School Councils: Organization and Procedure

1. www.GeorgiaEducation.org School Councils: Organization and Procedure This presentation is intended to accompany the Georgia School Council GuideBook.

2. www.GeorgiaEducation.org Why was education reform on the legislative agenda in 2000? Georgia students performed poorly on most achievement measures. Only 49% of students who entered 9th grade in Fall 1995 graduated in Spring 1999 with a college prep or vocational diploma. SAT state average: 967 (49th in nation) ACT state average: 20.2 (41st in nation)

3. www.GeorgiaEducation.org Why education reform? NAEP scores: Percent Scoring Below Basic

4. www.GeorgiaEducation.org A+ Reform Act of 2000 Assessments in all grades: CRCTs and EOCTs School and School System Grading Subgroup scores reported Early intervention & smaller class sizes Local School Councils in every school The A+ Reform Act of 2000 was followed by No Child Left Behind in 2001.

5. www.GeorgiaEducation.org CRCTs were first given in 2000 2000 CRCT scores confirmed the national results: 35% of 4th graders did not meet the standard in Reading 38% of 4th graders did not meet the standard in Math 25% of 8th graders did not meet the standard in Reading 46% of 8th graders did not meet the standard in Math

6. www.GeorgiaEducation.org Why were school councils included in education reform? To improve communication and participation of parents and the community in the management and operation of schools. Parents and the community are critical to the success of students and schools. O.C.G.A. � 20-2-85 (a)

7. www.GeorgiaEducation.org How can school councils make a difference? Bring communities and schools closer together in a spirit of cooperation to solve difficult education problems Improve academic achievement Provide support for teachers and administrators Bring parents into the school-based decision making process O.C.G.A. � 20-2-85 (a) The A+ Reform Act of 2000 specifically states four reasons for the establishment of school councils. To bring communities and schools closer together in a spirit of cooperation to solve difficult education problems, To improve academic achievement, To provide support for teachers and administrators, and To bring parents into the school-based decision making process. � Careful perusal of these reasons leads one to conclude that improving academic achievement is the keystone of this new law. � When communities and schools work together in a spirit of cooperation to solve difficult education problems, student achievement will likely improve. � When teachers and administrators are supported by parents and the community, student achievement will likely improve. � When parents are brought into the school-based decision making process, student achievement will likely improve. The A+ Reform Act of 2000 specifically states four reasons for the establishment of school councils. To bring communities and schools closer together in a spirit of cooperation to solve difficult education problems, To improve academic achievement, To provide support for teachers and administrators, and To bring parents into the school-based decision making process. � Careful perusal of these reasons leads one to conclude that improving academic achievement is the keystone of this new law. � When communities and schools work together in a spirit of cooperation to solve difficult education problems, student achievement will likely improve. � When teachers and administrators are supported by parents and the community, student achievement will likely improve. � When parents are brought into the school-based decision making process, student achievement will likely improve.

8. www.GeorgiaEducation.org To help the local board of education develop and nurture participation To bring parents and the community together with teachers and school administrators to create a better understanding of and mutual respect for each other�s concerns To share ideas for school improvement O.C.G.A. � 20-2-85 (a) What is the purpose of school councils?

9. www.GeorgiaEducation.org What is the local governance structure of public schools? The management and control of schools is the responsibility of the local board of education. The board determines the policies and procedures and sets the expectations for the system. The board of education is accountable to the voters in their districts. O.C.G.A. � 20-2-85 (b)

10. www.GeorgiaEducation.org What is the local governance structure of public schools? The superintendent is hired by the local board of education to run the school system. The superintendent is accountable to the board of education. The principal is the school leader. The principal is accountable to the superintendent. O.C.G.A. � 20-2-85 (b)

11. www.GeorgiaEducation.org What is the role of school councils? School councils are policy level advisory bodies. School councils represent the community of parents and businesses. School council members are accountable to the constituents they serve.

12. www.GeorgiaEducation.org What is the mission of school councils? To Focus on Student Achievement

13. www.GeorgiaEducation.org How do school councils accomplish their mission? By providing advice and recommendations to the school principal and, when appropriate, the superintendent and the local board of education on any matter related to student achievement and school improvement. O.C.G.A. � 20-2-86 (s) The law is very clear. School councils are advisory bodies. This distinction as an advisory body is very important. The law clearly states that the management and control of public schools is the responsibility of local boards of education. Additionally, the law states that the principal is the school leader. � School councils are advisory bodies created to improve student achievement and performance by providing advice and recommendations to the school principal and, where appropriate, the local board of education. � Given this distinction as an advisory body, on what, then, do school councils give advice and recommendations? � When answering this question it is important to keep in mind two things: (1) the ultimate goal of the school council is to improve academic achievement and (2) the school council�s role is as an advisory body. �� The law provides a suggested list of topics for consideration. It is important to note that this is a suggested list and is not exhaustive. Because improving the academic achievement of our students is the ultimate goal, almost any issue related to that goal is appropriate for school councils to address. The law is very clear. School councils are advisory bodies. This distinction as an advisory body is very important. The law clearly states that the management and control of public schools is the responsibility of local boards of education. Additionally, the law states that the principal is the school leader. � School councils are advisory bodies created to improve student achievement and performance by providing advice and recommendations to the school principal and, where appropriate, the local board of education. � Given this distinction as an advisory body, on what, then, do school councils give advice and recommendations? � When answering this question it is important to keep in mind two things: (1) the ultimate goal of the school council is to improve academic achievement and (2) the school council�s role is as an advisory body. �� The law provides a suggested list of topics for consideration. It is important to note that this is a suggested list and is not exhaustive. Because improving the academic achievement of our students is the ultimate goal, almost any issue related to that goal is appropriate for school councils to address. The law is very clear. School councils are advisory bodies. This distinction as an advisory body is very important. The law clearly states that the management and control of public schools is the responsibility of local boards of education. Additionally, the law states that the principal is the school leader. � School councils are advisory bodies created to improve student achievement and performance by providing advice and recommendations to the school principal and, where appropriate, the local board of education. � Given this distinction as an advisory body, on what, then, do school councils give advice and recommendations? � When answering this question it is important to keep in mind two things: (1) the ultimate goal of the school council is to improve academic achievement and (2) the school council�s role is as an advisory body. �� The law provides a suggested list of topics for consideration. It is important to note that this is a suggested list and is not exhaustive. Because improving the academic achievement of our students is the ultimate goal, almost any issue related to that goal is appropriate for school councils to address. The law is very clear. School councils are advisory bodies. This distinction as an advisory body is very important. The law clearly states that the management and control of public schools is the responsibility of local boards of education. Additionally, the law states that the principal is the school leader. � School councils are advisory bodies created to improve student achievement and performance by providing advice and recommendations to the school principal and, where appropriate, the local board of education. � Given this distinction as an advisory body, on what, then, do school councils give advice and recommendations? � When answering this question it is important to keep in mind two things: (1) the ultimate goal of the school council is to improve academic achievement and (2) the school council�s role is as an advisory body. �� The law provides a suggested list of topics for consideration. It is important to note that this is a suggested list and is not exhaustive. Because improving the academic achievement of our students is the ultimate goal, almost any issue related to that goal is appropriate for school councils to address.

14. www.GeorgiaEducation.org What are some topics school councils can address? The law specifically mentions 14 topics on which school councils may offer advice and make recommendations. The law also states that the school council is not limited to these topics. The 14 topics fall into three broad categories: Student Learning Local School Board Policies Communication and Collaboration

15. www.GeorgiaEducation.org Student Learning School improvement plans Curriculum and assessments Reports from the school principal regarding progress toward the school's student achievement goals, including progress within specific grade and subject areas, and by school personnel O.C.G.A. � 20-2-86 (s)

16. www.GeorgiaEducation.org Student Learning Report cards issued or audits of the school conducted by the Office of Student Achievement School-based and community services The method and specifications for the delivery of early intervention services or other appropriate services for underachieving students O.C.G.A. � 20-2-86 (s)

17. www.GeorgiaEducation.org Local School Board Policies School board policies Extracurricular activities in the school Community use of school facilities School budget priorities, including school capital improvement plans Student discipline and attendance O.C.G.A. � 20-2-86 (s) Remember, the focus for school councils is always on impacting student achievement. Given this list of possible topics for advice and recommendations, let�s take a look at how school councils can operate at the policy level related to some of these topics. School Calendars The intent of the law is not to have school councils micromanage schools, but rather to work closely with school personnel and the community in an advisory capacity. � It is not the responsibility of a school council to establish a school calendar. However, school councils might consider whether or not the testing schedule is protected in the school calendar. For example, ensuring that spring break does not conflict with statewide testing would be an appropriate role for school councils. This might be done at the policy level by making recommendations to the local board of education. � In other words, school councils can impact academic achievement by recommending policies that protect the testing schedule and even the instructional time in the classroom. � School Conduct and Dress Codes How might school councils address school conduct and dress codes in relation to student achievement? � School conduct falls into the local board policy category. School councils might appropriately examine rules for school conduct and dress to ensure that policies are in place which address disruptive students so that they do not interfere with the learning of others. If no rules are in place, the school council might determine a list of rules. � Again, addressing issues related to school conduct and dress code is best dealt with at a policy level. Recommendations to the local board of education on policies addressing the issue would be appropriate. Remember, the focus for school councils is always on impacting student achievement. Given this list of possible topics for advice and recommendations, let�s take a look at how school councils can operate at the policy level related to some of these topics. School Calendars The intent of the law is not to have school councils micromanage schools, but rather to work closely with school personnel and the community in an advisory capacity. � It is not the responsibility of a school council to establish a school calendar. However, school councils might consider whether or not the testing schedule is protected in the school calendar. For example, ensuring that spring break does not conflict with statewide testing would be an appropriate role for school councils. This might be done at the policy level by making recommendations to the local board of education. � In other words, school councils can impact academic achievement by recommending policies that protect the testing schedule and even the instructional time in the classroom. � School Conduct and Dress Codes How might school councils address school conduct and dress codes in relation to student achievement? � School conduct falls into the local board policy category. School councils might appropriately examine rules for school conduct and dress to ensure that policies are in place which address disruptive students so that they do not interfere with the learning of others. If no rules are in place, the school council might determine a list of rules. � Again, addressing issues related to school conduct and dress code is best dealt with at a policy level. Recommendations to the local board of education on policies addressing the issue would be appropriate.

18. www.GeorgiaEducation.org Communication and Collaboration Developing a school profile, containing data identified by the council to describe the academic performance, academic progress, services, awards, interventions, and environment of the school School-community communication strategies Methods of involving parents and the community O.C.G.A. � 20-2-86 (s)

19. www.GeorgiaEducation.org Brainstorm On which of these 14 topics would your school council want to ask for more information? Who could provide the information?