Action Items:

 

1. Determine the current diversity in Advanced Learning (the district knows who is in APP, but the district doesn't know which students are in the Blended Spectrum classes and the district doesn't know which students are participating in the ALOs) and set a goal so we can know when we have accomplished this strategy.

 

2. In the Policy for Spectrum clearly state what Spectrum is, whom it serves, why we need it, and what the district's commitment to it is.

 

3. Engage the community early and authentically when determining and revising the policies and procedures for Advanced Learning. Don't bring ideas to the community, ask the community for ideas.

 

4. Create an enforceable statement of support for Advanced Learning programs. Raise their profile; stop acting ashamed of them. Don't allow staff to discourage participation or speak ill of them.

 

5. Create more capacity where needed. Address the reasons that schools don't want to have a Spectrum program.

 

6. Don't artificially restrict enrollment in Spectrum (Eckstein model vs. Washington model)

 

7. Make the program accreditation process more reliable for families. Enforce consistency in the delivery model for Spectrum. Clearly communicate the program standards, make the accreditation reviews public.

 

8. Dispel myths about Advanced Learning.

 

9. Communicate with the community. Distribute the policies. Write and distribute a policy manual as you have done for Special Ed.

9a. What is the policy regarding the use of advanced learning progress reports in general education classes?

9b. What are the program accreditation standards? Provide the accreditation review reports for each school.

9c. How does WAC  392.170.065 effect eligibility?
9d. What is the policy regarding re-evaluation of placement?

9e. What is the student assignment policy?

9f. What is the waitlist policy?

9g. What is the transportation policy?

9h. What is the program placement policy?

9i. What does WAC 392.170.080 require of the district?

 

10. Ehance the Advanced Learning web site with these features:

a. a discussion board (like this one)

b. a dynamic FAQs page (knowledge database)

c. Information about the APP Task Force

d. Information about the Spectrum family group

e. Information about the ALO family group

f. Information about advanced learning progress reports in general education classes

g. A copy of the district's application for the state Highly Capable Students Program grant. This document serves as the written description of the program that the district is required to keep on file for public access.

h. a copy of the district's end-of-year report to the OSPI

i. descriptions of the various Spectrum delivery models

j. descriptions of the various ALO delivery models

k the program accreditation standards

l. copies of the program accreditation reviews

m. updates on progress implementing the recommendations of the Second Highly Capable Review (a Seattle Public Schools priority for the 2002-2003 school year but still incomplete)

n. updates on progress completing the 2002-2003 workplan

o. updates on progress completing the 2003-2004 workplan

p. a copy of the 2004-2005 workplan

q. elements from the Five Year Plan that relate to Advanced Learning.

r. information on professional development opportunities for principals and teachers of APP, Spectrum, ALO, AP, IB and honors classes

s. information about upcoming community events

t. news releases celebrating student achivements

u. copies of letters sent to the community, such as Dr. Rimmer's letter of March 24, 2003 and Superintendent Manhas' letter of November 14, 2003.

v. Copies of presentations to the Board, such as the one on July 2, 2003

 

11. Develop and implement an inclusive process for setting and revising policies and procedures

 

12. Establish a community group for Spectrum families

 

13. Establish a community group for ALO families

 

14. Develop and implement exit criteria for students not suceeding in APP and Spectrum

 

15. Develop and implement professional development plans for teachers and principals

 

16. Set goals for Advanced Learning staff and hold them accountable.