Title: AC8 Grade 9 Acceleration Program for Middle School Multiple-Retained Students

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve the program proposal for the Grade 9 Acceleration Program to be implemented at John F. Kennedy Middle School and Lake Shore Middle School, effective January 9, 2006 through June 30, 2006 and that the program be included in the Department of Educational Alternatives Programs and Procedures Manual.

Description:

This proposal seeks to address the over-aged middle school student who has been retained multiple times (more than once).

The goal of this program is to accelerate student progression to the 9th Grade for those students who are age appropriate for high school but are attending middle schools due to multiple retentions. 

The program will provide accelerated academic growth through computer-assisted instruction to middle school students who are over-aged for their grade level; and, who have been retained at least one time in grades Kindergarten through Eighth, and, who are Level 1 FCAT students.

Students will attend one four (4) hour session of electronic instruction in the core academic subject areas
(English, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science), utilizing software curriculum provided by Whitehat Management.  The teachers will be hired by Whitehat Management to deliver the instruction in the classes.  Transportation, food service and discipline will be administered by the school.  Electives and lunch will be provided by the school.

In order to deliver the program effectively, the students' day will be extended and opportunity for an extended year will be offered to those students who require additional time to demonstrate mastery of the middle school standards.

Two area middle schools, John F. Kennedy Middle School and Lake Shore Middle School, have been selected to participate in this program.  These schools were identified as schools with the highest percentage of students who meet the criteria of over-age, multiple retentions and performance of Level 1 FCAT.

This program will begin second semester SY2006 and continue through the end of SY2006 (June 2006).  Students participating in the program will do so voluntarily.  Parents will acknowledge their student's participation in the program.

Success of the program will be determined by the achievement of the objectives outlined in the addendum to the existing contract with Whitehat Management.

The attached program description will be included in the document, "Educational Alternatives: Programs and Procedures Manual" SY 2006, which will be presented for Board approval in Spring 2006.  The description identifies the schools included in the Grade 9  Acceleration Program, student eligibility criteria for the program, the program design, the placement process  and the exit criteria.  This program is designed to be implemented at the home school and provide services for students attending the home school only.

Financial Impact:
The financial impact to the District's FY 2006 General Fund Operating budget is $298,000.  This cost will be offset through middle school staffing adjustments and the consolidation of selected alternative education programs for second semester.  The capital cost impact for technology and facilities infrastructure will not exceed $495,385.

For Additional Information, contact:
Dr. Janice Cover
Derri Parkey

Attachments (list):
MGRMS description for the board (2).doc