IDEA Allan: In-District Charter FAQs - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. Fall 2012

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1 IDEA Allan: In-District Charter FAQs - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Fall 2012 What is IDEA Allan? IDEA Allan is a tuition free, public charter school in East Austin that is opening in partnership with Austin Independent School District. It is the first in-district charter school in Austin. IDEA Public Schools is a network of high performing schools with a motto of College for All Children. In the school year, IDEA Allan will offer kindergarten and grades 1, 2, and 6. Austin ISD will also continue a PreK program in the Allan Annex facility. The IDEA elementary program is called the IDEA Allan Academy and the sixth grade/secondary program is referred to as IDEA College Prep. Over the next several years, this AISD/ IDEA partnership will grow to expand to offer a pre- kindergarten through 12 th grade program. Even as the IDEA partnership grows, all students who graduate from the program will receive an AISD diploma. Where will the IDEA Allan school be located? The IDEA Allan address is 4900 Gonzales, Austin, TX The school phone number is (512) Who are the leaders at IDEA Allan for the School Year? Angie Arismendi, IDEA Allan Academy Principal Amanda Marquez, IDEA College Prep Principal Alejandro Delgado, IDEA Allan Assistant Principal of Operations Larkin Tackett, Executive Director IDEA Austin How will this program affect students who currently live in the IDEA Allan School attendance area? Students who will be in kindergarten and grades 1, 2 and 6 this year and live in the Allan attendance area were given first choice to attend IDEA Allan as was outlined in an agreement between AISD and IDEA Public Schools. Since IDEA Allan will not offer grades 3, 4 and 5 in , students who are in grades 3, 4, and 5 who live in the IDEA Allan attendance area have been assigned to either Govalle or Ortega elementary school, depending on their address. Students who live in the western part of the Allan attendance zone have been assigned to Govalle and students who live in the eastern portion of the Allan attendance zone have been assigned to Ortega. Sixth grade students who chose not to attend IDEA Allan were assigned to Martin Middle School except for those students who are eligible for and choose diversity choice options. For each of the following three years, IDEA Allan will expand to include one more grade level, so that by the schoolyear, IDEA Allan will offer pre- kindergarten through 5th grade. The 6 th and 7 th grade will move to the Eastside Memorial High School facility in and will grow yearly until when it will become a 6-12 school. If there are more applications than seats available as IDEA grows, the district will hold a lottery each spring for students who have applied to the IDEA program. How will this affect students who attend Eastside Memorial High School at the Johnston Campus next year? There will be no change until 2018 for the students who attend Eastside Memorial High School at the Johnston Campus. It will continue under the current programming for the next several school years. Does this new program affect the Austin school district s transfer deadline and policy? No, the district s normal transfer deadline for receiving a priority transfer via the lottery process will remain January 31 of each year. The transfer deadline for general, non-priority transfers remains August 10 and requests are processed on a first come-first served basis. There are also no changes to the diversity choice option under the Austin ISD policy. What is the student/ teacher ratio at IDEA? 25 to 1 each class has two adults one teacher and one paraprofessional assistant called a co-teacher. Will there be extra-curricular activities provided at IDEA Allan? IDEA students are provided various enrichment opportunities including academic, sports, and special interest clubs which vary at each IDEA campus. They will also work with UIL to discuss UIL, in-district charter rules.

2 Will bilingual and special education students be served by IDEA Allan? IDEA, like all schools in AISD, will address the language and learning needs of all students as required by state and federal law, including students learning English and students with special needs. As an in-district charter, they will continue to work closely with the AISD special education and ELL departments to provide services. The IDEA Allan bilingual program is an early exit transitional bilingual program. They provide primary language support as necessary to ensure that all our secondlanguage learners are successful and prepared for college. IDEA also provides an excellent education for students who are identified as having special needs in both the 504 and special education programs. They maintain the same goals for students with special needs striving toward all students going to college or other post secondary program. How will IDEA Allan handle disciplinary issues? IDEA schools have a standard code of conduct. No student will be removed for disciplinary reasons without approval from the AISD Superintendent. IDEA Allan will work with the AISD Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP), mandatory placement program for mandatory expellable offenses similar to the process at all AISD schools. Will IDEA Allan offer free and reduced price breakfast and lunch? Yes, IDEA Allan students will receive the same services available to any AISD student who qualifies under the guidelines of the Child Nutrition program. Will IDEA Allan have a parent organization? Yes, IDEA Allan already has an active PTA. The Co-presidents elected on June 25, 2012 are Brandee Davis and Alex Alfaro. Will there be health services provided at IDEA Allan? Yes, IDEA Allan is purchasing the same student health services from AISD and Seton as offered to all AISD campuses. Will there be afterschool child care at IDEA Allan? Yes, IDEA Allan has contracted with the YMCA to provide afterschool care. Is transportation available to IDEA Allan? Yes, depending on individual student addresses. Bus service will be provided just like for any AISD student from the neighborhood attendance area and from some satellite locations. Will IDEA Allan students wear uniforms? Yes, IDEA's mission is to ensure that 100% of IDEA students are successful in college. In alignment with its mission, IDEA creates a culture in which students can focus their energy on their academics and not on what they are wearing. Thus IDEA requires each student to wear a uniform. The top is an IDEA polo short. Bottoms are Dickies Khaki pants, shorts, skirts, or capris. Shoes are generally all black tennis, canvas, or leather shoes, as well as an all-black belt. What is the IDEA Allan mascot? The IDEA Allan mascot is a bulldog. What is the process for choosing IDEA Allan? Any AISD student can choose to apply to attend IDEA Allan by calling (512) or by visiting the IDEA website at IDEA Allan will accept applications for each school term in accordance with AISD policy. What is the difference between the instruction offered at the IDEA Allan In-District Charter and other AISD schools? Refer to the Curriculum and Instruction Side by Side to follow:

3 Student School Year IDEA AISD Same as AISD August 27, June 5, 2013 Length of School Day Core Curriculum Materials Reading, English, Lang. Arts Math The school day for IDEA Public schools for all grade levels runs from 7:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Elementary and College Prep - IDEA Public School s curriculum is aligned to our state standards, and Common Core Standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts. Humanities, Science and Spanish are all state adopted and aligned to our Texas standards as well as ACT standards, Advanced Placement standards, and English proficiency standards. In the elementary, IDEA Public Schools has partnered with the National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI) to implement their core curriculum. Secondary College Prep - The primary focus of IDEA s college prep curriculum is college readiness. IDEA s curriculum consists of scope and sequences, unit plans, and benchmark assessments aligned throughout 6 th -12 th grade to assessments that measure college readiness STAAR, ACT, SAT, and AP tests so that every student can enter the college of their choice without need for remediation. Writing and communication are highlighted across all subjects to ensure success in advanced classes in college. Elementary - For Reading and English Language Arts, IDEA Public Schools uses Direct Instruction curriculum and teaching, a model that emphasizes well-developed and carefully planned lessons designed around small learning increments and clearly defined and prescribed teaching tasks. Direct Instruction is aligned to our State Standards and our National Common Core Standards (DI). It is based on the theory that clear instruction eliminates misinterpretations and can greatly accelerate learning. The Langue Arts block of time is 180 minutes daily, (120 minutes for reading, 45 minutes for language / grammar and 15 minutes for spelling). In addition to the language arts in the classroom, students visit the Accelerated Reading (AR) Zone for independent reading. In the AR zone, students enhance their fluency and comprehension by reading a variety of genres and testing their comprehension using the Accelerated Reading computer software. In English Language Arts specifically, IDEA s curriculum includes Springboard, designed by the College Board to ensure college rigor and is vertically aligned to ensure than College Readiness begins in 6 th grade. Each classroom utilizes the welldeveloped and carefully structured lessons that are vertically aligned so that students are prepared for the college level AP courses beginning in 11 th grade. Elementary - IDEA Public Schools uses Connecting Math Concepts for 60 minutes of direct math instruction daily and 30 minutes of STAAR aligned questions In addition to the 90 minutes in the classroom, students receive 45 minutes per day (3-4 days per week) of individualized math instruction at the I-Learning Hotspot where students use adaptive software to accelerate their learning or remediate Elementary- 7:45a.m. -2:45 p.m.; Middle School 8:15a.m. 3:30 p.m.; and High School 9:00 a.m. 4:05 p.m. AISD curriculum is aligned to the state standards in Math, Science, Social Studies, English/Language Arts, Fine Arts, Early Childhood, PE, and Health. The English Language Proficiency standards (ELPS) are also aligned and published along with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for each subject in the Schoolnet instructional management system. The College and Career Readiness Cross-Disciplinary Standards are reflected in the performance tasks and model lessons.. The AISD tiered-literacy framework includes a K-12 balanced literacy approach to teaching reading and writing using Readers and Writers workshop. Thinking is modeled and analyzed and all students are provided coaching and feedback. Systematic, explicit instruction is scaffolded, with the goal of guiding students toward independence. Teachers use whole and small groups and a variety of questioning strategies. Curriculum aligned to the state standards, is outlined in the Curriculum Road Maps (CRMs) for each grade. Elementary - The Language Arts block of time is 150 minutes in the primary grades and 165 to 180 in the intermediate grades (with Social Studies integrated in the Language Arts block). When teachers pull small groups for targeted, data-driven instruction, the other students are involved in authentic reading and writing activities, such as wide independent reading (variety of genres at each student s independent level), word work, and writing in response to reading to enhance their fluency and comprehension. Teachers use progress monitoring instruments and district Short Cycle Assessment to measure and guide instruction. Middle and High School The secondary Curriculum Road Maps are written in instructional units that align reading and writing instruction. Many campuses double block ELA classes in order to provide extended time for literacy instruction. There is an emphasis on reading volume and reading and writing across the content areas. The College and Career Readiness Cross- Disciplinary Standards are reflected in the performance tasks and model lessons at the secondary level. Students needing additional reading instruction attend reading elective classes. The district provides Short Cycle Assessments at the secondary level to test students on the taught curriculum. AISD s math curriculum is based on problem solving and challenges students to become math thinkers rather than followers of procedures. Mathematics instruction centers around the five strands of mathematical proficiency conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition. Each grade K-12 follows a Curriculum Road Map designed to foster the 21 st Century Learning Skills communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity as

4 Science Social Studies their learning. K-3 students use Dream Box and 4 th - 5 th graders use Reasoning Minds. In order to prepare students for the rigors of math in college, students start on the advanced track to calculus in middle school mathematics by taking Algebra I in 8 th grade. Students progress through Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus to ultimately prepare for Advanced Placement Calculus or Statistics in their senior year. Throughout each class, students focus on modeling relationships, problem solving, and using technology while learning to justify and communicate their thinking mathematically. Elementary - IDEA Public Schools utilizes C-Scope for Science. C-Scope is a rigorous systemic K-5 scientific inquiry approach that utilizes laboratory and field investigations for teaching science concepts. Students will be using the 5 E lesson cycle. C-Scope is aligned to our state standards. Scientific investigation is a major focus throughout all units in all grade levels of IDEA s 6 th through 12 th science curriculum so that students are prepared for the high-level thinking of advanced science courses in college. Students build their science process, reasoning, communication, and reading skills throughout earth science, life science, integrated science, biology, chemistry, and physics courses. As in other subjects, students in th are encouraged to take advanced placement classes in science. Elementary - IDEA Public Schools will use C-Scope for Social Studies. C-Scope is a comprehensive curriculum aligned to state standards. Students study important individuals, inventions, and eras of their community, state, and nation as they learn to become responsible citizens. Students will have 50 minutes of social studies each day. For Social Studies, students analyze primary source documents, graphs, and maps throughout middle school to prepare for advanced history classes in grades 11 th and 12 th. History Alive! curriculum is integrated into IDEA s curriculum for grades 6,8,9, and 12 and provides students opportunities to well as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Principles and Standards for school mathematics. The K-8 strands include: Numbers, Operations and Quantitative Reasoning; Patterns, Relationships and Algebraic Thinking; Geometry and Spatial Reasoning; Measurement, and Probability and Statistics. Elementary: The Mathematics instructional block for grades K-2 is 60 to 90 minutes and 90 minutes for grades 3-5. Core instruction follows the concrete-representational-abstract approach. It includes real-world problem solving, small and collaborative group work, guided and independent practice, as well as technology applications. Teachers use progress monitoring instruments and district created assessments to measure and guide instruction. Students take a STAAR exam in grade 3-5. Secondary: Middle school students are required to take three years of Mathematics, with the option of following an advanced plan to take High School Algebra I in 8 th grade. High School students are required to earn four high school Math credits to graduate on the recommended plan, with various fourth year options. Advanced Mathematics electives are available as well. As in Elementary Mathematics, core instruction includes real-world problem solving, small and collaborative group work, guided and independent practice, as well as technology applications. Teachers use progress monitoring instruments and district created assessments. Students take a STAAR exam in grades 6-8 and End of Course exams (EOCs) in Algebra I, Geometry, & Algebra II. AISD s Science program utilizes a systemic PK-12 scientific inquiry approach to the teaching and learning of Science based on alignment to the state standards/teks. Curriculum Road Maps (CRMs) and Lesson Portfolios are created using an Understanding by Design framework and the 5E Lesson Cycle. The 5E Lesson Cycle emphasizes inquiry and student engagement. Curriculum addresses content literacy and differentiation strategies and is designed to teach higher order thinking skills, such as collaboration and communication, which help prepare students for success in college and career. Content strands for K-8 include Scientific Investigations and Reasoning; Matter and Energy; Force, Motion, and Energy; Earth and Space; and Organisms and Environments. The Grade 9-12 Science TEKS are designated by course-specific knowledge and skills. Elementary: Students are scheduled to take 45 minutes of Science in grades PK 4. Students in 5 th grade are scheduled to take 60 minutes of Science. Laboratory and field investigations make up at least 50% 80% of instructional time, depending on grade level. Students take a STAAR exam in 5 th grade. Middle and High School: Students take three years of Science in Middle School and are required to earn 4 High School Science credits to graduate on the recommended plan. Advanced science electives are available as well. Laboratory and field investigations make up at least 40% of instructional time. Students take a STAAR exam in 8 th grade and take End of Course Exams (EOCs) in High School Biology, Chemistry and Physics. AISD s Social Studies program provides a direct alignment to the state standards. Careful attention is paid to aligning instructional content, process and products to the state assessed curriculum. Strategies that promote academic rigor, experiential exercises, analysis of primary source documents, and transfer of knowledge across the discipline and into real-world applications are incorporated into the curriculum documents laying the foundation for college and career readiness. AISD has for years provided training in the TCI History Alive! model for both Elementary and Secondary teachers. Elementary: The inclusion of texts addressing social studies

5 Assessments interact with historical information through hands-on activities, performance assessments, close reading of texts, and skill building activities. Students also learn organizational skills by using interactive notebooks throughout their 6 th through 12 th grade courses. IDEA Public Schools administers Interim 6 week assessments. They are monitored in the IDEA Lightbulb and Data Director data analysis systems. IDEA also participates in STAAR testing as mandated by the state of Texas. topics relevant to the content found in the state standards are encouraged at the elementary level where social studies is integrated across disciplines. The recommended Social Studies Alive! curriculum provides specific examples of this type of crosscurricular integration and provides our young social studies scholars opportunities for service learning and civic engagement. Middle and High School: On secondary campuses a 90-minute block of time provides students in social studies courses the opportunity to engage in multiple real-world applications of their learning. The TCI model in particular provides experiential exercises for Geography, History, Government and Economics. The College and Career Readiness Cross-Disciplinary Standards Beginning and middle of the year assessments (BOY and MOY) are given and monitored in Schoolnet along with the state s STAAR testing as mandated by the state of Texas.