I - Instructional Program
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Note: This manual is currently not being updated online. We are in the process of updating the online manual and will post the updates soon.

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INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS

The focus of the Calcasieu Parish Schools shall be on the learner, the student. Each student's educational development toward the school's goals is the central concern of the Board's supervision of the school district. The teacher is a key figure in carrying out the school's responsibility in the educational process. However, the teacher alone cannot effectively achieve all the objectives of education. The purpose of the various administrative departments is to provide conditions in the schools which permit teachers to work with maximum effectiveness and to provide them with a variety of tools and specialized assistance in developing and carrying out a program which will meet the needs of boys and girls in the world in which we live. The Board shall seek to provide the facilities, personnel, equipment, and materials necessary for the education of all students for whom it is responsible.

In accordance with these principles, the Calcasieu Parish School Board shall provide an educational program that attempts to achieve the following:

1. To help students develop and maintain good physical and mental health.
2. To help students achieve command of the fundamental skills and knowledges which are basic to all other learning.
3. To help students learn to receive and to express ideas effectively.
4. To help students gain an understanding of our constitutional form of government and a knowledge of the history of the United States and of the part the United States plays in world affairs, and to help students accept the obligations of good citizenship.
5. To help students understand the scientific approach to the problems of life, recognizing the need for conservation of human and natural resources and the contributions made by science to the world in which we live.
6. To help students acquire salable skills in the fields of their choice which will enable them to take their place in the economic world.
7. To help students become intelligent consumers of material goods, cultural products, and services.
8. To help students develop avocational interests which are satisfying and which provide for worthy use of leisure time.
9. To help students' spiritual understanding, and to learn to recognize the ethical, aesthetic, and moral values of experience, and to act accordingly.
   
   

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CURRICULUM

The Calcasieu Parish School Board has the responsibility to establish and maintain a quality program of instruction for the elementary and secondary schools of the school district.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for coordinating and maintaining the instructional program in accordance with the provisions of the state constitution, state statutes, rules and regulations of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), and the policies of the Board.

The organization and scheduling of subjects in the curriculum of the school district shall conform to the requirements of the Louisiana Department of Education. The curriculum shall provide learning experiences and prospective achievement for each child according to their individual needs and offer pupils a basic body of understanding, attitudes, knowledge, and skills.

The curriculum design within the high schools shall consist of an academic major comprised of college preparatory courses and a career major comprised of challenging academic courses and modern vocational studies. Such a curriculum design shall allow each high school student to choose a career option at the high school level. By the end of the eighth grade each student, with the input of his/her family, shall develop a Five Year Educational Plan. Such a plan shall include a sequence of courses which is consistent with the stated goals for one year after graduation, and shall be reviewed annually thereafter by the student, parents and school supervisor, and revised as needed.

By July 1st of each year, the School Board shall submit to the Louisiana Department of Education a year-end evaluation of each career major program.

ELECTIVES

The School Board shall require a school choosing to add an elective course to its program of studies to apply to the School Board at least sixty (60) days prior to the anticipated date of implementation. The Board shall consider for approval the elective course using the state standards for elective approval set forth by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. All approved courses shall be submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education at least thirty (30) days prior to implementation.

The application for an elective course shall be submitted by the principal and shall contain the following information:

! rationale for the course
! detailed outline of course content
! time requirements (minutes per day, days per year or semester)
! detailed course objectives and methods by which they shall be measured
! qualifications of the instructor
! date the course is to begin and end
! approximate number of students
! criteria for enrollment, and
! method for measuring effectiveness of course.

If the course is to be offered for the succeeding school year, an end-of-year evaluation shall be sent on provided forms for determining its continuation.

Revised: December, 1997
Revised: July, 1999
Revised: October, 2001

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:154, 17:181 to :189, 17:261 to :268; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; State Standards for Locally-Initiated Electives, May 27, 1999, Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education; Board minutes, 5-7-02.

FILE: IDAB
CF: IHE

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EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

The Calcasieu Parish School Board, in the implementation of statewide curriculum standards, has developed and adopted the Pupil Progression Plan in accordance with statutory provisions. The plan contains Board policy, regulations, and/or procedures as they relate to the promotion, retention, acceleration and similar actions regarding students' performance within the schools of the school district. The Superintendent and/or his designee shall be responsible for the implementation of the Pupil Progression Plan as outlined by guidelines of the State Department of Education.
The policies, regulations, and procedures developed and revised periodically in this plan shall be considered as Board policy, regulations, and/or procedures and treated as if part of this policy manual.

The Board shall be apprised periodically concerning implementation of all regulations contained in the Plan, and an annual report shall be submitted to the staff outlining the progress of the programs, promotions affected, and similar transactions.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:24.3; Guidelines for Pupil Progression, Bulletin 1566, State Department of Education.

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JOURNAL WRITING - K-12

Purpose of Journal Writing

Journal writing is an old strategy that has been used in the elementary through high school classroom to provide opportunities for students to communicate their thinking in written form. Therefore, journal writing should be geared to writing to learn and should be content-based.

Form of Journal Writing

Journal writing can take two forms: free writing (free expression about the material studied) and prompts (specific directions about what to write). Both forms can be used to address the following processes:

1. Comparing/Contrasting: Students observe objects, ideas, or processes to see and describe relationships.
2. Classifying: Students put ideas or objects in groups according to some principle.
3. Summarizing: Students state briefly the substance of what has been presented, read, or observed.
4. Observing: Students watch, note, and perceive with a purpose.
5. Interpreting: Students explain the meaning of an experience, check inferences against facts, or analyze data.
6. Criticizing: Students use standards to analyze and make evaluations.
7. Looking for Assumptions: Students search for assumptions in reading materials or in real-world artifacts to compare their system against that of others.
8. Imagining: Students create mental pictures, experiences, or possibilities.
9. Hypothesizing: Students propose solutions to a problem.
10. Applying Facts and Principles in New Situations: Students test rules and generalizations against new situations.
11. Making Decisions: Students make choices among alternatives and give reasons for choices.

Evaluation of Journal Writing

Evaluation of journal entries should be consistent with the purpose, form, and scope of the assigned task.

1. The student journal will be sent home at regular intervals for parents to review.
2. Parents may come to the school and view their child's journal at any time.

Ref: Board minutes, 4-4-95.

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Cf: JCAB, JCDAC

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ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, DRUG, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION PROGRAM

The School Board shall require a comprehensive alcohol, tobacco, drug, and substance abuse prevention education program be incorporated into every school of the parish that shall include grade appropriate programs on the education, prevention, and counseling of alcohol, tobacco, drug, and substance abuse.  Such programs shall be included in the school program so that every student in grades kindergarten through nine is involved for a minimum of sixteen (16) contact hours every school year, and every student in grades ten through twelve is involved for a minimum of eight (8) contact hours every school year.  The required minimum contact hours shall be incorporated into a comprehensive school health program.

As part of the alcohol, tobacco, drug, and substance abuse program, substance abuse counselors shall be appointed who shall visit every school regularly for the purpose of counseling students who have been identified as having an alcohol, drug, or substance abuse problem.

Any student enrolled in school who is identified as having a substance abuse problem, including manufacture or distribution, shall be required to participate in the school drug counseling program, or an equivalent approved by the Board.

Each school shall have a substance abuse prevention team, whose membership shall be in accordance with statutory provisions, that shall investigate, research, and report on all instances or reports of possession of controlled dangerous substances or alcoholic beverages.  The team shall adequately report their findings in writing and make appropriate recommendations for treatment, counseling, or other appropriate action to the principal of the school.

DRUG-FREE ZONES

It is unlawful for anyone to use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or possess any controlled substances as defined by statute on or around school property or an area within 1000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus.  These areas shall be designated as Drug-Free Zones.  The School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the State Department of Education, shall designate and mark Drug-Free Zones which surround all schools and school property.

Revised:  November, 1999
Revised:  March, 2001

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:403.1, 17:154, 17:402, 17:403, 17:404, 17:405, 17:416; Board minutes, 4-3-01.

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EXTENDED INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

Students may be allowed to pursue credit by correspondence only with the written approval of the home school principal. Students who offer high school credits earned from any other source than a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' approved or accredited university, college, or school shall be subject to having those credits validated by testing.

CREDITS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES

Credits earned by students in American schools in foreign countries shall be accepted at face value. Transfer of credit regulations apply to students entering the district's schools from non-American schools in foreign countries.

Students shall submit their records to the central office through their school principal or the principal's designee. An attempt to equate percentage score, rank, and time allotments shall be made in order to determine placement. Recommendations shall be made to the student's home school for award of credit. Only the school can award credit.

Where records are not readily available or where they cannot be obtained, principals may place students, on a temporary basis, at a grade level appropriate to the student's age. Testing may indicate need to adjust the student's program, and such age/grade placements must be considered tentative until the school receives written recommendation and makes a permanent assignment.

EXCHANGE STUDENTS

The credits of exchange students shall be accepted at face value if they are earned in American schools in foreign countries or if the credits are earned in foreign schools accredited by a regional accrediting association. A valid transcript must be provided.

Credits earned in any other manner are subject to validation by testing and/or by performance validation.

TRANSFER OF STUDENT CREDITS FROM APPROVED SCHOOLS

A student transferred from a state-approved school, in-state or out-of-state, shall be allowed credit for work completed in the former school. When a student transfers from one school to another, a properly certified transcript, showing the student's record of attendance, achievement, immunization records, and the units of credit earned, shall be required.

Records, including evaluation information for exceptional students transferring from another system, shall be reviewed by the pupil appraisal staff and shall be approved by the Supervisor of Special Education before the student is enrolled in a special education program.

ARMED FORCES CREDIT

Any member of the United States Armed Forces may be awarded two (2) units of credit and be eligible to pursue a regular high school diploma.

Ref: Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, State Department of Education.

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SUMMER SESSION

The Board may provide summer school sessions as an extension of the instructional schedule for the school district. The schedule for the summer session may provide for remedial instruction, and repeat courses for students who have failed. Students may take only elective courses for new credit in summer school. Operation of schools in the summer session shall be in accordance with regulations established by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, guidelines of the State Department of Education, and directives of the Superintendent and staff. Prior written permission to attend summer school must be obtained from the home school principal.

Fees to be charged students for attending summer school session shall be set by the Board upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and his administrative staff.

Ref: Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, State Department of Education.

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Cf: IDCH-AP

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HOME STUDY PROGRAM

Students may be permitted to have their educational skills developed through a home study program, if such a program offers a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level. The parent or legal guardian shall apply to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for approval. An initial application shall be made within fifteen (15) days of commencement of the program. If approved, renewal applications shall be required each year in accordance with statutory provisions.

Students seeking readmission to the Calcasieu Parish School District shall be required to fulfill such screening and evaluation requirements as the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and/or the Calcasieu Parish School Board may establish.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:236.1, 17:236.2.

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HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

Students who are unable to attend school because of physical disability may be assigned a teacher who will instruct them at home or in a hospital. The homebound instruction program is a continuation of the regular school instructional program, designed to help the child return to school without falling too far behind in assigned work. The student shall be under the same state and local regulations as any other student. A responsible adult must be present where instruction is provided.

Eligibility for homebound instruction shall be determined as follows:

1. A child shall be eligible for homebound instruction when the student is unable to attend school for a minimal period of three (3) weeks or longer.
2. The parents shall submit a request for services and a signed doctor's statement verifying the illness and length of time the student will be incapacitated.
3. In general, unless there are accompanying physical disabilities, provision for homebound instruction is not approvable for deaf, blind, extremely hard-of-hearing, or partially sighted children. Such children shall be afforded education in a regular class or special education public school or in a State, or approved, private residential or day school.
4. A child shall live within the boundaries of the school system.
5. A student shall be withdrawn from the homebound program upon medical recommendation.
6. Homebound services shall be discontinued when the pupil is assigned to other full-time educational programs.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:1945.

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DRIVER TRAINING

The Board shall provide the facilities and the personnel necessary for a driver training program on a tuition basis. This program shall be open to all students who are eligible for a driver's permit.

All students are subjected to the complete driver's education program approved by the state. Taking into consideration that all students will not be able to complete requirements for a state driver's license, they are exposed to the entire program over an extended period of time. This will enable them to be aware of all safety precautions and hazards related to highway transportation.

The following describe the objective of the driver training program:

1. To develop in each student a validated and usable system of values and attitudes toward traffic related matters.

2. To develop in each student the proper values and attitudes toward safe driving.

3. To develop in each student enough responsibility to make the student examine his ideas and behavior and to decide what he wants.

4. To develop in each student a strong sense of personal and social responsibility for the common welfare, particularly as it is affected by the operation of motor vehicles.

5. To develop in each student pride in maintaining high standards of performance in the operation of motor vehicles.

6. To develop in each student safe, efficient, and enjoyable use of equipment and environment, especially of motor vehicles and highways.

7. To develop in each student habits of cooperation in meeting problems concerned with the use of motor vehicles and highways.

8. To develop in each student the knowledge for useful vocations suitable to their aptitudes.

9. To develop in each student the ability to be good drivers and good pedestrians who are good citizens of our modern, mechanized society.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:270.

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Cf: JD

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SPECIAL EDUCATION

It shall be the policy of the Calcasieu Parish School Board to identify, locate, and evaluate all children residing within the parish who are handicapped, regardless of the severity of their handicap, who are in need of special education and related services, and to develop and implement a program to determine which children are currently receiving needed special education and related services and which children are not currently receiving such education and services.

Accordingly, the Board shall assure that:

1. Public Participation

1. Prior to its adoption of an application, the School Board shall:

1. Make application available to the general public;
2. Hold public hearings;
3. Provide an opportunity for comment by the general public on the application; and
4. Conduct public participation activities in accordance with statutory regulations.

2. Right to Education

All exceptional children ages three (3) through twenty-one (21) have the right to a free appropriate public education.

3. Full Education Opportunity Goal

Full educational opportunities are available to all exceptional children residing within the jurisdiction of the School Board.

4. Priorities

Funds provided under Part B (P.L. 94-142) shall be used in the following order of priorities.

1. To provide free appropriate public education to first priority children, including the identification, location and evaluation of first priority children.
2. To provide free appropriate public education to second priority children, including identification, location and evaluation of second priority children.
3. To meet other requirements of P.L. 94-142.

5. Child Identification

All children who are exceptional, regardless of the severity of their exceptionality, and who are in need of special education and related services shall be identified, located and evaluated; and a practical method shall be developed and implemented to determine which children are currently receiving needed special education and related services.

6. Individualized Education Program

An individualized education program for each exceptional child shall be developed or revised annually.

7. Procedural Safeguards

Due process procedures for parents and children shall be provided including full and effective notice, formal parental approval, rights of exceptional children, confidentiality of information, surrogate parents, conciliation, initiation of hearings, hearing procedures, hearing officers and costs.

8. Least Restrictive Environment

To the maximum extent appropriate, exceptional children, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, shall be educated with children who are not exceptional.

Special classes, separate schooling or other removal of exceptional children from the regular educational environment shall occur only when the nature or severity of the exceptionality is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

9. Protection in Evaluation Procedures

Testing and evaluation materials and procedures used for the purposes of evaluation and placement of exceptional children shall be selected and administered so as not to be racially or culturally discriminatory.

10. Personnel Development

The comprehensive system of personnel development established by the State Department of Education will be implemented.

11. Participation of Non-Public School Children

To the extent consistent with their number and location, provision shall be made for the participation of private school exceptional children in programs and services funded with P.L. 94-142 funds.

12. Placement of Children in Non-Public Schools

An exceptional child who is placed in or referred to a non-public school or facility by a public agency:

1. Shall be provided special education and related services

1. In conformance with an individualized education program;
2. At no cost to the parents; and
3. At a school or facility which meets the standards that apply to State and local education agencies; and

2. Shall have all the rights of an exceptional child who is served by a public agency.

13. Public Control of Funds

Control of funds provided under Part B of the Act and title to property acquired with those funds, shall be in a public agency for the uses and purposes under this part, and that a public agency administers the funds and property.

14. Excess Cost

Funds provided under Part B of the Act (94-142) shall be used only for costs which exceed the amount computed under 121a.184 (94-142 regulations) and which are directly attributable to the education of exceptional children.

15. Non-Supplanting

Funds provided under Part B of the Act (94-142) shall be used to supplement and, to the extent practicable, increase the level of State and local funds expended for the education of exceptional children, and in no case to supplant those State and local funds.

16. Comparable Services

Funds used under Part B of the Act (94-142) shall not provide services to exceptional children unless the agency uses State and local funds to provide services to those children which, taken as a whole, are at least comparable to services provided to other exceptional children within the parish.

17. Information - Reports

The School Board shall furnish information (which, in the case of reports relating to performance, is in accordance with specific criteria developed by the Board and related to program objectives) as may be necessary to enable the State Department of Education to perform its duties under this Part including information of exceptional children participating in applicable programs for exceptional children.

18. Records

The School Board will keep records and afford access to those records as the State Department of Education may find necessary to insure the correctness and verification of the information furnished under Section 17, above.

19. Local Policies Consistent with Statute

All policies and programs established and administered by the School Board shall be consistent with P.L. 94-142 and its regulations, the Amended Annual Program Plan, statutory regulations, and any other standards adopted by the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

20. Nondiscrimination and Employment of Handicapped Individuals

Programs assisted under 94-142 shall be operated in compliance with Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 84 (Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Benefitting from Federal Financial Assistance).

Positive efforts shall be made to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals in programs assisted under P.L. 94-142.

21. Advisory Council

An advisory council, established in accordance with statutory regulations, shall advise the Board on meeting the full educational opportunities goal.

22. General Supervision

The Calcasieu Parish Special Education Program shall be under the general supervision of the Director of Special Education who is the designee of the Superintendent.

23. Monitoring

Monitoring and evaluation activities shall be undertaken to ensure compliance of the local education agency with the policies and practices contained in P.L. 94-142 and Act 754 of 1977.

24. Adult Education Opportunities

No person shall be denied access into the adult education program regardless of race, sex, creed, or handicapping condition and shall take into account the needs of these persons in determining services to be provided.

25. Vocational Educational Opportunities

All handicapped children, after appropriate vocational assessment, shall be afforded the opportunity to profit from vocational programs that are designed to meet their needs.

26. Extended School Year

Provide extended school year programs for any handicapped students when reliable multi-source data indicates that the student's handicap is of such severity that without instruction in excess of the normal 180 day school year, there will occur a significant loss of educational skills.

27. Program and Facility Accessibility

All facilities utilized by the school system and all programs offered by the school system shall be accessible by exceptional persons and shall not prevent exceptional children from being educated in the least restrictive educational environment.

28. Facility Comparability

All facilities which are identifiable as being for exceptional children and the services and activities provided in those facilities shall meet the same standards and level of quality as do facilities, services, and activities provided to other children.

29. Discipline

In accordance with State law, the Board and teachers, principals, and administrators are authorized to hold each student to a strict accountability for any disorderly conduct in the school, or during recess or intermission.

Prior to administering any form of discipline that may result in the cessation of or interference with the educational program of a student identified as handicapped, teachers, principals, and administrators must consider the influence that the student's handicap may have on the behavior in question, and follow the rules governing discipline of Special Education students as stated in Bulletins 741 and 1706.

30. Medication

Students shall not be permitted to take medicine while at school, unless such medicine is given them by the principal or his designee acting under specific written request of the parent or guardian and under the written directive of the student's personal physician. This regulation covers all prescription and other drugs, including aspirin.

31. Parent Involvement

The Board shall involve the parents and guardians of handicapped children in the development of the IEP, assuming full educational opportunities for all handicapped children.

32. Confidentiality

Procedures shall be established in accordance with detailed criteria prescribed under Section 617(c) of Public Law 94-142 with regard to confidentiality of personally identifiable information including, but not limited to, notice of parents, access rights, hearing process, consent, safeguards, protecting children's rights, enforcements, and destruction of data.

The person responsible for assuring confidentiality procedures in the Calcasieu Parish schools shall be the Director of Special Education.

Ref: P.L. 94-142; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:1941 to 1958.

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TECHNOLOGY ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR DISABLED STUDENTS

The School Board recognizes that, consistent with federal and state statutes, assistive technology devices that are determined necessary by the child's individualized education plan (IEP) team to ensure a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) shall be provided by the Board to a child with a disability or parent or guardian of a child with a disability at no cost to the parents.  However, the School Board shall not be required to replace or repair any assistive technology device provided if such device is lost, stolen, damaged, broken, destroyed, or otherwise misused while in the possession of the child, parent, or guardian.  This provision does not apply to repair or replacement of such a device which needs repair or replacement as a result of ordinary wear.

Ref:    20 U.S.C.A. '1400 et seq. (Individuals With Disabilities Education Act); 34 CFR '300.308; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 17:1948; Board minutes, 4-3-01.

FILE: IDDG
Cf: JDD, JDE

Alternative Schools Education Program

The Calcasieu Parish School Board recognizes that exclusion from the educational program of the schools, whether by suspension or expulsion, is the most severe sanction that can be imposed on a pupil in this parish and one that cannot be imposed without due process, since expulsion deprives a pupil of the right to an education.

Pupils suspended or expelled/excluded from school shall remain under the supervision of the school system using an alternative education program designed to continue the educational process at an alternative school site. An alternative setting may be located on or off the school site. The alternative education program is designed to offer variations of traditional instructional programs and strategies for the purpose of increasing the likelihood that pupils who are unmotivated or unsuccessful in the traditional programs or who are disruptive in the traditional school environment remain in school and obtain a high school diploma. Any expelled pupils attending the alternative education program and exhibiting disorderly conduct shall be dismissed from that program and shall not be permitted to return to any school program until the period of expulsion has ended.

Upon the request of the student's parent, tutor, or other person responsible for the student's school attendance, a student enrolled in school between ages of sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) years may be allowed, with approval of the School Board, to attend an alternative education program.


Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:7.5, 17:221, 17:224, 17:416.2; Board minutes, 9-17-02.

FILE: IDDH
Cf: JQL
 

Limited English Proficiency Program

The Calcasieu Parish School Board recognizes that the inability to speak and understand the English language limits the student's effective participation in the educational programs of the school district. Students whose primary languages are languages other than English shall be provided special assistance, in conformity with applicable Federal and State statutes and regulations, until they are able to use English in a manner that allows effective, relevant participation in regular classroom instruction.

Parents shall be notified of their children's eligibility for the limited English proficiency program no later thirty (30) days after the start of school. Notification shall include their child's level of proficiency and how it was assessed, program components and expectations, parental rights, and any other information required by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. All written communications to parents shall be in a uniform format that is comprehensible to families and in a language the parents can understand.


Ref: 20 U.S.C. 6801 et seq., 20 U.S.C. '7401 et seq.; Board minutes, 6-3-03.

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CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The School Board shall be committed to providing for each of its schools a program of co-curricular activities and extra-curricular activities that enhance pupil interest, participation and growth.
The guidelines must be in compliance with Louisiana's State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education policy as stated.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Students may participate in those activities that are relevant, supportive, and are an integral part of the program of studies and which are under the supervision and/or coordination of the school instructional staff. Such co-curricular activities may include: field trips, festivals, conventions, assemblies, and organizations (science clubs, student councils) and others directly related to programs of study.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extracurricular activities are those activities which are not directly related to the program of studies, but are under the supervision of school instructional staff and are considered valuable for the overall development of the student. Activities not directly related to programs of study may include: field trips (entertainment in nature), assemblies (pep rallies, beauty contests), and organizational activities (athletic teams, cheerleaders, pep squads).

1. Extracurricular activities shall not be scheduled during instructional time.
2. To participate in the 4-H and FFA Livestock Shows, students must meet the approved academic requirements for eligibility for extracurricular and co-curricular activities.
3. Eligibility Requirements for Extracurricular and Co-curricular Activities:

1. No student shall be allowed to miss any class in which the student is presently failing.
2. No student shall be allowed to participate in any event on the day or night while the student is under suspension from school.
3. Students must be in attendance at school at least one (1) hour prior to release time in order to participate in a contest. Only the school administrator can grant exceptions to this rule.
4. All work missed by students while on co-curricular or extracurricular events must be made up and completed in a manner that would be required of any other students.
5. All students with less than eighteen (18) units toward graduation must be enrolled in at least five (5) subjects with a grade point average of 1.5 or better.

SUNDAY ACTIVITIES

School activities, voluntary or otherwise, shall not be scheduled on Sunday. Should extenuating circumstances arise which necessitate an activity on Sunday, however, the coach/sponsor shall secure written permission from the school principal and the Superintendent or his/her designee.

Revised: April, 1999

Ref: Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 3-2-99.

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Cf: IDE

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INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

The School Board is committed to the belief that for the learning process for students to be complete, additional student activities, such as athletics, must be an integral part of the educational process.

Interscholastic athletics may be made available for students in the schools of the school district. The Superintendent or his designee shall develop and maintain an athletic program in the school district that emphasizes participation of all students. The conduction of all athletic programs within the school district shall comply fully with regulations of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, the Calcasieu Parish Middle School Athletic Association, and policies of the Board.

Whenever a high school student engages in an interschool athletic program, he shall have written parental consent and have successfully passed a physical examination. A middle school student shall have written parental consent. A release form shall be signed by the parent which shall release the Board from any liability in the event of an accident or injury to the student as a result of any athletic participation. The student shall also be required to have adequate insurance coverage. If an athlete is injured or suffers an illness that requires treatment or attention of a physician, the student shall be required to submit a release from the physician before further participation in an athletic program shall be allowed.

The Board shall allow students to participate in as many sports activities and academic activities as he is capable of participating in without fear of reprisal.

ATHLETIC CONTESTS

The School Board encourages schools of Calcasieu Parish to schedule and play varsity football games only on Friday nights. Games may be played on days other than Fridays, except for Wednesday and Sundays, with prior approval of the Superintendent or designee.

Should extenuating circumstances arise which necessitate scheduling an activity on Sunday, the coach/sponsor shall secure written permission from the school principal and the Superintendent or his/her designee.

Revised: August, 1994
Revised: April, 1999

Ref: Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741,
State Department of Education; Official Handbook, Louisiana High School Athletic Association; Board minutes, 8-2-94, 3-12-99.

FILE: IDG

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ADULT EDUCATION

The Calcasieu Parish School Board shall operate an adult education and family literacy program which is designed to allow eligible individuals to continue their education to at least the level of completion of secondary school and to make available to them an opportunity to acquire basic literacy skills necessary to function in society and become more employable, productive, and responsible citizens and family members. The adult education program shall be administered and conducted in accordance with regulations established by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

1. Enrollment Requirements

The parent, tutor, or other person responsible for the school attendance of a child who is under the age of eighteen (18) and who is enrolled in school beyond his/her sixteenth (16th) birthday may request a waiver from the parish Superintendent for the child to exit school to enroll and attend an adult education program approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education if one or more of the following hardships exist and if appropriate documentation is on file at the School Board office:

- pregnant or actively parenting
- incarcerated or adjudicated
- institutionalized or living in a residential facility
- chronic physical or mental illness
- family and/or economic hardships

In the case of a child with no parent, tutor, or other person responsible for his/her school attendance, the Superintendent may act on behalf of the student in making the request.

The Superintendent or his/her designee may approve the request without requesting action from BESE. If the request to exit school to enroll in a State approved adult education program is denied by the Superintendent, a student may request the waiver from the Department of Education for approval by BESE with documentation of reason for denial at the local level.

2. Subject Matter Area

The adult education program shall operate one or more projects that provide services or instruction in one or more of the following:

Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Secondary Education (ASE)/GED
English Literacy
Workplace Literacy
Family Literacy

3. Equitable Access and Participation

The School Board shall attempt to provide equitable access and participation in adult education programs to ensure that all students develop the knowledge and skills needed to participate effectively on the job and in the family and to obtain satisfaction in one's personal life. Adult education programs and activities shall strive for high educational standards by organizing academic, life, and job curricular offerings around student diversity.

Steps for addressing equitable access to and participation in adult education programs, while at the same time seeking high standards for students with participation barriers, shall include those outlined in the Louisiana State Plan for Adult Education and Family Literacy.

4. GED Testing

Students attending Adult Education Programs may be recommended by the site of instruction to take the General Educational Development (GED) test.

Revised: June, 2002
Revised: November, 2002

Ref: 29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:14, 17:221; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741; Louisiana State Plan for Adult Education and Family Literacy, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 6-18-02,9-17-02, 4-1-03.

FILE: IFA

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INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The Board strongly encourages the utilization of a wide variety of materials and equipment in the instructional program. The selection of media should be determined by the objectives of the course and the experiences and activities to be provided to meet such objectives. Instructional personnel are encouraged to keep abreast of the types of materials and equipment which can contribute toward meeting the goals and objectives of courses. Instructional personnel are further encouraged to assist the administration in the selection and purchase of such materials and equipment for the school.

Available system resources, including personnel, materials, and supplies, shall be allocated to schools on an equitable basis, recognizing system policies and local school needs.

PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING CRITICISM OF MATERIAL

Criticism of specific materials should be handled by the building principal whenever possible. If the criticism cannot be resolved by the principal to the satisfaction of the complainant, then the following procedures shall be followed.

1. The criticism shall be presented in writing and directed to the principal and shall include specific information as to author, title, publisher, and the reason for the criticism, giving specific references to those aspects or sections of the book objected to.
2. The statement must be signed and identified so that a reply may be given.
3. The material shall be reviewed in the light of the objections by a committee appointed by the Superintendent or his designee.
4. The report of the special committee shall be forwarded to the Superintendent for action as rapidly as possible. The Superintendent may choose to refer the problem to the Calcasieu Parish School Board.
5. The decision of the Superintendent and/or the Calcasieu Parish School Board shall be sent in writing to the complainant. Copies of the decision shall also be sent to all staff personnel affected by the decision.

Ref: La. Const. Art. VII, {13; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81.

FILE: IFAA

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TEXTBOOK SELECTION AND ADOPTION

PURPOSE

A structured local selection process is integral to the policies and procedures defined for Calcasieu Parish School Board textbook adoption. The purpose of the local adoption process is as follows:

1. To assure the local public school system of establishing a defined procedure/guidelines for textbook adoption;
2. 2To provide an opportunity for input from teachers, administrators, and parents in the textbook selection; and,
3. To ensure that textbook curriculum content reflects current national, state and local standards of instruction.

PROCEDURES

1. Establishment of Timelines:

1. September

1. Textbooks being considered for adoption by the State Department of Education will be on display at the Calcasieu Parish School Board Book Depository. The public will be notified through the local media.
2. A local adoption committee will be chosen to consider those books adopted at the state level.

1. Recommendations for membership will come from the school level.
2. Recommendations for membership will come from the Curriculum and Instruction staff.

3. Curriculum and Instruction staff will request samples from publishers.
4. The Calcasieu Parish School System will be closed (no contact with any local committee member) to publishers during selection process. Publishers may come into the system only if they are invited by the Curriculum and Instruction staff. Any deviation could result in the disqualification of a publisher.

2. January

1. The selection committee participates in textbook caravan.

1. The committee may use state caravan as the single opportunity for publisher presentations.
2. The committee may use state caravan as a vehicle for identifying publishers to be called back for local presentations.

2. Only one call back is permitted per publisher.

3. February

1. The committee calls back publishers, if needed.
2. Publishers must be notified before February 15.

4. March

1. The committee convenes for final vote.
2. The supervisor of Library/Textbook Services will present the textbook selection to the Curriculum and Instruction Committee.
3. The supervisor of Library/Textbook Services will present the textbook selection to the full School Board.

5. April

1. By April 15, the supervisor of Library/ Textbook Services will notify the State Department of Education of selection and implementation plans.
2. The supervisor will place orders with School Book Supply Company.

2. Committee Selection:

1. The local adoption committee will be composed of a minimum of thirteen (13) members: one administrator; five parents selected by geographical area -- 2 from West Calcasieu, 2 from East Calcasieu, and 1 from the Central Lake Charles area one special education representative; and 6 classroom teachers with equitable representation reflective of the student constituency. The composition of the committee may be expanded, depending on the subject area being adopted.
2. Committee members are to receive special training in textbook selection criteria, voting procedures, and integrity of interaction with publishers. This will be done by the curriculum supervisor responsible for the adoption.

3. Concerned Citizen Involvement:

1. Any person who wishes to request information or make an objection to textbooks under consideration by the textbook adoption committee must be a legal resident of Calcasieu Parish
2. By February 15, the public must submit in writing to the Superintendent a list of objectionable materials and the reasons for objections.
3. All oral objections to textbooks under consideration may be made prior to March 1 to the adoption committee. The objections must be scheduled to coincide with a regular meeting of the adoption committee. The oral objections shall not exceed 10 minutes per person, per publisher, per subject and shall be limited to those objections that have been previously filed in writing to the Superintendent by February 15.

4. Selection of Textbooks:

1. The committee must utilize an objective evaluation instrument which incorporates a numerical rating system.
2. The committee must file an official summary report of the evaluation results to the supervisor of Library/Textbook Services and appropriate administrators. The supervisor will keep the report on file for a minimum of three years.

Ref: Board minutes, 4-4-95.

FILE: IFBC
Cf: IFBC-AP

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INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA CENTERS

The Board recognizes the importance of adequate and appropriate instructional materials to complement and augment the educational process. Instructional media centers serve to enhance the learning activities of students and also serve as an essential instructional resource for teachers.

Therefore, in establishing and maintaining well-organized libraries and media centers for students, the Board subscribes to the following:

1. To provide a comprehensive collection of instructional materials selected in compliance with basic, written selection principles, and to provide maximum accessibility to these materials.
2. To provide materials that will support the curriculum, taking into consideration the individual's needs, and the varied interests, abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and maturity levels of the students served.
3. To provide materials for teachers and students that will encourage growth in knowledge, and that will develop literary, cultural, and aesthetic appreciation and ethical standards.
4. To provide materials which reflect the ideas and beliefs of religious, social, political, historical, and ethnic groups and their contributions to the American and world heritage and culture, thereby enabling students to develop an intellectual integrity in forming judgments.
5. To provide qualified professional personnel to serve teachers and students.
   

FILE: IFBGA

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COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE

Internet access is now available to students, employees and guests in the Calcasieu Parish School System. The School Board is very pleased to bring this access, and believes that the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique educational resources to all participants.

The Internet is an "electronic highway" connecting millions of computers and individual subscribers all over the world. Our goal in providing this service to students is to enhance innovative education for students through access to unique resources and collaborations. Furthermore, employees and guests will improve learning and teaching through research, teacher training, communication, collaboration, and dissemination of successful educational practices, methods, and materials.

Terms and Conditions for computer use are provided so that Internet users are aware of the responsibilities they are about to assume. Responsibilities include efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of the network resources. The user's signature on the Internet Access and Use contract is legally binding and indicates that he/she has read the Terms and Conditions carefully and agrees to abide by them.

The Board shall incorporate the use of computer-related technology or the use of Internet service provider technology designed to block access or exposure to any harmful materials or information, such as sites that contain obscene, pornographic, pervasively vulgar, excessively violent, or sexually harassing information or material. Sites which contain information on the manufacturing of bombs or other incendiary devices shall also be prohibited. However, the School Board does not prohibit authorized employees or students from having unfiltered or unrestricted access to Internet or online services, including online services of newspapers with daily circulation of at least 1,000, for legitimate scientific or educational purposes approved by the Board.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Personal Safety and Privacy

1. Users shall not post personal contact information (e.g., address, phone number) about themselves or any other person. Calcasieu Parish School Board home pages will use Calcasieu Parish School Board phone numbers and Hal e-mail addresses. Personal photos and work can be published if a signed district release form is on file.
2. Users shall not agree to meet with someone they have met online without appropriate approval. Inappropriate contacts should be reported to school authorities immediately.

2. Illegal Activities

1. Users shall not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any computer system or another person's account or files.
2. Users shall not intentionally attempt to disrupt or intentionally disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means.
3. Users shall not engage in any other illegal act, such as drug sales, engaging in criminal gang activity, threatening the safety of a person or persons, etc.

1. Security

1. Users shall be responsible for their individual account and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use your account. Under no condition should a user give his/her password to another person. (System accounts will be limited to employees.)
2. Users shall immediately notify school authorities if they have identified a possible security problem. Looking for security problems may be considered as an illegal attempt to gain access.
3. Users shall avoid the spread of computer viruses by following the district guidelines for file transfers and downloading of software.
4. Users shall only use disks that have been scanned and found to be free of viruses.

4. Inappropriate Language

1. Users shall not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language. This includes personal attacks or harassment of another person.

5. Resource Limits

1. Users shall use the system only for educational and career development activities.
2. Users shall not download large files unless absolutely necessary.
3. Users shall not post chain letters or send annoying or unnecessary messages to others.
4. Users shall download and remove their e-mail from the server frequently.
5. Users shall subscribe only to high-quality discussion group mail lists that are relevant to educational or career development activities and not subscribe others without their consent.

6. Access and Use of Materials

1. Users shall not take the ideas or writings of others and present them as if they were their own.
2. Users shall respect copyrighted materials.
3. Users shall immediately report to school authorities any site they access with inappropriate information.

7. Consequences of Misuse

1. The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use shall result in a cancellation of privileges by administration, faculty, and staff.
2. Users should expect no privacy of the contents of personal files and e-mail on the district system.  Messages relating to or in the support of illegal activities must be reported to the authorities.
3. The Calcasieu Parish School Board allows for the suspension of inappropriate or illegal use of the Internet by students and employees.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81, 17:100.6; Board minutes, 9-7-99.

FILE: IFBGB
Cf: IFBGA

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PUBLISHING ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB

PURPOSE

Calcasieu Parish School Board provides an educational opportunity for students and staff to contribute to the school system's presence on the World Wide Web (WWW) through the availability of Internet access. The Calcasieu Parish School Board (CPSB) Web Server is a vehicle for providing two?way communication for the purposes of disseminating and sharing information about the district and its schools within the system as well as within the community. Publishing privileges shall be provided to School Board staff through individuals who have been certified and authorized by the School Board. Posting permission and content shall be maintained at the discretion of the School Board site administration. Creators of web pages shall familiarize themselves with, and adhere to the following provisions. Failure to follow these policy provisions may result in the loss of authoring privileges and/or other disciplinary measures. The Calcasieu Parish School Board is committed to WWW publishing that supports the mission of the school system, is in good taste and of superior quality, and compliments the strengths of the school system.

CONTENT STANDARDS

• All subject matter published on the CPSB Web Server should relate to curriculum, instruction, school-authorized activities, and general information that is related to the school system.
• The CPSB Web server shall not be used for financial gain, fundraising, political advertising, issue advocacy, or the posting of copyrighted images, text, sound files, or software.
• Copyright laws shall be followed.
• Personal information should not be included. Phone numbers and e-mail links should be limited to the ones used within the system.
• Photos of individuals and groups may be included only with a written release form signed by the parent(s) or legal guardian. Links to retail sites and political promotions shall not be allowed.
• Official school web pages must be published to the CPSB Web Server only.

QUALITY

Documents may not link to or contain inappropriate material. The decisions of the CPSB site administration shall be final when questions arise related to the quality or propriety of Web pages published on the CPSB Server.

OWNERSHIP AND RETENTION

By submitting content to the CPSB Web Server, the author shall grant Calcasieu Parish Schools the world-wide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to reproduce, modify, adapt and publish the content solely for the purpose of displaying, distributing and promoting the web pages on the CPSB Web Server and other media. This license exists only for as long as the author continues to maintain web pages on the CPSB Web Server.

The author of any web pages shall acknowledge that CPSB does not pre-screen content, but that the CPSB and its designees shall have the right (but not the obligation) in their sole discretion to refuse or remove any content that is available via the web server. Without limiting the foregoing, CPSB and its designees shall have the right to remove any content that violates district policies or is otherwise objectionable. The author shall agree to evaluate and bear all risks associated with the use of any content, including any reliance on the accuracy, completeness, usefulness or copyright of such content.

STUDENT SAFEGUARDS

1. Web page documents may include only the first name and initial of the student's last name with documented parental permission.
2. Student phone numbers, addresses, or names of other family
   members may not be included.
3. Students may not establish e-mail accounts for use at school.
4. A signed release from the parent/guardian must be on file in the school for the use of recognizable student photos, student creations, and/or products. Access for the form may be obtained from http://hal.calc.k12.la.us or the school.
5. Student schedules or any information that identifies a student's location during the school day may not be published.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Principals shall be responsible for gathering signed CPSB Web Publishing Agreement forms from publishing staff members.
2. Staff shall ensure that web pages including information about students, student names (first name and last initial only), or identifiable photos require signed parent release form are on file in the school.
3. Staff shall use appropriate language, spelling, and grammar.
4. Staff shall follow copyright and permission laws when publishing web pages.
5. Staff not allow students to upload files.
6. Staff shall safeguard passwords. Only the authorized staff member may publish to his or her account.

PUBLISHING PROCESS

Technical Standards

1. File Rules

• Save all of the files in one file folder.
• Keep pages and directory names in lower case letters.
• All web pages must have the extension .htm or .html.
• Do not use spaces in naming pages or directories.
• If necessary, use underscores to make filenames clear.  Example - "tech_plan"

2. Organization and Structure Rules

• The main page is to be saved as "index.html."
• Each staff person shall maintain his/her web page links and images directory.
• The staff person shall maintain an e-mail link on main page for contact by users.

3. Graphics Rules

• All graphics are in the GIF or JPEG format.
• Graphics and photos should be optimized so that they are displayed on a viewer's screen as quickly as possible. Graphic files should be kept to 30K or smaller for maximum efficiency.
• Animated GIFs on web pages greatly increase download times and should be limited if they are used at all.

4. Content

• Time sensitive information (calendars, special event descriptions, etc.) must be current.
• Student listings shall consist of first names and last initials only.
• Student pictures are allowed only if a release form, signed by a parent or legal guardian, is kept on file at the school.
• Nothing should be underlined that is not a link.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81, 17:100.6; Board minutes, 7-18-00.

FILE: IFCB
Cf: EDAE, IFCB-AP

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FIELD TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS

The School Board recognizes that educational field trips and trips to various types of contests for instructional purposes help provide desirable learning experiences. The Superintendent has the responsibility for the development of administrative criteria governing field trips and excursions. Only those field trips, however, that grow out of the instructional program or are otherwise related to the program are to be permitted on school time. Other trips such as those involving band and athletic activities should be confined to non-school time, except where the school is engaged in competition or a contest that requires use of school time.

Whenever a band or organization is requesting Board approval of an out-of-state trip, a representative of the band or organization shall appear before the Board.

Teachers planning on conducting field trips or out-of-class learning experiences shall submit, through the principal, an application in writing to the Superintendent or his designee for approval. Not more than four (4) field trips should be made by any class during each school year, and those should be distributed throughout the school year. Before any trip or excursion is taken, written parental permission forms shall be secured for every pupil planning to take the trip. Students who have not submitted signed parental permission forms shall not be allowed to make the trip.

Before approval of any field trip is given, it shall be determined whether the trip is covered by the Board's liability insurance. No travel shall be authorized where coverage cannot be secured prior to the trip commencing. Except in extreme cases approved by the principal of the school, private vehicles shall not be used for transporting children on field trips. Only buses, owned by or contracted to the school district, and driven by certified drivers shall be permitted, except as noted above.

The Board does not endorse the use of private vehicles to transport students to and/or from interscholastic activities. However, it recognizes the need for additional transportation at certain times; and the use of private vehicles may be utilized for the transportation of students to interscholastic activities provided that (1) students being thus transported provide the school with liability release forms signed by the students' parents/guardians, and (2) all such vehicles are driven by properly licensed adults.

Revised: February, 1999

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81; Board minutes, 1-19-99.

FILE: IFCD

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SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

The Board recognizes that volunteers can make many valuable contributions to the school. Therefore, the Board endorses a Volunteer Program in the district, subject to suitable regulations and safeguards, to be promulgated by the Superintendent or staff, in cooperation with the schools.

Every effort shall be made to incorporate the use of school volunteers into the community schools program as well as any or all other programs or activities of the school district.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81.

FILE: IFD
Cf: IDDG, IFDA, KA

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Parental Involvement In Education

The Calcasieu Parish School Board recognizes that parental involvement must be a priority of the Board for children to learn and achieve academic success. Parents and families provide the primary educational environment for children; consequently, parents are vital and necessary partners with the Board throughout their children's elementary and secondary school careers. The term parent shall refer to any caregiver who assumes responsibility for nurturing and caring for children, and includes parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, foster parents, stepparents, and others. The concept of parental involvement shall include programs, services, and/or activities on the school site, as well as contributions of parents outside the normal school setting.

It shall be the policy of the School Board and each public school in Calcasieu Parish, in collaboration with parents, teachers, students, administrators, and other educational resources, to establish, develop, and maintain strategies and programs that are intended to enhance the involvement of parents and other caregivers that reflect the needs of students, parents, and families served by the Board, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. As part of the parental involvement program, it shall be the responsibility of every school to create a welcoming environment, conducive to learning and supportive for comprehensive family involvement programs that have been developed jointly with parents/families.

DISTRICT LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES

At the district level, the School Board shall:

1. Involve parents in the joint development and amendment of the school district's plan, which includes components of the district's parental involvement program, to be submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education. Such involvement shall involve, but not be limited to, the following:

a) appointing to, and interacting with, each school's School Improvement Team, which is actively involved with assessing needs and addressing these needs in the school;

b) conducting open public workshops on major issues;

c) holding regular School Board meetings, with opportunities for the Board to receive public input and comments;

d) requiring each school to conduct an annual open house meeting;

e) encouraging school based parental organizations, such as PTA, PTO, TEAM, etc.

2. Provide coordination of various programs which involve parents, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist every public school in Calcasieu Parish in planning and implementing effective parental involvement programs and strategies.

3. Coordinate and integrate parental involvement programs with other programs that promote parental involvement.

4. Conduct, with the involvement of parents, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of components and strategies of the Board's parental involvement program and assess the components' and strategies' usefulness. The evaluation shall attempt to identify ways of improving the academic quality of the schools served by the Board, including identifying barriers to greater participation by parents in educational and parental involvement activities; particular attention shall be directed to parents who are economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background. The School Board and each school shall use findings of such evaluation to design strategies for more effective parental involvement, and to revise, if necessary, the parental involvement policies and procedures.

5. Distribute to parents information about the Calcasieu Parish School District's parental involvement program, as well as provide proper notification to parents about specific services or special programs, as required by state or federal law. Notification shall also include, at the start of school each year, the right of parents to request and receive timely information on the professional qualifications of their children's classroom teachers.

6. Submit with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Consolidated Application plan to the Louisiana Department of Education comments of parents of participating children who are not satisfied with components of the parental involvement program.

7. Inform and notify parents and organizations of the existence of a parental information and resource center established by the state to provide training, information, and support to parents and individuals who work with parents, School Boards, and schools.

SCHOOL LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of the parental involvement program, the School Board shall encourage each public school and require those schools receiving federal Title I funds under the jurisdiction of the Calcasieu Parish School Board to:

1. Convene an annual meeting, at a convenient time, to which all parents of participating children shall be invited and encouraged to attend, to inform parents of their school's educational programs and to explain components of the parental involvement program, and the right of the parents to be involved.

2. Offer a flexible number of meetings, services, and/or activities, on or off school campuses, at various times of the day to maximize parental participation, and may provide transportation, child care, appropriate refreshments, and/or home visits, as such services relate to parental involvement.

3. Involve parents in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in the planning, review, and improvement of parental involvement programs, including the planning, development, review, and improvement of the school parental involvement policy and the joint development of the schoolwide parental involvement program plan.

4. Provide parents, especially those of participating children in NCLB programs:

a) timely information about educational and parental involvement programs;

b) a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency level students are expected to meet;

c) if requested by parents, opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and respond to any such suggestions as soon as practicably possible.

5. If the school-wide parental involvement program plan is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, submit any parent comments on the plan when the school makes the plan available to school district level personnel.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of the parental involvement program, to build a capacity for involvement, the School Board and each public school under the jurisdiction of the School Board:

1. Shall provide assistance to parents of children served by the school or Board, as appropriate, in understanding such topics as the state's academic content standards, state and local academic assessments, the components of the Board's parental involvement program, and how to monitor a child's progress and work with educators to improve the achievement of their children.

2. Shall provide materials and training to help parents to work with their children to improve their children's achievement, such as literacy training and using technology, as appropriate, to foster parental involvement.

3. Shall educate teachers, pupil services personnel, principals, and other staff, with the assistance of parents, in the value and utility of contributions of parents, and in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents and the school.

4. Shall, to the extent feasible and appropriate, coordinate and integrate parent involvement programs and activities with other outreach educational programs, such as Head Start, and public preschool and other programs, and conduct other activities, such as parent resource centers, that encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children.

5. Shall ensure that information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is sent to parents in a format and, to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand.

6. May involve parents in the development of training for teachers, principals, and other educators to improve the effectiveness of such training.

7. May provide necessary literacy training from federal and state funds received if the Board has exhausted all other reasonably available sources of funding for such training.

8. May pay reasonable and necessary expenses associated with parental involvement activities, including transportation, appropriate refreshments, and/or child care costs, to enable parents to participate in school-related meetings and training sessions.

9. May train parents to enhance the involvement of other parents.

10. May arrange school meetings, at a variety of times and places, or conduct in-home conferences between teachers or other educators who work directly with children, with parents who are unable to attend such conferences at school, in order to maximize parental involvement and participation.

11. May adopt and implement model approaches to improving parental involvement.

12. Shall recognize parental activities and/or contributions outside the normal school setting that enhance student academic achievement, such as tutoring, improving attendance, and contributing and preparing school/classroom support materials and services.

13. May establish a district-wide parent advisory council to provide advice on all matters related to parental involvement in programs.

14. May develop appropriate roles for community-based organizations and businesses in parental involvement activities.

15. Shall provide such other reasonable support for parental involvement activities as parents may request.

16. Shall provide, to the extent practicable, full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing necessary information and school reports required in a format, and to the extent practicable, in a language such parents understand.

PARENTS' RESPONSIBILITIES

The School Board realizes that a child's education begins at birth. Parents and family members, as their child's primary teachers, play a vital role in the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of their children. A child's development and success is dependent on the direct support a child receives at home. In an effort to promote responsible and successful parenting skills, the Board expects parents to:

1. Make sure children attend school regularly and arrive at school on time.

2. Supervise completion of all homework assignments.

3. Assure proper hygiene and daily cleanliness of their children.

4. Make sure children are dressed properly, in accordance with the uniform or dress code.

5. Make sure that children get adequate amounts of sleep nightly.

6. Visit and discuss their child's academic progress regularly with teachers.

7. Discuss academic progress and school events regularly with their child.

8. Instill proper respect for parents, teachers, and other adults.

9. Volunteer in child's classroom, school, or related activities to the extent feasible and appropriate.

10. When feasible, attend school-sponsored programs in which their child may participate.

11. When feasible, join and be active in parent/teacher organizations.

Statement of Compliance

Each student in grades 4-12 and each parent or guardian of a student in grades 4-12, shall annually sign a Statement of Compliance, in accordance with state law. For students, the Statement of Compliance shall state that the student agrees to attend school regularly, arrive at school on time, demonstrate significant effort toward completion of homework assignments, and follow school and classroom rules. For parents, the Statement of Compliance shall state that the parent or legal guardian agrees to ensure his/her child's daily attendance at school, ensure his/her child's arrival at school on time each day, ensure his/her child completes all assigned homework, and attend all required parent/teacher/principal conferences.

SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT

Each school shall jointly develop with parents a school-parent compact that outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership to help children achieve the State's high standards. Such compact shall:

1. Describe the school's responsibility to provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables the children to meet the state's student academic achievement standards, and the ways in which each parent will be responsible for supporting their children's learning, such as monitoring attendance, homework completion, and television watching; volunteering in their child's classroom; contributing services outside the normal school setting; and participating, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and positive use of extracurricular time.

2. Address the importance of communication between teachers and parents on an ongoing basis through, at a minimum:

a) parent-teacher conferences in elementary schools, at least annually, during which the compact shall be discussed as the compact relates to the individual child's achievement;

b) frequent reports to parents on their children's progress;

c) reasonable access to staff, opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child's class, and scheduled observation of classroom activities; and

d) parental activities and/or contributions away from the school site that enhance academic achievement.

OTHER PROGRAMS

In conjunction with the district services rendered under the Board's parental involvement program, the School Board shall maintain contact and communication with social service and health agencies, faith-based institutions, and community groups to support key family and community services and issues. In particular, the Calcasieu Parish School Board has a strong relationship with and support from community and/or governmental organizations such as Families in Need of Services (FINS), Partners in Education, and District Parent/Teacher Association (PTA). One of the primary goals of these groups is to support, supplement, and assist in improving involvement of parents of children in the Calcasieu Parish public schools.


Ref: 20 U.S.C. 6312, 20 U.S.C. 6319; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '17:235.2; Board minutes, 6-3-03.

FILE: IFDA
Cf: IDDH, IFD
Cf: JBCBB, JR

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Parental Rights/Student Rights of Privacy

The Calcasieu Parish School Board recognizes the rights of parental access to certain information regarding their children and the importance of notifying parents of children enrolled in the district’s schools of these rights.

At least annually at the beginning of each school year, parents of each child enrolled in the public schools of Calcasieu Parish shall be notified of:

• Their right to view any instructional material used in the curriculum for the student

• Their right to view any 3rd party surveys (including evaluations) before they are administered to their child, and to opt out of participation for surveys that delve into sensitive subjects identified by the Protection of Children’s Rights of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB)

• The collection or use of any personal information for the purpose of marketing the information (except for the development of educational products or services) and their right to opt their child out of participation

• The administration of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening otherwise not permitted or required by state law, including those without parental notification, and their right to opt their child out of participation

• Their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), including the right to refuse to allow the Board to designate any or all of the types of information about their child as directory information thus prohibiting its release to the public

In addition, the School Board shall encourage each public school and require those schools receiving federal Title I funds under the jurisdiction of the Calcasieu Parish School Board to notify parents:

• Annually, of their right to request from the school district information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers, including the following:

- Whether their child’s teacher has met state licensing criteria for the grade level and subject taught

- Whether their child’s teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status whereby state licensing criteria have been waived

- The undergraduate degree major of their child’s teacher and any graduation certification or degree and field of discipline

- Qualifications of any paraprofessional providing services to their child

• Annually, of the availability of services for students in schools failing to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)

• Whenever their child has been taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified as defined by the NCLB

• The achievement level of their child on each of the state academic assessments

• The identification of their child’s school as needing improvement, corrective action, or restructuring

• Contents of programs such as safe and drug-free schools funded by federal funds

The School Board shall also follow NCLB guidelines regarding rights of parents of homeless students and children identified as Limited English Proficiency.


Ref: 20 U.S.C. 1221 et seq. (General Education Provisions Act); 20 U.S.C. 1232 (h); 20 U.S.C. 1232 (g-i) (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act); Board minutes, 6-3-03.

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Cf: IDAB

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GRADING SYSTEMS

The School Board directs that evaluation of student progress be based on various aspects of performance as measured against standards for the respective grade or subject. The requirements for evaluation shall take into consideration the ability, aptitude, cultural background, and other characteristics of the student. Grading shall be based on achievement as it reflects a reasonable and conscientious effort on the part of the pupil to fulfill in the requirements of the course, and the ability of the pupil as it relates to the pupil's demonstrated effort.

Grades shall be determined and reported in accordance with procedures outlined in the Pupil Progression Plan, as approved by the Board. Teachers shall use letter grades consistently in all places where marks are recorded.

GRADE ALTERATION

No School Board member, Superintendent, or school employee, including administrative and supervisory personnel, shall attempt, directly or indirectly, to influence, alter, or otherwise affect the grade received by a student from his teacher. However, a teacher's determination of a student's grade may be changed or altered when the Superintendent or designee has determined that the grade is in error, or that the grade is demonstrably inconsistent with the teacher's grading policy.

Revised: December, 1997

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:414.2; Parish Pupil Progression Plan.

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FINAL EXAMINATIONS

Semester and/or final examinations may be used to evaluate student achievement when conducted in such a way that they effectively estimate the achievement of the goals and objectives on which learning activities have been based. The Board shall require, however, all students in grades 9-12 to take final examinations for each subject in which the student is enrolled. All final examinations will be administered according to a schedule recommended by the staff.

No teacher shall schedule a final examination other than in accordance with the approved schedule for such examinations.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81.

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REPORT CARDS

It is the policy of the Board that reports concerning student progress shall be made to the parent or legal guardian of all students on a regularly scheduled basis. Individual schools shall make additional reports to the parent or legal guardian of a student when, in the opinion of the principal and professional staff members, the situation warrants such reports. Such situations may include, but are not limited to, outstanding academic achievement, outstanding citizenship, poor academic performance and continuing inappropriate behavior.

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PARENT CONFERENCES

The Board encourages parent conferences at any reasonable time concerning the needs and progress of a student. It is essential that an objective overview of strengths and weaknesses be discussed with the parent(s) along with samples of the student's work, if possible. Parents are encouraged to discuss with the teacher any questions or problems which might affect the child's performance.

Parent conferences shall be scheduled at times when teachers are not engaged in classroom instruction.

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CLASS RANKINGS

The Louisiana Scholarship Program provides a tuition waiver for those students ranked in the top 5% of their graduating class at each BESE approved public and non-public school. To ensure appropriate selection procedures for ranking and tie-breaking purposes relative to this scholarship are on a uniform and consistent basis, such rankings shall be determined as follows:

1. Procedure for ranking students in Calcasieu Parish High Schools

1. Calcasieu Parish high schools utilize all courses listed on the student's official transcript to determine rank. Total quality points are divided by total credits earned (computed to thousandths and rounded to hundredths) to determine a final GPA. Students are then ranked according to GPA.
2. Beginning with the senior class of the 1999-2000 school year the procedure shall read:

1. Students' transcripts must include a full unit of Chemistry I and at least one of the following: Chemistry II, Biology II, Physics; and a full unit of math above Algebra II and Geometry, and two full units of the same foreign language. Once these prerequisites are met all courses listed on the students' official transcripts shall be utilized to determine their GPA. The final GPA shall be computed by dividing the total number of quality points by the total number of credits earned (computed to thousandths and rounded to hundredths). This GPA will then be used for ranking purposes.
2. Students must be enrolled in the school from which he/she graduates for their final two semesters.

2. Procedure for Breaking Ties

Should ties result for the allotted positions per school, the following steps will be followed to resolve them:

1. All grades for the courses listed on the official transcript in those areas tested on the GEE (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) will be compared. This includes six weeks grades, mid-term test grades, and final test grades. A true arithmetic average (computed to thousandths and rounded to hundredths) will be obtained and utilized as the tie-breaker.
2. Should ties still remain, composite ACT scores will be utilized to resolve them. If the ACT test was not taken, an equivalent SAT score may be used.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81; 17:3042.31 et seq.; Board minutes, 6-4-96.

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Cf: IDAB

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PROMOTION AND RETENTION

The Calcasieu Parish School Board shall require pupil promotion and retention in the district schools to be based upon an evaluation of each pupil's achievement in terms of appropriate instructional goals. District-wide standards for promotion and retention are established in the Pupil Progression Plan and shall govern the placement of students. Pupils meeting the standards and other criteria established in this plan shall be eligible for promotion and/or credit. Regulations set by the Board and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall also be met in order to receive credit.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:24.4; Calcasieu Parish Pupil Progression Plan.

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Cf: IHF-AP

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The Board, in accordance with the regulations set forth by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, shall require students, in order to be eligible for graduation, to successfully complete at a minimum the requirements mandated by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and outlined in the Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741. The Board may impose additional requirements as it deems appropriate. Beginning with the 1994-95 school year, students entering high school must earn 23 Carnegie units in high school prior to receiving credit for Carnegie units completed below the 9th grade. This requirement shall be waived for:

1. Senior students who have never been enrolled in a Calcasieu Parish public high school and are transferring into a Calcasieu Parish public high school from outside the Parish.
2. Students with extenuating circumstances approved by the Superintendent.

Students pursuing Carnegie units below the 9th grade must make passing grades and pass a state approved credit exam unless the course is taken as part of a regular high school program. Students who pass credit exams shall receive a Pass or Fail (P/F) on their transcript and the credit shall not be computed in the students' GPA.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, State Department of Education; Board minutes, 8-3-93, 2-18-97.

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HONORS POLICY FOR GRADUATING SENIORS

Freshman Class - 1996-1997

Beginning with the freshman class of 1996-97 (Senior class of 1999-2000), students who desire Honors status must meet the guidelines outlined below.

1. Honors Positions

1. Summa Cum Laude  --  3.90 - 4.0 GPA
2. Magna Cum Laude  --  3.70 - 3.89 GPA
3. Cum Laude  --  3.50 - 3.69 GPA

2. Requirements

1. Students' transcripts must include a full unit of Chemistry I and at least one of the following: Chemistry II, Biology II, Physics; and a full unit of math above Algebra II and Geometry, and two full units of the same foreign language.
2. Students must attend a state approved high school their final two years.

Freshman Class - 2003-2004

Beginning with the freshman class of 1996-97 (Senior class of 2006-2007), students who desire Honors status must meet the following guidelines:

1. Honors Positions

1. Summa Cum Laude  --  3.90 - 4.0 GPA
2. Magna Cum Laude  --  3.70 - 3.89 GPA
3. Cum Laude  --  3.50 - 3.69 GPA

2. Requirements

1. The student's transcript must confirm that the student has taken core courses required for either the State of Louisiana Academic Endorsement or State of Louisiana Career/Technical Endorsement as outlined in the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) Louisiana High School Diploma and Endorsement Policy. (Currently, this would be the TOPS/TOPS Tech core curriculum plus one additional math, science or social studies.)
2. Students must pass all four (4) components of the GEE 21 with a score of Basic or Above.
3. Students must attend a state approved high school their final two (2) years of enrollment.

Revised: August, 2004

Ref: Board minutes, 6-4-96, 6-15-04.

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TEST SECURITY POLICY

            Calcasieu Parish School Board holds the test security policy to be of utmost importance and deems any violations of test security to be serious.

            Formal and informal assessment and testing measures are used in Calcasieu Parish schools to provide diagnostic information, to determine grade or program placement, to validate and/or award credits, to assess individual student performance, to assess student group and sub-group performance, to assess instructional program effectiveness, to provide information for counseling students, to provide information for curriculum planning and decision-making, to evaluate grant-awards and/or locally-funded pilot programs, and for student, school, and district accountability measures.  Assessment and testing programs in Calcasieu Parish consist of the following types:

• Louisiana statewide accountability testing programs prescribed by the Louisiana legislature, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and/or the Louisiana Department of Education.  These shall include, but not be limited to:

1. All criterion-referenced tests (CRTs)

2. All on-level norm-referenced tests (NRTs)

3. All alternate assessments

4. All placement tests

• Louisiana statewide diagnostic reading assessments grades 1-3.

• End-of-Kindergarten screening program implemented with state funding.

• Informal tests, inventories, and activities designed and administered by teachers to diagnose student needs and/or to assess student performance; entry-level and on-going assessments to evaluate student performance in computer labs and/or other instructional programs.

• Parishwide criterion-referenced testing programs in reading, language arts, and mathematics prescribed for elementary grades.

• Screening, readiness tests, and/or checklists in pre-school, kindergarten, and grade one.

• Commercially-published criterion-referenced tests and norm-referenced achievement tests administered to selected student groups.

• Reports from college admissions and armed services testing agencies on Calcasieu student performance.

• School-level screening for suspected 504 handicapping conditions.

• Individual pupil appraisal evaluations for suspected handicapped and gifted students prescribed by State guidelines.

            The Calcasieu Parish School Board shall take every precaution to assure that all state and local tests administered within the school system shall be conducted in such a manner so as not to compromise in any way the testing results.  Testing materials and procedures, as well as electronic data or computer media related to student testing, shall be properly supervised in strict compliance with regulations outlined by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Calcasieu Parish School Board.  In addition, all secure tests and test documents shall be stored under lock and key at the School Board office when not in use.

TEST SECURITY

1. It shall be a violation of test security for any person to do any of the following:

1. Administer tests in a manner that is inconsistent with the administration instructions provided by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) and/or Calcasieu Parish Department of Assessment which would give examinees an unfair advantage or disadvantage.

2. Give examinees access to test questions prior to testing.

3. Examine any test item at any time (except for students during the test, or test administrators while providing the accommodations “Tests Read Aloud” or “Communication Assistance” for students determined to be eligible for those accommodations).

4. Copy, reproduce, or use at any time in any manner inconsistent with test regulations all or part of any secure test booklet, answer document, or supplementary secure materials (e.g., writing prompts, science tasks).

5. Coach examinees in any manner during testing; or alter or interfere with examinees’ responses in any manner; (except that test administrators and/or proctors should monitor during testing and make sure students have test questions and answer documents aligned – especially young primary-age children and/or older students who have difficulty aligning the test booklet with the answer document).  Monitoring of older students should be done from the front of classroom if the test administrator is the only adult monitor.

6. Provide answers to students in any manner during the test, including provision of cues, clues, hints, and/or actual answers in any form – written, printed, verbal or nonverbal.

7. Administer published parallel, previously administered or current forms of any statewide or locally-adopted systemwide assessments (e.g. Louisiana Educational Assessment Program for the 21^st Century [LEAP 21], Graduation Exit Examination for the 21^st Century [GEE 21], Graduation Exit Examination [“old” GEE], LEAP Alternate Assessment [LAA], or Forms K, L, M, and all new forms of The Iowa Tests) as a practice test or study guide.

8. Fail to follow security regulations for distribution and return of secure test booklets, answer documents, supplementary secure materials (e.g., writing prompts, science tasks), as well as overages as directed.

9. Fail to account for and secure test materials before, during, or after testing; all secure materials must be kept in locked storage at both the district and school levels; secure materials must never be left in open areas or unattended.

10. Conduct testing in environments that differ from the usual classroom environment without prior written permission from the Calcasieu Parish Department of Assessment and/or Louisiana Department of Education, Division of Student Standards and Assessments.

11. Fail to report any testing irregularities or discrepancies to the District Test Coordinator; (a testing irregularity or discrepancy is any incident in test handling or administration that leads to a question regarding the security of the test or the accuracy of the test data).  The District Test Coordinator must report such incidents to the Calcasieu Superintendent (and to the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) Division of Student Standards and Assessments if the testing irregularity involves any state testing program).

12. Participate in, direct, aid, counsel, assist in, encourage, or fail to report any of the acts prohibited in this section.

2. A “Statement of Assurance” regarding the Calcasieu Parish School Board’s test security policy that is in compliance with the State’s test security policy shall be submitted annually to the Louisiana Department of Education, Division of Student Standards and Assessments.  This statement shall include the name of the individual designated by the Calcasieu Superintendent to procure test materials.

3. Test materials, including all test booklets, answer documents, supplementary secure materials (e.g., writing prompts, science tasks), video tapes, and completed observation sheets, shall be kept secure and accounted for in accordance with the procedure specified in the assessment program coordinator and/or administrator manuals and other communications provided by the Louisiana Department of Education and/or the Calcasieu Parish Department of Assessment and/or their vendors.  Secure test materials include test booklets, answer documents, supplementary secure materials (e.g., writing prompts, science tasks), video tapes, completed observation sheets, all individual student test data in paper and/or electronic format, and all aggregated data of fewer than ten students.

   1. All test booklets, answer documents, supplementary secure materials (e.g., writing prompts, science tasks), and test administrator manuals for grades K, 1, and 2 which contain the actual test items shall be kept in a predetermined, secure, locked storage area prior to and after administration of any test.  Test administrators are to be given access to the tests only on the day the test is to be administered, and tests are to be retrieved immediately after testing is completed for the day and stored in a locked, secure location each day of testing.

   2. All test booklets, answer documents, supplementary secure materials (e.g., writing prompts, science tasks), and test administrator manuals K, 1, 2 which contain actual test items shall be accounted for and written documentation kept by school test coordinators, test administrators, and proctors for each point at which test materials are distributed and returned.

   3. Any discrepancies noted in the number or serial numbers of test booklets and answer documents received from contractors for state tests shall be reported to the Director, Division of Student Standards and Assessments (LDE) by the Calcasieu District Test Coordinator prior to the administration of the test.

   4. Any discrepancies noted in the number of test booklets and answer documents received by the school shall be reported in writing to the District Test Coordinator by FAX, dated and signed by the School Test Coordinator and the Principal prior to the administration of the test.

   5. In the event test booklet/s or answer document/s are determined to be missing while in the possession of the school, the School Test Coordinator, with principal’s signature, shall immediately notify the District Test Coordinator by FAX.  The principal and school test coordinator shall investigate the cause of the discrepancy and provide a report of the investigation on a special form provided by the District Test Coordinator at the time of turning in test materials to the District for scoring.  If the documents are determined to be missing while in the possession of a test administrator, signed written detailed explanation from the test administrator of events surrounding the missing documents and what was done to find them should be a part of the investigative report.  The District Test Coordinator, with assistance of other district administrator/s appointed by the Calcasieu Superintendent, is authorized to conduct additional investigations.

   6. In the event state-contracted test booklets or answer documents are determined to be missing while in the possession of the school district, the Test Coordinator shall immediately notify by telephone the Director, Division of Student Standards and Assessments (LDE).  The District Test Coordinator shall investigate the cause of the discrepancy and provide the Louisiana Department of Education with a report of the investigation within thirty (30) calendar days of the initiation of the investigation.  At a minimum, the report shall include the nature of the situation, the time and place of occurrence, and the names of the persons involved in or witnesses to the occurrence.  Officials from the Louisiana Department of Education are authorized to conduct additional investigations.

4. Only trained personnel shall be allowed to have access to or administer any standardized tests.  “Access” to test materials means any contact with or handling the materials, but does not include reviewing test items or analyzing test items, which are prohibited.

5. The Superintendent shall designate annually one individual in the district authorized to procure test instruments which are utilized in testing programs administered by or through the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education or the Louisiana Department of Education.  The name of the individual designated shall be provided in writing to the Director, Division of Student Standards and Assessments, Louisiana Department of Education, and included on the Statement of Assurance.

6. A list of personnel authorized to have access to the locked, secure storage area where all test materials are stored shall be coordinated and maintained by the District Test Coordinator.  School personnel authorized to have access to the locked secure storage area at the district level shall include the District Test Coordinator, clerical staff of the Department of Assessment, Research, and Special Services, temporary help employed by the Department of Assessment, Research, and Special Services, and loaned help employed in the Calcasieu Textbook Depository or other departments in Calcasieu Parish School Board, all of whom shall be trained in test security policies and procedures.

7. Each school principal shall complete, sign, and submit to the District Test Coordinator each year an updated list of personnel who have access to the locked secure storage area where all test materials are stored in the school.  The principal and the School Test Coordinator shall maintain a copy of the access list in their files.  The school test coordinator/s shall inservice all school-level personnel having access to test materials on test security.  School personnel authorized to have access to the locked secure storage area include the School Test Coordinator/s, Principal, Assistant Principal, school janitor, or other personnel designated by the principal, all of whom shall be trained in and held accountable for carrying out test security policies and procedures.

8. All persons involved in the administration of tests shall annually receive proper training and professional development for handling and security of all testing materials.  Such activities shall be coordinated and supervised by the District Test Coordinator.  A record of such activities shall be maintained by the District Test Coordinator.  School test coordinators shall inservice all school test administrators and other school-level personnel having access to testing materials on test security and/or test administration.

9. Testing shall be conducted in class-size groups.  No group size shall exceed 30 students without written signed approval.  Permission for administering state tests in environments that differ from the usual classroom setting must be obtained in writing from the Louisiana Department of Education, Division of Student Standards and Assessments at least thirty (30) days prior to testing.  If testing outside the usual classroom setting is approved by the Division of Student Standards and Assessments, the school shall provide at least one proctor for every thirty (30) students.  Small-group testing for students eligible for test accommodations shall not exceed 8 students.

10. The Louisiana State Superintendent of Education may disallow test results on any state test which may have been achieved in any manner which is violative of test security.

11. The Louisiana Department of Education shall establish procedures to identify the following in state testing programs:

    2. Improbable achievement of test score gains in consecutive years.

    3. Situations in which collaboration between or among individuals occurs during the testing process.

    4. A verification of the number of all tests distributed and the number of tests returned.

    5. Excessive erasures for multiple-choice tests.

    6. Any violation to written composition, open-ended or constructed responses that involves plagiarism.

    7. Any other situation which may result in invalidation of test results.

12. In cases where test results are not accepted because of breach of test security or action by the Louisiana Department of Education, any programmatic, evaluative, promotion, or graduation criteria dependent upon the data shall be deemed not to have been met.

13. Individuals shall adhere to all procedures specified in all operational manuals that govern the mandated and locally-adopted testing programs.

14. Any individual(s) who knowingly engages in any activities during testing which results in invalidation of scores derived from the Graduation Exit Examination or LEAP for the 21^st Century test shall forfeit the test results and will be allowed to retake the test at the next test administration.

15. Anyone known to be involved in the presentation of forged, counterfeit, or altered identification for the purposes of obtaining admission to a test administration site for any test administered by or through the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Louisiana Department of Education, and/or Calcasieu Parish School Board, shall have breached test security.  Any individual(s) who knowingly cause(s) or allow(s) the presentation of forged, counterfeit or altered identification for the purpose of obtaining admission to any test administration site shall forfeit all test scores and will be allowed to retake the test at the next test administration.

16. Any teacher, administrator, or other school personnel who allows or breaches test security shall be disciplined in accordance with statutory provisions, policy and regulations adopted by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the School Board, and any laws that may be enacted by the Louisiana Legislature.

17. Calcasieu Parish School Board shall ensure that individual student test data are protected from unauthorized access and disclosure.  The Calcasieu District Test Coordinator and other authorized users of the LEAP Web Reporting System shall ensure the security of passwords, any disks or CDs with downloaded individual student test data, and student-level test data open on a computer screen.  The District Test Coordinator shall provide training to authorized personnel regarding security and confidentiality of individual student test data in paper and/or electronic format and of aggregated data of fewer than ten students.  All users shall be required to sign a statement guaranteeing they will not share any password with unauthorized individuals and maintain the confidentiality of student data.  A copy of the signed statement shall be sent to the District Test Coordinator to be kept on file.  Users who have access to these systems and leave their positions at a district or school site shall not use or share any passwords.

18. The following alleged violations of test security shall be investigated by the district:

    1. any testing irregularities, including violations in test security, such as plagiarism and excessive wrong-to-right erasures identified through erasure analysis

    2. employees accused of irregularities or improprieties in the administration of standardized tests

    3. missing test booklets, answer documents, or supplementary secure materials (e.g., writing prompts, science tasks)

19. District procedures for conducting an investigation shall include, at a minimum, the following:

    1. The District Test Coordinator shall notify the Calcasieu Superintendent of the alleged violation; the superintendent shall appoint one or more members of the administrative staff to assist the District Test Coordinator with the investigation.

    2. The investigative staff shall meet to review the alleged violation and to determine specific investigative procedures.

    3. The investigative staff shall set a meeting with the principal, school test coordinator, and test administrator/s of the identified class/es.

    4. The investigative staff shall conduct a group interview, or individual interviews if deemed more appropriate, with the principal, school test coordinator, school test administrator/s, proctor/s, and if deemed necessary, with any school staff who had access to test material at any time.

    5. The investigative staff shall conduct individual interviews with students from identified class/es if deemed necessary regarding testing procedures, layout of the classroom, access to test materials before the test, and access to unauthorized materials or information during testing.

    6. The investigative staff shall meet with the principal and school test coordinator (and/or other school staff as appropriate) to report findings and to request development and submission of a School Test Security Corrective Action Plan to the investigative staff.

    7. The investigative staff shall meet with the principal and school test coordinator to review and approve or recommend changes to the School Test Security Corrective Action Plan.

    8. The investigative staff shall develop a District Corrective Action Plan including district follow-up activities and timelines to check on the school’s implementation of its School Test Security Corrective Action Plan.  The entire school and district document shall be submitted to the Calcasieu Superintendent for review and approval.

    9. The Calcasieu Superintendent shall determine what, if any, disciplinary action shall be taken against any employee/s accused and found by the investigative staff to be in violation of test security irregularities or improprieties in the administration of standardized tests.  Should disciplinary action be taken by the Superintendent that warrants revision of the District Test Security Corrective Action Plan, those written changes shall be made to the document at this point.

    10. The School and District Test Security Corrective Action Plan shall be submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education Division of Student Standards and Assessments, and any follow-up activities shall be implemented by the District Test Coordinator.

20. Hospital/Homebound students will be tested on state and locally-adopted achievement and/or criterion-referenced tests as follows:

    1. A Hospital/Homebound Test Coordinator shall be designated by the District Test Coordinator in collaboration with the Director of Special Education for coordinating testing of hospital/homebound and/or other students taught by itinerant teachers.  The Hospital/Homebound Test Coordinator will function like a School Test Coordinator.

    2. Hospital/Homebound teachers will submit through their supervisor to the Hospital/Homebound Test Coordinator four lists of students from each school by grade:

       1. Those students able to be tested at their home school site.

       2. Those students unable to be tested with their peers at their local school but able to be grouped for testing by the Hospital/Homebound (itinerant) teachers at a designated School Board site.

       3. Those few students too ill or incapacitated to the extent they cannot be transported to a school site but well enough to be tested individually in the home by the Hospital/Homebound teachers.

       4. Those students too ill to test during the assigned testing dates.

    3. The Hospital/Homebound Test Coordinator or designee will notify each school test coordinator of the testing status of each of their students.

    4. The School Test Coordinator at each student’s enrolled school will arrange for testing students in category 1 in the school setting.

    5. The Hospital/Homebound Test Coordinator or designee will pick up from each school test coordinator all testing materials for students in categories 2 and 3 and will arrange for their testing at a designated School Board site or in the home.

    6. The Hospital/Homebound Test Coordinator or designee will deliver all testing materials to the school test coordinator of each student’s enrolled school for packaging and return following test administration.

    7. Written documentation of test security will be maintained throughout the process on special forms prepared by each test vendor and/or by the District Test Coordinator.

21. Responsibilities of Parish Test Coordinator

    1. Attend regional and/or state test coordinators’ meetings conducted by the Louisiana Department of Education.

    2. Order, receive, and inventory all testing materials.  Secure test booklets, answer sheets, supplementary secure materials (e.g., writing prompts, science tasks), and manuals for grades K-2 that contain actual test items under lock and key.

    3. Maintain a list of school district personnel by name and position authorized to have access to the locked, secure storage area where all test materials are stored within the district and within each school.

    4. Investigate and report discrepancies or irregularities to the Calcasieu Parish Superintendent of Schools and, if a state test, to the Division of Student Standards and Assessments, Louisiana Department of Education.

    5. Inform principals and school test coordinators of test security laws, policies, regulations, and administrative procedures.

    6. Conduct annual inservice for principals and school test coordinators on test security and test administration.

    7. Maintain a dated and signed roster of all school system personnel trained in test security and test administration.

    8. Distribute taped boxes of test booklets, answer sheets, manuals, and other materials needed for test administration to school test coordinators and/or principals.

    9. Keep written dated and signed documentation of testing materials distributed and returned.

    10. Provide test schedules to principals, school test coordinators, and to the public through the media.

    11. Conduct training inservice for monitors as deemed appropriate.

    12. Oversee local monitoring of all test sites.

    13. Pack tests and ship to scoring service or place in secure locked district storage.

    14. Follow all policies of BESE, testing vendors, and Calcasieu Parish School Board with regard to requests from parents or others to examine secure tests.

    15. Train authorized users of the LEAP Web Reporting System and ensure that individual student test data are protected from unauthorized access and disclosure.  This includes ensuring the security of passwords to authorized users only of the LEAP Web Reporting System, any disks or CDs with downloaded individual student test data, student-level data open on a computer screen, individual student data in paper and electronic format, and of aggregated data of fewer than ten students.

22. Responsibilities of Principals

    1. Attend annual district principals’ inservice sessions on test security, accountability data on state assessment answer documents, and interpreting and using test data.

    2. Oversee and be responsible for total school adherence to test security laws, policies, regulations, and administrative procedures.

    3. Appoint school test coordinators, see that they attend parish inservices for school test coordinators, and that they provide test security and test administration inservice to school staff.

    4. Submit a list to the District Test Coordinator annually of school personnel by name and position authorized to have access to the locked, secure storage area where all test materials are stored.  Give a copy to each School Test Coordinator and maintain a file copy.

    5. Assign only certified personnel who have been trained on test security and test administration to administer tests; assign other certificated personnel and para-professionals to assist with monitoring or proctoring during testing.

    6. Fully inform all faculty, students, and parents of test security policies, procedures, and schedules; and inform them of high-stakes testing requirements.

    7. Provide a school environment conducive to good testing practices and procedures throughout the week/s of testing:

       1. Rearrange regular schedule to adhere to parish and state testing schedules.

       2. Turn off bells.

       3. Avoid and disallow fire drills, use of PA system, and other interruptions during test administration.

       4. Monitor testing and cooperate with district and state monitors.  Follow Calcasieu Parish School Board policy when identifying  all district and state monitors as authorized visitors in the school.

       5. Report any discrepancies or testing irregularities to the District Test Coordinator immediately.

       6. Keep written documentation of all discrepancies/irregularities and how each discrepancy/irregularity was investigated and handled within the school.  Submit a written report to the District Test Coordinator of any investigation and maintain a file copy.

    8. Cooperate with the District Test Coordinator, other administrator/s appointed by the Calcasieu Superintendent, and/or Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) staff on any investigation of a suspected test security violation by student/s and/or staff.

    9. Ensure protection of individual student test data in paper and electronic format, and of aggregated data of fewer than ten students.

23. Responsibilities of School Test Coordinators

    1. Attend district in-service sessions on test security, test administration, and/or interpreting/using test data as scheduled.

    2. Recognize that the School Test Coordinator is a designee of the School Principal.  Keep the principal informed of all testing requirements, schedules, and irregularities.

    3. Conduct inservice on test security for all persons having access to secure test materials; conduct inservice for test administrators on test security and on test administration procedures.

    4. Submit to the District Test Coordinator a dated and signed roster of all school personnel attending the annual in-school inservice on test security and another roster on each test administration inservice.  Maintain a file copy of each.

    5. Keep secure test booklets, answer documents, supplementary secure materials (e.g., writing prompts, science tasks), and all K-2 test administrators’ manuals that contain actual test items under lock and key before and after each testing session.

    6. Keep accurate written documentation of distributed and returned test materials each day with date, time, serial numbers, to whom distributed, by whom returned.

    7. Report in writing, with principal’s signature and date, any missing test booklets, answer documents, supplementary secure materials (e.g., writing prompts, science tasks), and any discrepancies in serial numbers of testing materials to the District Test Coordinator prior to administration of the test.

    8. In the event test booklets, answer documents, supplementary secure materials (e.g., writing prompts, science tasks) are determined to be missing while in the possession of the school, immediately notify the District Test Coordinator by FAX with signatures of the School Test Coordinator and Principal and the date.  Under the Principal’s leadership, investigate the cause of the discrepancy and submit a written report of the investigation at the time of turning in test materials to the District for scoring.  If the documents are determined to be missing while in possession of a test administrator, obtain a signed and dated written detailed report from the test administrator of what happened and submit this as part of the written investigative report.

    9. Monitor administration of tests.  Be available during the testing period to answer any questions that arise.  Report testing irregularities to the Principal and the District Test Coordinator immediately.

    10. School Test Coordinator should not be responsible for administering tests during peak testing periods.

    11. Pack and return all used and unused answer sheets, test booklets, manuals, secure supplemental materials (e.g., writing prompts, science tasks) and other required documents to the District Test Coordinator according to instructions.  DO NOT destroy any items at the school building level!

    12. Maintain security of individual student test data in paper and electronic format, and of aggregated data of fewer than ten students.

24. Responsibilities of Test Administrators

    1. Attend in-school inservice on Test Security and Test Administration.

    2. Disseminate all testing materials in the same manner each time.  Do not allow students to pass materials to others.  Before beginning each testing session, check to see that each student has his/her own test booklet and answer document.

    3. Before and after testing periods, and during any recess breaks, keep all testing materials under lock and key until returned to the School Test Coordinator.  Test materials should never be left out in the open in an unlocked and unattended room.

    4. When taking any short break within the classroom, make sure all test materials are picked up off all students’ desks.  Monitor the class during the break by standing at the front of the classroom and observing carefully.

    5. Code student answer documents according to specific instructions provided.  Because answer documents are secure materials, this activity should be treated with the same security measures and procedures as test administration.

    6. Adhere to test schedule provided by the District and School Test Coordinators.  Administering any test section out-of-schedule shall be treated as a test security irregularity.

    7. Conduct testing in a classroom environment unless small-group or individual testing is provided as an allowable accommodation to eligible 504, special education, or limited English proficient students.

    8. Administer make-up testing if allowed.  Makeup testing is mandatory for all LEAP 21, GEE 21, and Iowa Tests.

    9. Adhere to all test administration procedures as outlined in test administrator’s manual and instructions provided by the District Test Coordinator.

    10. Adhere to all test security measures as outlined in administrators’ manuals, this Calcasieu Parish School Board Test Security policy, and the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education  Test Security policy.

    11. Return all scorable and non-scorable materials, signed Security and Confidentiality Statement, and any other requested documents to the School Test Coordinator.  DO NOT destroy any items at the school building level!

    12. Submit signed and dated written documentation of any testing irregularity or materials discrepancy to School Test Coordinator and Principal.  Maintain a file copy.

25. Testing Schedules

    1. All Calcasieu Parish schools shall follow testing schedules established at the state and/or district levels.  Administering any state test section at a time that is different to the state or district schedule without specific approval of the Louisiana Department of Education, Division of Student Standards and Assessments and/or Calcasieu District Test Coordinator shall be treated as a test security violation.

    2. Any school, single student, or group of students that requests early or late test administration of any whole test or test section on any LEAP test (LEAP 21, GEE 21, “old” GEE, the Iowa Tests, LAA) because of a school trip, convention, other Calcasieu Parish approved student activity, or any other reason, must make a written request signed and approved by the school principal to the District Test Coordinator.  The District Test Coordinator will refer the request to the Louisiana Department of Education, Division of Student Standards and Assessments, seeking their approval prior to test administration.

Revised February 1999
Revised April  2002
Revised August 2003

Ref.:     La Rev. Stat. Ann. 17:81, 49:953; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education, Board minutes 3-18-97; 2-2-99; 8-23-01; 8-05-03.

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SCHOOL CEREMONIES AND OBSERVANCES

SILENT MEDITATION

The School Board shall permit the principal or other school authority of each school within its jurisdiction to allow an opportunity for those students and teachers desiring to do so, to observe a brief time in silent meditation. This allotted period of time shall not be identified or intended as a religious exercise.

GRADUATION EXERCISES

High school graduation exercises shall be held on any afternoon or evening within the last two (2) weeks of the school session. Each principal shall be responsible for setting the date and site for graduation.

Prayer at Graduation Exercises

1. The use of an invocation and/or benediction at high school graduation ceremonies shall rest within the discretion of the graduating senior class with the advice of the principal or senior sponsor; and
2. The invocation and/or benediction, if used, shall be given by a student volunteer; and
3. Consistent with the principle of equal liberty of conscience, the invocation and/or benediction shall be nonsectarian and nonproselytizing in nature.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:2115; Jones v. Clear Creek Independent School District, 977 F.2d 963 (5th Cir. 1992); Board minutes, 5-18-93.

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FLYING OF FLAGS AND BANNERS ON SCHOOL FLAGPOLES

Only the United States Flag and the State Flag shall be flown on a school flagpole. Those schools that have more than one flagpole shall leave the extra pole(s) bare.

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§49:152, 49:153; Board minutes, 2-3-98.

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PRAYER IN SCHOOLS

The Calcasieu Parish School Board shall permit school authorities of each school to allow an opportunity, at the start of each school day, for those students and teachers desiring to do so to observe a brief time in silent prayer or meditation.

Public schools shall be prohibited from adopting or using any official or standard prayer.  Voluntary, student-initiated, student-led prayer in accordance with the religious views of the student offering the prayer may be permitted, however.  No student attending the school shall be required to participate in any religious activity at school.

No law, rule or policy shall deny to any student attending a public elementary or secondary school the right to participate in voluntary, student-initiated, student-led prayer during school or on school property, before or after school or during free time.  Athletic teams shall not be prohibited from engaging in voluntary, student-initiated, student-led prayer.

No law, rule or policy shall prevent any student who attends a public elementary or secondary school and who is responsible for or presiding over a meeting of a school organization or assembly from calling upon a student volunteer to offer an inspirational quotation or statement, offer a voluntary prayer, or lead in silent meditation, at the sole option of the student volunteer.

A student organization shall not be denied recognition or any privilege or benefit solely because it is religious in nature, has a religious affiliation, or has no religious affiliation.

School officials shall be prohibited from censoring for religious content the speech of a high school student invited to speak at a commencement ceremony at the school he/she is attending.

When student volunteers are called upon to offer an inspirational quotation or statement, offer a prayer, or lead in silent meditation, such students shall be selected at random by a student from among student volunteers without respect to their individual religious beliefs or lack thereof.  No student shall be called upon to offer an inspirational quotation or statement, offer a voluntary prayer, or lead in silent meditation unless the student chosen has volunteered to do so.

Revised:  December, 1995
Revised:  August, 1999
Revised:  June, 2002

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '17:2115 to 17:2115.10; Board minutes, 9-17-02.

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