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POLICY
5127.1 |
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STUDENTS 5127.1 Requirements for Graduation from Manchester High Schools: To graduate from the Manchester Public Schools a student must have earned a minimum of twenty two (22) credits and must have met the credit distribution requirement. Beginning with the Class of 2005, all students must take the Connecticut Academic Performance Test in grade 10. Beginning with the Class of 2006, students must also meet three performance standards: English, Mathematics, and Technology. Beginning with the Class of 2008, students must meet five performance standards: English, Mathematics, Technology, Social Studies, and Service Learning. Students in the Class of 2009 must meet six performance standards: English, Mathematics, Technology, Social Studies, Science, and Service Learning. Twenty two credits in Grades 9-12 are required for graduation in Manchester. This must include a minimum of the following core requirements: 4.0 credits
in English (to include Freshman English, Sophomore English, Junior English,
and Senior English) Beginning with the Class of 2006, students must have met the three performance standards: the English Performance Standard, the Mathematics Performance Standard, and the Technology Performance Standard. Beginning with the Class of 2008, students must meet five performance standards: English, Mathematics, Technology, Social Studies, and Service Learning. Students in the Class of 2009 must meet six performance standards: English, mathematics, Technology, Social Studies, Science, and Service Learning.
Grade
10 4 credits
ENGLISH Credit
Distribution Requirements Model for Performance-Based High School Graduation Requirements-English English
ENGLISH STANDARD: Student will score in one of the top three score bands on the CAPT. I. Required English Performance Skills for Graduation
II.
Assessment Options for English-The student MUST take the Connecticut
Academic Performance Test in grade 10 and will achieve a grade standard
that demonstrates competency in reading and writing through one of the
following assessment options: IV.
Administration of Assessments
D. A grade
standard in an additional English course in the senior year will be
a basis for meeting the performance standards. The focus of this course
will be on using a portfolio to demonstrate student work which meets
the standards over time. The Manchester Public School High School Graduation Performance Standards Mathematics Credit
Distribution Requirements Model for Performance-Based High School Graduation Requirements- Mathematics CONTENT PROCESSES MATHEMATICS STANDARD: Students must achieve a score in one of the top three score bands in mathematics as outlined in the Connecticut Academic Performance Test.
II. Assessment Options for Mathematics - The student MUST take the Connecticut Academic Performance Test in grade 10 and will achieve a grade standard that demonstrates competency in mathematics through one of the following assessment options:
III. Instructional Opportunities To Meet Requirements: A. Regular
classroom instruction and support with curriculum inclusion of CAPT-based
strategies. IV. Administration of Assessments: Beginning in their sophomore year, students have several opportunities to meet one of the performance standards: A. CAPT
assessments will be administered according to the State of Connecticut
guidelines.
The Manchester Public School High School Graduation Performance Standards
Model
for Performance-Based High School Graduation Requirements Beginning with the Class of 2008, Manchester High School students must successfully complete a performance-based project in order to earn a diploma. The State of Connecticut has not included social studies testing in the Connecticut Academic Performance Testing Program, unlike English, math, and science. Therefore, Manchester students will demonstrate competency for the social studies graduation requirement by completing a History Day Project (as defined by state and national History Day Standards) in the eleventh grade social studies class, United States History. The History Day Project will greatly improve teaching and learning in social studies for all students. The expectation is that students and teachers will combine skills and content when completing these projects. The project emphasizes reading, writing, critical thinking, and development of historical knowledge. Demonstrated mastery of content is imperative to completion of the History Day Project. A number of essential social studies skills must also be utilized to complete this project. These projects will also improve assessment, as they will allow teachers to assess a student's proficiency in both skills and content within the context of a single project.
Annual History Day themes have reflected many of the ten strands, identified in the Social Studies Standards, developed by the National Council for the Social Studies. Themes of the last five years have allowed students to incorporate the following standards strands:
The requirements for History Day projects are rigorous. Students completing a project must be able to answer the following essential questions:
IMPLEMENTATION: Students may meet this requirement by completing a project in one of the following categories:
It is expected that Honors and College Preparatory students will be able to complete these projects semi-independently, while students in Post-Secondary Prep and General Level classes will be very carefully monitored and assisted by their teachers when working on these projects. Some students may complete their social studies graduation requirement before their junior year. This should not be discouraged. ASSESSMENT: History Day Projects will be assessed using the Manchester History Day Projects rubrics. Foundational rubrics are provided by National History Day. Social studies teachers in Manchester will review these rubrics, to jointly create "Manchester-specific" rubrics to determine which projects demonstrate competency for the Manchester Social Studies Graduation Requirement. Manchester High School students will be encouraged to enter the Manchester High School History Day competition and the State of Connecticut History Day competition, although this is not required.
The Manchester Public School High School Graduation Performance Standards
The student
will identify a problem or issue in the "real world." (Example:
A student identifies a problem such as the fact that a local food pantry
is in need of supplies. The student would organize a canned food drive
at the school. The student would collect the food and deliver it to
the food pantry; the student would then prepare a written report that
describes the project and reports on the effectiveness of it. The entire
project would be evaluated by a department-created rubric. II. Assessment Options for Service Learning The student MUST complete the Service Learning Project under the direction of a senior-year social studies teacher. If the project is done in another discipline or in another grade the teacher involved should coordinate with the senior-year social studies teacher. The social studies department chairperson will coordinate and will direct the evaluation of these projects. III. Instructional Opportunities to Meet Requirement Classroom
instruction with curriculum inclusion in the following senior class: IV. Administration of Assessments Every project will be evaluated by the individual student's senior-year social studies teacher; evaluation will be based on a rubric created by the social studies department. The social studies department chairperson will oversee the entire process. The input of the community member(s) and/or other teachers who the student worked with on this project will also be solicited.
Model for Performance-Based High School Graduation Requirements - Technology The Manchester technology graduation requirement requires students to solve an authentic, complex problem using appropriate technology. Students must design the solution to the problem, select the appropriate technology, and use the technology independently to research the problem. Appropriate use of technology is taught in courses noted in the appendix. The project/problem will be, at minimum, a major performance project of several weeks duration. Students must pass the project and the course in order to earn the credit for the technology graduation requirement. Students may meet this requirement in several different ways as they take courses that include defined projects. For example, they may choose to meet the requirement with a focus in Sciences and Technology, Humanities, or Fine and Performing Arts. Completion of the project will be noted in the final exam column for the courses listed. The essential elements of a technology graduation requirement project are defined as: a) An authentic
"real world" complex problem parallel to the course in which
it is offered. Teachers in designated courses design their project, with the following minimum elements: I) A statement
that this project would fulfill the technology graduation requirement. Students must complete all aspects of the assigned project with competency. Projects will be designed to incorporate all six standards. Each teacher should submit to the department curriculum leader, at the end of the course, a copy of the instructions and rubric. Students will submit a copy of their project on diskette or CD-Rom. Teachers will thus monitor and maintain a level of challenge and rigor that will ensure our graduates leave the Manchester Public Schools with the appropriate skills.
MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY COMPETENCY STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS STANDARD 1: Operations and Concepts A. Students
demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology
systems ASSESSMENT:
INSTRUCTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
STANDARD 2: Social and Ethical Issues C. Students
understand the ethical, cultural and societal issues related to technology. ASSESSMENT:
INSTRUCTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
STANDARD 3: Technology Productivity Tools E. Students
use telecommunications to collaborate, publish and interact with peers,
experts and other audiences. ASSESSMENT:
INSTRUCTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
STANDARD 4: Technology Communication Tools G. Students
use technology tools to process data and report results. ASSESSMENT:
INSTRUCTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
STANDARD 5: Technology Research Tools I. Students
use technology tools to process data and report results. ASSESSMENT:
INSTRUCTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
STANDARD 6: Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools K. Students
use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decision. ASSESSMENT:
INSTRUCTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
COURSES THAT SATISFY THE TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENT While many Manchester High School courses incorporate use of contemporary technology, the following courses satisfy the Manchester technology graduation requirement upon successful completion of the course and the specified project: Art
Business Career
Services English Family
and Consumer Sciences Mathematics Performing
Arts Science Social
Studies Technology World
Languages Additional courses will be added as a result of curriculum and instructional change in both design and delivery. Manchester views this list as a dynamic list which will change to best meet students' needs.
Manchester Public Schools High School Graduation Performance Standards
Credit
Distribution Requirements Model for Performance-Based High School Graduation Requirements - Science Content: The content is drawn from three major areas:
Processes:
Experimentation:
SCIENCE STANDARD: The student will score in one of the top three score bands on the CAPT. I. Required Science Performance Skills for Graduation
II. Assessment Options for Science - The student must take the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) in Grade 10 and achieve a grade standard that demonstrates competency through one of the following assessment options: A. Achieve the district-established standard on the Science portion of the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) by scoring in one of the top three score bands. B. Demonstrate proficiency over time in a portfolio of science activities. Two science activities must be completed per course semester. Nine out of twelve activities assigned must receive passing scores. C. Achieve a passing score on a district generated science test of secured released CAPT-like questions. The student will be offered this opportunity the second semester senior year, after completing a self-study package of relevant material.
A. Regular classroom instruction and support with inclusion of CAPT-based strategies. B. Ninth grade CAPT simulation. C. Student portfolio of CAPT-like activities completed in each science course. D. The opportunity to complete additional portfolio activities in a senior year course to bring the portfolio to a passing standard. The student will sign up for a quarter long course and complete the number of projects necessary to bring his total to nine passing. Five projects will be offered each of the first two quarters in the senior year. A second quarter may be required if the student enters the senior year and has not successfully completed eight projects. Note: Students who failed to score within the top three score bands on the CAPT in grade 10 are required to take CAPT Science in grade 11. A. CAPT assessments will be administered according to the State of Connecticut guidelines during grade 10. B. Teachers of students in grades 9, 10, and 11 will administer two CAPT-like activities per course semester that will be maintained in a student portfolio. C. Science teachers will administer a secured, released CAPT Science and/or MHS developed Science assessment during the second semester of senior year according to a plan developed by MHS administration.
Of Teachers: At the beginning of the school year, the Manchester High School Guidance Department or the administration at Manchester Regional Academy and Bentley Alternative School will provide to junior and senior teachers (in subject areas with required performance tasks) a list of all seniors who have not met a standardized test goal in their areas. Teachers will also be notified of the junior CAPT scores upon their receipt at the school. Of Students: The middle schools' Guidance Department will include with the student's Connecticut Mastery Test scores an explanation of the high school performance standards for high school graduation. The counselors will explain that the mastery test scores might predict the student's future achievement on the Connecticut Academic Performance Test. The Manchester High School Guidance Department or the administration at Manchester Regional Academy and Bentley Alternative School will write to juniors who do not meet the CAPT goal to remind them of the performance standard requirements for graduation. At the beginning of the school year, each senior shall be notified by his/her guidance counselor of his/her status relative to meeting the performance standards for graduation. Opportunities for assistance will be included with each notification. A student's achievement of the district performance standards will be noted in the student's cumulative record. Students will receive in writing the Appeals Process. Of Parents: The middle schools' Guidance Department will include with the student's Connecticut Mastery Test scores an explanation of the high school performance standards for high school graduation. The counselors will explain that the mastery test scores might predict a student's future achievement on the Connecticut Academic Performance Test. Parents will also receive an explanation of the assistance the student is receiving to improve achievement. After each assessment that the student takes during high school, the Manchester High School Guidance Department or the administration at Manchester Regional Academy and Bentley Alternative School will also notify in writing, through Return Receipt Requested Certified Mail, the parents of junior and seniors who have not met the performance standard goal in a given area and thus must pass one or more of the district performance tasks. Opportunities for assistance will be included in each notification. Parents will receive in writing the Appeals Process. EXEMPTIONS/MODIFICATIONS: Transfer Students: If a student has completed three years in an out-of-state high school, the student may be exempted from Manchester High School's performance standards for graduation. Special Education Students: All students, with the exception of those with severe intellectual limitations, are required to participate in the performance standard evaluation at least twice. Those students who are unsuccessful and identified under IDEA with a disability which impacts learning may, through action of a Planning and Placement Team, then be exempted from one or more of the performance standards or one or more of the criteria on the rubric that measures a performance standard. This only occurs following two unsuccessful attempts and after the student's disability is reviewed and it is determined that a change in expectation is appropriate. English Language Learners: A student whose primary language is not English may be exempted from the district performance standards or a part of those requirements, in accordance with state statute. The need for the exemption must be directly attributable to the language limitations of the student. Exemptions will be determined by the appropriate building administrator.
A. There is no appeal to the scoring of the state-scored CAPT or the Educational Testing Service scored SATs. B. A student who misses the standard goal by one or two points on assessments scored by Manchester teachers may appeal the score. Students must submit their request for an appeal to the school principal within 20 school days of receiving their score. A student must submit a statement, using the scoring rubric, demonstrating why their score is incorrect. If a student makes an appeal, a teacher, who has not read the paper, will re-score it. C. The independent assessor will be selected by the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction or his/her designee. D. The outcome of the independent review will be sent to the principal. The principal will communicate the result of the independent review to the student and parent(s)/guardians(s). E. Any student may appeal the scoring of their paper in writing within 20 days of receiving the score to the Superintendent if the student believes the process described in these regulations was not followed. The Superintendent will review the case to assure that all regulations were followed. If the Superintendent finds the regulations were not followed, the Superintendent will order a special assessment.
EARLY GRADUATION FOR JUNIORS: It may be possible for some students to satisfy all graduation requirements by the end of their junior year. Although Manchester High School does not encourage students to leave a year early, it is possible, on an individual basis, to apply for this rare option. To qualify for a diploma, a TRANSFER student must be in attendance at least the entire second semester of the senior year and must meet all graduation requirements. SPECIAL EDUCATION: If special education students do not meet the requirements for a Manchester High School Diploma, they may receive a Manchester High School I.E.P. Diploma, which indicates the student has satisfactorily completed the special education curriculum approved by the Board of Education. Reference:
5127.1 Specific Unit Requirements for Graduation from Manchester High
School Adopted:
June 24, 1985 |
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©2005
Manchester, CT - Board of Education
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Reading Across the Disciplines