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Education Policy Revision (50 points)—MODULE 4
What is an education policy?
A policy is a law, rule, or official decision that governs actions and behaviors in
educational settings. A policy is usually designed to address a challenge or problem
experienced by stakeholders (parents, students, teachers) or to improve outcomes for
certain populations. Policies are official written decisions made by those with authority
(but always with the expertise) to do so, such as elected or appointed officials. Local
policies should align with state policies, and state policies should align with federal
policies. Policies are not permanent. They are routinely abolished, renewed, and
revised. For every issue facing education, there is (likely) a policy to address it. As
teachers and aspiring teachers, you may can probably already think of a policy with
which you don’t agree! Policies are often quite controversial!
For this assignment, begin by thinking about a population that you feel is not receiving
equitable educational opportunities. Consider immigrant students, low-income students,
students with disabilities, religious minorities, etc. Start reading national, state, district,
and school policies related to this population. Then select ONE education policy (in
regard to diversity and equity) that doesn’t support effective instruction or positive
educational outcomes for this population. This can be a policy at the campus, district,
state or national level. Your task is to rewrite the policy so that it better serves this
population.
Your rewritten policy should include the following:
•
•
•
•
•
the original policy;
scholarly research that supports your belief that the policy is not appropriate,
inequitable, or unjust;
your rewritten policy;
how/why your new policy better serves this population supported by scholarly
research;
and who you might contact to bring about this policy change.
Your paper, 2-3 double-spaced pages, should be written in a scholarly manner with
headings and APA formatted references. A minimum of 3 sources required.
Two sample district policies are included in this folder for your reference.
Dallas ISD
057905
INSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
CLASS SIZE
EEB
(LEGAL)
TEACHER-STUDENT
RATIO
A district shall employ a sufficient number of certified teachers to
maintain an average ratio of not less than one teacher for each 20
students in average daily attendance. Education Code 25.111
HIGH-QUALITY
PREKINDERGARTEN
GRANT PROGRAM
A district operating a prekindergarten program under Education
Code Chapter 29, Subchapter E-1 must attempt to maintain an average ratio in any prekindergarten program class of not less than
one certified teacher or teacher's aide for each 11 students. Education Code 29.167(d)
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
A district’s physical education curriculum objectives and goals shall
address teacher-student ratios. [See EHAA] Education Code
25.114
KINDERGARTEN–
GRADE 4
A district shall not enroll more than 22 students in a class, kindergarten through fourth grade, except as allowed by the commissioner of education. The limit on class size, kindergarten through
grade 4, shall not apply during:
1.
The last 12 weeks of the school year; or
2.
Any 12-week period of the school year selected by a district, if
the district’s average daily attendance has been adjusted due
to a significant percentage of students who are migratory children under Education Code 42.005(c). A district claiming this
exemption must notify the commissioner in writing not later
than the 30th day after the first day of the 12-week period.
A “migratory child” is a child or youth who made a qualifying move:
1.
As a migratory agricultural worker or a migratory fisher; or
2.
With, or to join, a parent or spouse who is a migratory agricultural worker of migratory fisher.
A “qualifying move” is a move due to economic necessity:
1.
From one residence to another residence; and
2.
From one school district to another school district, except in
the case of a school district of more than 15,000 square
miles, wherein a qualifying move is a distance of 20 miles or
more to a temporary residence.
A “migratory agricultural worker” is an individual who made a qualifying move in the preceding 36 months and, after doing so, engaged in new temporary or seasonal employment or personal subsistence in agriculture, which may be dairy work or the initial
processing of raw agricultural products. If an individual did not engage in such new employment soon after a qualifying move, such
individual may be considered a migratory agricultural worker if the
individual actively sought such new employment and has a recent
DATE ISSUED: 7/26/2016
UPDATE 105
EEB(LEGAL)-P
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Dallas ISD
057905
INSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
CLASS SIZE
EEB
(LEGAL)
history of moves for temporary or seasonal agricultural employment.
A “migratory fisher” is an individual who made a qualifying move in
the preceding 36 months and, after doing so, engaged in new temporary or seasonal employment or personal subsistence in fishing.
If the individual did not engage in such new employment soon after
the move, the individual may be considered a migratory fisher if the
individual actively sought such new employment and has a recent
history of moves for temporary or seasonal fishing employment.
Education Code 25.112(a), (b); 20 U.S.C. 6399
EXCEPTION TO
CLASS SIZE LIMITS
The commissioner may except a district, on application, from the
class size limits above if the limit works an undue hardship on the
district. An exception expires at the end of the school year for
which it is granted.
A school district seeking an exception shall notify the commissioner
and apply for the exception not later than the later of:
1.
October 1; or
2.
The 30th day after the first school day the district exceeds the
limit described above.
Education Code 25.112(d)–(e)
NOTICE TO
PARENTS
A campus or district that is granted an exception from class size
limits shall provide written notice of the exception to the parent of
or person standing in parental relation to each student affected by
the exception. The notice must be in conspicuous bold or underlined print and:
1.
Specify the class for which an exception was granted;
2.
State the number of children in the class; and
3.
Be included in a regular mailing or other communication from
the campus or district, such as information sent home with
students.
The notice must be provided not later than the 31st day after the
first day of the school year or the date the exception is granted, if
the exception is granted after the beginning of the school year.
Education Code 25.113
DATE ISSUED: 7/26/2016
UPDATE 105
EEB(LEGAL)-P
2 of 2
EDCI 559
Dr. Caldera
CHECKLIST FOR EDUCATION POLICY REVISION
When you are almost done with your assignment, complete this checklist. I will grade your paper on
how well you completed accomplished these goals.
Did I . . .
Yes?
No?
Explain
Select ONE local, state, or
federal policy?
Include the original policy?
Offer a clear, well-written
revision of the policy?
Support my revision with
scholarly evidence?
Appropriately document
(cite) my sources?
Explain why I chose this
policy?
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