District Administration - November 2006 - (Page 70)

EDUCATION REFORM special needs but may be obscured for recommendations from teachers, tha n help him with his homework, normal students. Done right, IAPs says Adrian Tally, a community an IAP can serve as a clearer signal are a way to make differentiated learn- superintendent with the district. It about a student's performance than a ing a reality in every classroom. Each can be for students who are excel- typical parent/teacher conference. teacher needs to look at each student, l i ng to ensure they have the most It's an early-detection warning what are their goals and what supports rigorous program as possible. system for parents, clearly explain- do they need, says Whitbread, who i ng that there's a risk factor that Why It Works has walked the walk in one of her col- their child might not be keeping lege-level classes. She met with each pace. But it also says, `Here's the Ta lly notes that for Montgomery student before the course began to things we'll do and the things you County Schools, part of the success build an IAP, and used that informa- can do.' If the student is not meet- of IAPs hinges on regularly return- tion to incorporate a mix of teaching i ng the goals, then at least it's not i ng to the document to see how a styles and alternative assessments in a surprise at the end of the year if student is progressing at least once a the course. that student is considered for reten- quarter. Without data points during t ion, explains Mark Jewell, the chief the year, there's no way to know if Involves more stakeholders in a academic officer for the Federal Way you're reaching your goals, he says. Public Schools in suburban Seattle. When done right, advocates say that student's success. One of the hidden the benefits of an IAP are clear. benefits of an IAP is its role as a con- Engages students in their own vener: Creating an IAP and review- Makes differentiated learning ing the goals and strategies brings learning. At Whetstone, students are together students, teachers, parents very aware of how well they're per- real. Research shows that students can and even counselors. Not only do forming. They have weekly or monthly learn in many different ways, a fact parents often get a role for at-home meetings with their teachers about that is often obvious with a child with learning that is much more specific their data notebook, depending on the Big Picture Chalk up another change at schools due to high-stakes testing. into a new online system that creates a graduation plan for Several states have instituted policies that require a version of an each student, including test scores, career choices, information IAP for any child who does not pass a portion of the state tests about postsecondary schooling options and recommendations used for AYP. In Washington, for example, students who don't meet for focused electives. The student's plan must be okayed by standards on reading, math or writing state assessment must have students, parents and a guidance counselor. a Student Learning Plan in place for that subject until they do pass Like many state plans, these options capture some of the the test in subsequent years. The law, which went into effect in the strengths of an IAP, but not all. The graduation plan programs 2004-2005 school year, covers fifth through 11th grades this fall. essentially mimic the transition plan section of an IEP, which helps We had some things like a homework club before, but the a special ed student create a path to a full life after school ends. But Student Learning Plan really helped move us into thinking about graduation plan IAPs generally don't provide academic goals within more. What about skills, or students who need help with concepts? a subject area or create differentiated learning opportunities, and Now some of our schools have added tutoring in lunch or advisory, both the graduation plan and the test-triggered IAPs are statewide notes Carolyn O'Keefe, the director of secondary education for the unfunded mandates. It's too soon to tell if schools will embrace the Northshore School District just outside of Seattle. possibilities or just fill in the minimum amount of paperwork. In a similar vein, eleven states now require all high school Still, adding a personal touch to school has the potential to students to create a version of an IAP that focuses on life after improve the educational experience. Now kids see their report cards graduation, and more are getting on board. We've found that and that's it. This will have their transcript through school and a students don't recognize the significance of high school, that four-year plan that can be a reality check and the start of a discus- they're not feeling challenged, says Cathy Schroeder with the sion, says Jeanne Yerkovich, the Pathway Development Coordinator Florida Department of Education, which is creating a new career at the Portland Public Schools, which is working to build a new online path structure for students after the state legislature passed a system to fulfill Oregon's career plan requirement. By doing this, we requirement last year. In addition to a requirement for a middle- want to have more adults interact with the students as they decide school course in career planning, districts in Florida will tap what to do with their lives. 70 November 2006 District Administration IEPs.indd 70 10/13/06 2:24:36 PM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - November 2006

Contents
Editor's Letter
Update
Inside the Law
Curriculum Update
Administrator Profile
District Profile
SAT Trends
Broad awards top urban prize
Boston's Perseverance
NCLB's Purity
Why No Child Left Behind is here to stay
COVER STORY: Is Bill Gates a Good School Leader?
Does K-12 Make Sense?
Arthur Levine on teacher education
An IEP for every student?
Teacher Education: Time to Tame the Wild West
The Individual Academic Plan
Speaking Out
David Thornburg on
Professional Opinion
Problem/Solution
Research Corner
Computer Literature
New Products
By the Numbers

District Administration - November 2006