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What is the Testing Blackout Period? Each year our School District takes very seriously that all schools teach the standards
and prepare for the Statewide Testing as allowed by law. To minimize the interruptions in the final preparation for these
tests, most District meetings are not scheduled for school-based personnel (teachers and administrators) from March
through the May testing period. This period is referred to as the State Assessment Blackout Period.

How will I know if my child is making progress? Federal and State regulations require each school to adhere to Student
Progression Plan Performance Level charts when making decisions for individual students regarding promotion, retention,
and remediation. F.S. § I008.25(I) The purpose of the Student Progression Plan is to inform school personnel, parents,
students, and other interested citizens the School Board rules and administrative procedures required to implement State
and local student progression requirements. It is the responsibility of the Board and District administration to provide
students with effective instructional and remedial programs that monitor progress, promote continuous achievement,
and make provisions for individual differences. The Plan can be found at: Student Progression Plans.

Other Palm Beach Performance Assessment (PBPA) that your child may be given this school year include:
● The District Diagnostic Tests in Civics and Science
● Teacher/ District created or assigned Grade Level Quiz and Unit Assessments
● Course Specific Tests (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge [AICE], or Industry
Certifications)
● Florida Alternate Assessment (FAA)
● Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners
(ACCESS for ELLs)

FOSTER CARE

The School District of Palm Beach County maintains an Interagency Agreement with the Department of Children and
Families (DCF)/ChildNet to promote and establish protocols supporting the educational stabilization and success of
students in foster care. This Interagency Agreement also includes collaboration with CareerSource Palm Beach County,
Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Early Learning Coalition, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Southeast Florida
Behavioral Health Network.

The District Foster Care Liaison’s role includes:
▪ Daily monitoring of juvenile dependency shelter orders from the court system, and providing feedback to school
personnel to ensure the safety of students.
▪ Remove barriers and enhance collaborative efforts stabilizing the student in school to ensure academic
achievement.
▪ Coordinate transportation, to the extent feasible, to maintain a level of consistency for students in foster care as
housing situations change.
▪ Guide and advocate students to graduate from high school and ensure their readiness to attain post-secondary
education and/or vocational training.

For additional information or support, please contact Laura Shoemaker, Foster Care Liaison at 561-653-5173 or
laura.shoemaker@palmbeachschools.org. Palm Beach County has a deficit of foster homes causing many District students
to be transferred out of county, away from their birth families and siblings. To inquire about becoming a Foster Parent,
call the Friends of Foster Children at 561-352-2501.

FY24 Student and Family Handbook 30 | Page