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A Microsoft Word version of this letter is available for download
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July 1, 2010 TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED: SUBJECT: Expedited Waiver Related to the Timeline for New Accelerated Instruction Requirements under the Student Success Initiative This letter provides districts and charter schools with important information about new accelerated instruction requirements related to the Student Success Initiative (SSI) through the enactment of House Bill 3 by the 81st Texas Legislature. To ensure that all students receive the instruction and support they need to be academically successful in mathematics and reading, House Bill 3 includes an accelerated instruction provision in the Student Success Initiative (SSI). This provision requires districts and charter schools to provide accelerated instruction to students in grades 5 and 8 who do not demonstrate proficiency on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) reading and/or mathematics tests. This accelerated instruction must occur after each administration of the test, including the third administration. A student may advance to or be placed in the next grade level only if (1) he or she completes all accelerated instruction required by the grade placement committee (GPC), and (2) the GPC determines, by unanimous decision, that the student is likely to perform at grade level at the end of the next school year given additional accelerated instruction during the course of the year. For students receiving special education services the student's admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee will continue to determine appropriate assessment and accelerated instruction for each eligible student. Assessment decisions, including those about accelerated instruction, must be made on an individual basis and in accordance with procedures established by TEA. These decisions must be documented in the student's individualized education program. To assist districts and charter schools in meeting the accelerated instruction provision after the third administration of the test, the agency is allowing districts and charter schools to apply for an expedited waiver to adjust the timeline for providing accelerated instruction to students who fail the third administration. Approval of the waiver would allow districts and charter schools to promote or place these students in the subsequent grade during the first six weeks of the school year prior to the completion of the accelerated instruction. The waiver will be granted if districts and charter schools meet certain conditions, which are specified below:
In addition to intensive accelerated instruction, the GPC must develop an accelerated instruction plan that will provide the student with ongoing instructional support during the entire school year. The deadline for submitting an expedited waiver request to adjust the timeline for accelerated instruction for the 2010–2011 school year is September 30, 2010. The application for expedited and general state waivers is available online at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=6637&menu_id=932&menu_id2=788. Assessment Contact Information  |
