February 14, 2005

The Board of Regents recently approved the way changes to middle-level education can be made. Program changes under Models B & C could take effect in September 2005. No school/district can make changes in the middle level requirements unless and until the State Education Department (SED) approves an application for Models B or C.

Here is what you should know:

The three models for middle level:

• Model A: Comply with existing regulations, including current flexibility provisions for AIS. All schools are eligible to select this model.
• Model B: Strengthen the Academic Core and effective academic intervention services, while providing all students with exploratory subjects that address the learning standards, are of high interest to students and further reinforce core academic learning. The following schools are eligible for Model B: Schools that have significant numbers of students not meeting State standards, but are not explicitly designated as SINI or SURR; schools with the largest numbers of students not meeting State standards (SINI and SURR); and newly formed schools.
• Model C: Build on Success, Develop Next Generation Schools/Programs: Districts would be able to propose new ideas for restructuring the full education program (Model C#1) or specific program enhancements (Model C#2) and be granted regulatory relief while ensuring that all students receive opportunities to achieve the 28 State learning standards. The following schools are eligible for Model C: schools that are high performing, schools that are making annual yearly progress or can demonstrate a pattern of improved student achievement over time; and newly formed schools.

Current regulations for middle level are in effect until your school/district applies for and is approved for program changes.

All applications for either Model B or Model C will require a report from the district Shared Decision-Making team showing consultation with the union and others. The union appoints the teacher members to the district Shared Decision-Making team. If consultation does not occur, the application will be denied by SED. If the report is unfavorable, SED may not approve the application.

Students must receive instruction in all of the State's 28 learning standards. There is no call for or permission given to eliminate programs.

Subjects are to be taught by teachers certified in the content area.

The experimental middle schools program has been reinstated. This allows elementary teachers to teach in the middle and secondary grades and secondary teachers to teach in the elementary grades.

SED is drafting regulatory language for Regents approval prior to the 2005 - 2006 school year.

If any district or school attempts to make changes to the middle level program prior to the application being available, please contact NYSUT Research and Educational Services for assistance and guidance.

Contact Elizabeth Sheffer at esheffer@nysutmail.org or 1-800-342-9810 x6642.

Following is the approved middle level document and additional resources.

NEW DOCUMENTS

February 2005
EMSC-VESID and Full Board Strategy to Implement the Regents Policy Statement on Middle-Level Education. New York State Department of Education.

February 2005
"Board of Regents adopts middle school reform." Press Release. New York State Department of Education.

BACKGROUND

July 2003
Regents policy statement on middle level education. New York State Department of Education.

September 2004
'Three options for middle-level programs.' New York Teacher.

NYSUT's Division of Research and Educational Services serves as the research arm of NYSUT, providing information and assistance to Field Services, to other NYSUT divisions, and to local leaders. In addition, the Division provides a variety of information and workshops to local leaders and to local member organizations.

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