enroll of the student’s status with the Charter School. The Director or designee shall send a copy of the written notice of the decision to expel to the authorizer. This notice shall include the following: a) The student’s name b) The specific expellable offense committed by the student.

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Disciplinary Records The Charter School shall maintain records of all student suspensions and expulsions at the Charter School. Such records shall be made available to the authorizer upon request. No Right to Appeal The student shall have no right of appeal from expulsion from the Charter School as the Charter School’s decision to expel shall be final. Expelled Students/Alternative Education Students who are expelled shall be responsible for seeking alternative education programs including, but not limited to, programs within the County or their school district of residence. The Charter School shall work cooperatively with parents/guardians as requested by parents/guardians or by the school district of residence to assist with locating alternative placements during expulsion. Rehabilitation Plans Students who are expelled from the Charter School shall be given a rehabilitation plan upon expulsion as developed by the Board at the time of the expulsion order, which may include, but is not limited to, periodic review as well as assessment at the time of review for readmission. The rehabilitation plan should include a date not later than one year from the date of expulsion when the student may reapply to the Charter School for readmission. Readmission The decision to readmit a pupil or to admit a previously expelled pupil from another school district or charter school shall be in the sole discretion of the Board following a meeting with the Director or designee and the student and guardian or representative to determine whether the student has successfully completed the rehabilitation plan and to determine whether the student poses a threat to others or will be disruptive to the school environment. The Director or designee shall make a recommendation to the Board following the meeting regarding his or her determination. The student’s readmission is also contingent upon the Charter School’s capacity at the time the student seeks readmission. Special Procedures for the Consideration of Suspension and Expulsion of Students with Disabilities 1. Notification The Charter School shall immediately notify the District and SELPA and coordinate the procedures in this policy with the SELPA and District of the discipline of any student with a disability or student who the Charter School or District would be deemed to have knowledge that the student had a disability 2. Services During Suspension Students suspended for more than ten (10) school days in a school year shall continue to receive services so as to enable the student to continue to participate in the general education curriculum, although in another setting, and to progress toward meeting the goals set out in the child’s IEP/504 Plan; and receive, as appropriate, a functional behavioral assessment or functional analysis, and behavioral intervention services and modifications, that are designed to address the behavior violation so that it does not recur. Theses services may be provided in an interim alternative educational setting. 3. Procedural Safeguards/Manifestation Determination Within ten (10) school days of a recommendation for expulsion or any decision to change the placement of a child with a disability because of a violation of a code of student conduct, the Charter School, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP/504 Team shall review all relevant information in the student’s file, including the child’s IEP/504 Plan, any teacher observations, and any relevant information provided by the parents to determine:

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a) If the conduct in question was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to, the child’s disability; or b) If the conduct in question was the direct result of the local educational agency’s failure to implement the IEP/504 Plan. If the Charter School, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP/504 Team determine that either of the above is applicable for the child, the conduct shall be determined to be a manifestation of the child’s disability. If the Charter School, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP/504 Team make the determination that the conduct was a manifestation of the child’s disability, the IEP/504 Team shall: a) Conduct a functional behavioral assessment or a functional analysis assessment, and implement a behavioral intervention plan for such child, provided that the Charter School had not conducted such assessment prior to such determination before the behavior that resulted in a change in placement; b) If a behavioral intervention plan has been developed, review the behavioral intervention plan if the child already has such a behavioral intervention plan, and modify it, as necessary, to address the behavior; and c) Return the child to the placement from which the child was removed, unless the parent and the Charter School agree to a change of placement as part of the modification of the behavioral intervention plan. If the Charter School, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP/504 team determine that the behavior was not a manifestation of the student’s disability and that the conduct in question was not a result of the failure to implement the IEP/504 Plan, then the Charter School may apply the relevant disciplinary procedures to children with disabilities in the same manner and for the same duration as the procedures would be applied to students without disabilities. 4. Due Process Appeals The parent of a child with a disability who disagrees with any decision regarding placement, or the manifestation determination, or the Charter School believes that maintaining the current placement of the child is substantially likely to result in injury to the child or to others, may request an expedited administrative hearing through the Special Education Unit of the Office of Administrative Hearings or by utilizing the dispute provisions of the 504 Policy and Procedures. When an appeal relating to the placement of the student or the manifestation determination has been requested by either the parent or the Charter School, the student shall remain in the interim alternative educational setting pending the decision of the hearing officer or until the expiration of the forty-five (45) day time period provided for in an interim alternative educational setting, whichever occurs first, unless the parent and the Charter School agree otherwise. 5. Special Circumstances Charter School personnel may consider any unique circumstances on a case-by-case basis when determining whether to order a change in placement for a child with a disability who violates a code of student conduct. The Director or designee may remove a student to an interim alternative educational setting for not more than forty-five (45) days without regard to whether the behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability in cases where a student: a) Carries or possesses a weapon, as defined in 18 USC 930, to or at school, on school premises, or to or at a school function; b) Knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance, while at school, on school premises, or at a school function; or c) Has inflicted serious bodily injury, as defined by 20 USC 1415(k)(7)(D), upon a person while at school, on school premises, or at a school function.

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6. Interim Alternative Educational Setting The student’s interim alternative educational setting shall be determined by the student’s IEP/504 team. 7. Procedures for Students Not Yet Eligible for Special Education Services A student who has not been identified as an individual with disabilities pursuant to IDEIA and who has violated the Charter School’s disciplinary procedures may assert the procedural safeguards granted under this administrative regulation only if the Charter School had knowledge that the student was disabled before the behavior occurred. The Charter School shall be deemed to have knowledge that the student had a disability if one of the following conditions exists: a) The parent/guardian has expressed concern in writing, or orally if the parent/guardian does not know how to write or has a disability that prevents a written statement, to Charter School supervisory or administrative personnel, or to one of the child’s teachers, that the student is in need of special education or related services. b) The parent has requested an evaluation of the child. c) The child’s teacher, or other Charter School personnel, has expressed specific concerns about a pattern of behavior demonstrated by the child, directly to the director of special education or to other Charter School supervisory personnel. If the Charter School knew or should have known the student had a disability under any of the three (3) circumstances described above, the student may assert any of the protections available to IDEIA-eligible children with disabilities, including the right to stay-put. If the Charter School had no basis for knowledge of the student’s disability, it shall proceed with the proposed discipline. The Charter School shall conduct an expedited evaluation if requested by the parents; however the student shall remain in the education placement determined by the Charter School pending the results of the evaluation. The Charter School shall not be deemed to have knowledge of that the student had a disability if the parent has not allowed an evaluation, refused services, or if the student has been evaluated and determined to not be eligible.

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I understand that access to the school’s information technology resources, including email and Internet access, is provided for educational purposes. Access is a privilege not a right and entails responsibility. Individual users of the network are responsible for his/her actions. Adherence to the use policy is necessary for continued access to the school’s technological resources, and violation of these rules may result in loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action where appropriate. I further understand that the Internet is a powerful tool that can provide access to information around the world and that a small part of that information can be illegal, dangerous, or offensive. For that reason, I agree to the following use policy: Code of Behavior Students may:

• Find and/or print information required for school work and with teacher approval, download files containing information or software relevant to school work where this does not breach copyright laws

• With teacher approval, share information relevant to school work with students and teachers in other schools

• Report inappropriate sites to supervising teacher • Act in a responsible manner with all hardware, software, paper and ink resources • Abide by netiquette protocols

Students may not:

• Reveal personal information about themselves, others or school (address, telephone number, location/address of your home or school)

• Send or display offensive messages or pictures (including obscene language or language that may harass, insult or attack others)

• Download any data without teacher approval (music, video, pictures, print files) • Damage computers by spreading viruses or changing system configurations • Trespass in other’s files, folders or systems • Intentionally waste limited resources, including time, ink and paper • Use the Internet for any purposes not associated with their enrollment at Big Sur Charter

School Parents/Guardians, please discuss these rules with your child to ensure that he or she understands the Internet Policy.

Computer and Internet Use Policy

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The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are: 1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the

school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School Administrator a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the School to amend a record should write the School Administrator, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to privacy of personally identifiable information in the student’s education records,

except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Notification of Rights under FERPA

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Local Control and Accountability Plan (EC §§52060-52077)

The Charter School is required to adopt a three-year Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and to update the LCAP on or before July 1 of each subsequent year. The LCAP is required to identify annual goals, specific actions geared toward implementing those goals, and must measure progress for student subgroups across multiple performance indicators based on eight priorities set by the State. The priorities must be aligned to the Charter School’s spending plan. The LCAP must be approved before the annual budget can be adopted. Once the budget and LCAP are adopted at the local level, the Plan will be reviewed by the County Superintendent to ensure alignment of projected spending toward goals and services. The following are the eight State priorities:

1. Providing all students access to fully-credentialed teachers, instructional materials that align with State standards, and safe facilities;

2. Implementation of and student access to State academic content and performance standards; 3. Parent involvement and participation; 4. Improving student achievement and outcomes along multiple measures; 5. Supporting student engagement; 6. Highlighting school climate and connectedness; 7. Ensuring all students have access to classes that prepare them for college and careers; and 8. Measuring other important student outcomes related to required areas of study.

The Charter School will consult with its teachers, principals, administrators, other school personnel, parents, and pupils in developing the LCAP. The Charter School will notify members of the public that they may submit written comments regarding the specific actions and expenditures proposed in the LCAP. The Charter School will hold at least one hearing to solicit recommendations and comments from the public regarding expenditures proposed in the plan before adopting the LCAP. The Charter School will post the approved LCAP on the school website and establish policies for filing a complaint of noncompliance under Education Code section 52075 using the Uniform Complaint Procedures. Information regarding the requirements for a LCAP and the complaint process shall be provided to pupils, parents, guardians, and employees on an annual basis. UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURES (5 CCR §4622): Uniform Complaint Procedures shall be used to address any complaint alleging the Charter School’s failure to comply with the LCAP requirements. The complaint may be filed anonymously if the complaint provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance with the LCAP requirements. If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the school district, the individual may appeal the decision to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction is required to issue a decision on the appeal within 60 days of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s receipt of the appeal. If the school district finds merit in the complaint or the State Superintendent of Public Instruction finds merit in the appeal, the school district will provide a remedy to all affected pupils, parents and guardians.

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Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) Annual Notice Big Sur Charter School For students, employees, parents/guardians, school and advisory committee members, appropriate private school officials, and other interested parties. The Big Sur Charter School has the primary responsibility to insure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations and has established procedures to address allegations of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying, and complaints alleging violation of state or federal laws governing educational programs and the charging of unlawful pupil fees. The Big Sur Charter School shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints using policies and procedures known as the Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) adopted by our local board. Unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying complaints may be based on actual or perceived age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, gender expression, gender identity, gender, disability, nationality, national origin, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or on a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, in any program or activity that receives or benefits from state financial assistance. The UCP shall also be used when addressing complaints alleging failure to comply with state and/or federal laws in: Special Education Programs Safety Planning Requirements A complaint of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees may be filed pursuant to the local UCP. A pupil enrolled in a public school shall not be required to pay a pupil fee for participation in an educational activity. A pupil fee includes, but is not limited to, all of the following: • A fee charged to a pupil as a condition for registering for school or classes, or as a condition for

participation in a class or an extracurricular activity, regardless of whether the class or activity is elective or compulsory, or is for credit.

• A security deposit, or other payment, that a pupil is required to make to obtain a lock, locker, book, class apparatus, musical instrument, clothes, or other materials or equipment.

• A purchase that a pupil is required to make to obtain materials, supplies, equipment, or clothes associated with an educational activity.

A pupil fee complaint shall not be filed later than one year from the date the alleged violation occurred. Complaints other than complaints relating to pupil fees must be filed in writing with the following compliance officer:

Annual Notification of the Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP)

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Christin Strang Lopez 304 Foam St. Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 324-4573 Complaints of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees are filed with the School Director. A complaint regarding pupil fees may be filed anonymously if the complaint provides evidence or information to support an allegation of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees. Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, must be filed within six (6) months from the date the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, occurred or the date the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, unless the time for filing is extended by the School Director or his or her designee. Complaints will be investigated and a written Decision or report will be sent to the complainant within sixty (60) days from the receipt of the complaint. This sixty (60) day time period may be extended by written agreement of the complainant. The LEA person responsible for investigating the complaint shall conduct and complete the investigation in accordance with sections 4680-4687 and in accordance with local procedures adopted under section 4621. The complainant has a right to appeal Big Sur Charter School’s Decision to the California Department of Education (CDE) by filing a written appeal within 15 days of receiving Big Sur Charter School’s Decision. The appeal must include a copy of the complaint filed with Big Sur Charter School and a copy of the Big Sur Charter School’s Decision. Civil law remedies may be available under state or federal discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying laws, if applicable. In appropriate cases, an appeal may be filed pursuant to Education Code Section 262.3. A complainant may pursue available civil law remedies outside of Big Sur Charter School’s complaint procedures. Complainants may seek assistance from mediation centers or public/private interest attorneys. Civil law remedies that may be imposed by a court include, but are not limited to, injunctions and restraining orders. A copy of the Big Sur Charter School’s UCP policy and complaint procedures shall be available free of charge.

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BSCS Communication Expectations and Grievance Policy All members of the school community have the right to be treated with respect and in a manner consistent with providing an environment conducive to learning. A climate of trust is promoted when criticism may be both given and received constructively. The School shall take appropriate action necessary to ensure that this environment is fostered and maintained. This policy shall apply to the parents of enrolled students and the staff of the School. The purpose of this policy is to establish the expectations of parent and staff interactions and the process to resolve grievances. All members of the school community are expected to: • Respect the right of students to learn in a safe and effective learning environment. • Communicate with courtesy at all times. • Speak directly with the individual involved in a particular complaint or grievance. An open and honest dialogue can resolve most grievances or misunderstandings. Indirect communication, particularly in the presence of students, is unproductive and creates a climate that does not foster trust or support student learning. The following procedure may be followed by parents/guardians to address a particular grievance in the most effective manner: STEP 1 The parent/guardian will make an appointment to meet with the staff member involved in the grievance and both parties will attempt to find a mutually satisfactory resolution. The parent/guardian and/or staff member may request that the School Director or his/her designee be present. STEP 2 If the issue is not resolved, the parent/guardian or staff member may ask for a meeting with the School Director. The School Director will assist all involved parties in finding a resolution that is in the best interest of students. STEP 3 If the issue remains unresolved, the parent/guardian may complete the BSCS Grievance Form and mail to: BSCS Board Chair PO Box 138 Big Sur, CA 93920 STEP 4 The full board will review the grievance in an open public meeting and make a final decision. The board may choose to review the grievance in closed session if there is a specific statutory basis in compliance with the Brown Act. The BSCS Board of Directors is committed to resolutions that are in the best interest of students. This policy addresses BSCS school communication expectations and interactions and does not prevent the filing of claims to the extent permitted by state or federal law.

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BSCS Grievance Form Name _________________________________________________________ Date _____________ Date of complaint _____________ Specify your grievance by stating the problem. Describe the incident and any attempts you have made to resolve the problem. List relevant dates, times, and places: ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Please describe your proposed solution. ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

“I certify that this information is correct to the best of my knowledge.” ____________________________________ Signature of complainant

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Reclassification of English Language Learners Policy

The BSCS ELL Reclassification Policy is based on California Education Code 52164.6 and the research which shows early reclassification of ELL students improves overall academic achievement. Our policy includes the following: a) Teacher evaluation, including a review of the pupil’s curriculum mastery

b) Objective assessment of language proficiency and reading and writing skills c) Parental opinion and consultation d) An empirically established range of performance in basic skills based on nonminority English-

proficient pupils of the same grade and age, which demonstrates that the pupil is sufficiently proficient in English to succeed in an English-only classroom.

Step 1 – When a student designated as Limited English Proficient scores at the Basic level on the annual STAR test, the school will invite the parent to participate in a meeting to determine eligibility for reclassification. Step 2 – The teacher provides an evaluation of the student’s ability to access English only curriculum. Step 3 – Parents are provided with information including relevant research to assist them in making an informed opinion and invited to a consultation with the school. Step 4 – In a meeting with the teacher, parent/guardian and other school staff, a determination for reclassification will be made using the following criteria:

• A teacher evaluation that the student is able to access English only curriculum without primary language support

• CELDT scores or other objective measures which indicate English proficiency • Parent/Guardian opinion that the student would benefit from reclassification • A basic or above score on STAR test

* If the parent and/or teacher feel that the student is proficient or fluent in listening and speaking English, but the test scores for reading and writing do not reflect the proficiency, then the student will be referred to a Student Success Team (SST) for further testing and evaluation in the areas of reading and writing.

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I have received and reviewed a copy of the BSCS Family Handbook including my Parent/Guardian Rights and all School Policies. I understand and agree to the procedures outlined in the handbook. _______________________ _________ Signature Date

2016 -2017 Big Sur Charter School · 4 BSCS FAMILY HANDBOOK 2016-17 Admission Requirements BSCS...

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