"Districts see new options in middle-level programs." June 5, 2005. NYSUT Guide to K-12 Education Standards 2005-2006. New York State United Teachers.


Guide to State and Federal Standards for Academic Year 2005-2006 An overview of where New York State stands in the move to higher standards and more rigorous tests. HOME \| STANDARDS \| Your Students \| Your Credentials \| Sample Tests \| Resources \| News Archive
Your Students Districts see new options in middle-level programs Posted: June 5, 2005 Come September, some middle-level schools are likely to be adjusting their course offerings to take advantage of a policy enacted earlier this year by the state Board of Regents to give districts additional options in tailoring their middle-level program to local needs. At the same time, it's expected many districts will recognize the flexibility that exists in current regulations and won't change a thing. Districts will have the option to select from one of three model programs: Model A - Most districts are expected to follow this model, which essentially means continuing to comply with existing middle-level regulations and taking advantage of the flexibility they provide. Model B - Districts needing to strengthen academic performance could seek State Education Department approval for a program that beefs up academic offerings and provides Academic Intervention Services as long as all exploratory subjects continue to address state learning standards and reinforce the academic offerings. Model C - Under this option, as many as 75 schools could submit proposals to restructure their middle-level programs - either from scratch or by making specific program changes, as long as students have an opportunity to meet all state learning standards in core academic and exploratory courses. At the insistence of New York State United Teachers, Models B and C require the district to show SED it has consulted with the district Shared Decision-Making team, whose membership includes teachers selected by the bargaining unit. Schools adopting these models also must include grade 7. Regardless of which model a district selects, certain requirements must be followed: All teachers must be properly certified to teach their assigned subjects. Students must receive instruction in all 28 of the state's learning standards and receive instruction in English Language Arts, science, math social studies and physical education in each year of grades 5 through 8. Teachers must receive adequate professional development. Students must be able to take high school-level courses.	Mid-level policy renews 'experimental' programs With the approval of new middle-level program models, the Regents reinstituted the so-called experimental middle school - regulations that give districts flexibility in staffing their middle-level programs. Upon State Ed's approval of a district's program model: Teachers certified in elementary education (pre-K-6) may be assigned to teach in grades 7-9. Teachers certified in a secondary academic subject (grades 7-12) may be assigned to teach that subject area in grades 5 and 6. Program approval is valid for five years. Teachers cannot serve in an assignment beyond their certification grade level for more than five years without obtaining the appropriate certificate or extension. However, the new regulations allow secondary academic subject teachers who had been teaching in a previously approved experimental middle school program to receive a statement of continuing eligibility in lieu of completing the certification or certification extension requirements.
The Guide to State and Federal Standards for Academic Year 2005-2006 was developed by New York Teacher in conjunction with the union's Division of Research and Educational Services. Articles are by John Strachan. Updated June 2005. For updates, read New York Teacher, or go to the Web site at www.nysut.org. Single copies are available while supplies last. Bulk order requests should be made through local union presidents. Write NYSUT Publications, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110-2455; e-mail jmalec@nysutmail.org; or call (800) 342-9810, ext. 6260. Ask for item No. 204/05 from the Publications Department. The complete guide is also available for download at nysut.org/standards. NYSUT, the largest union in New York State, represents more than 525,000 classroom teachers and other school employees and retirees; academic and professional faculty at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. NYSUT.org. Copyright New York State United Teachers. 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, New York, 12110-2455. 518.213.6000.