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| Middle-Level Reform |
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Regents Adopt Strategy for Middle-Level
Reform
On February 8, 2005 the Regents voted to approve the
Strategy to Implement the Regents Policy Statement of Middle-Level Education
dated January 20, 2005. The current Strategy requires that all applications for
Model B and Model C status be approved by the State Education Department. In
addition, the total number of schools that will be granted for Model C status
has been limited to 75, where as in the previous proposal an unlimited number
of schools would have been allowed to apply for “selective program
refinements”. The link to the press release is http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/rss/mle/2-05press.htm.
The Regents are aware that schools may attempt to abuse the
flexibility provisions and have made it clear that any abuse will not be
tolerated. SED expects that teachers will report schools, which implement changes
that place them out of compliance with existing regulations and/or schools that
implement changes beyond those approved by SED under the Strategy guidelines.
Every Technology Teacher Must Stay Informed, Get Involved
and Get Active Now.
At the recent EMSC meeting, the Regents were told that some
schools were ready to move to Model B sooner, rather than later, with
implementation as early as the fall of 2005. NYSUT has stopped efforts to
reinstate the bargaining unit sign-off clause for applications, which has been
replaced by shared decision-making committee approval.
This means that the future of your technology education
program may be decided at a local level. Teachers must stay informed and get
involved with the building or district shared decision-making committee to
ensure that your program remains intact.
Determine Which Model Your School Will Choose.
Your building or school can apply through the school
district for one of three levels of flexibility depending on their current
performance and designation, i.e., High performing, AYP, SINI, SURR,
Redesign/Restructure.
Model A (Comply with
Existing Regulations): Retain the current regulatory structure making full use
of the existing flexibility provisions in the regulations, i.e., offering
exploratory courses in grade 6. (Note: To fully understand what your school
can do under existing regulations visit http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/part100/pages/pt100index.html.)
Eligibility: All
schools, no application is required
Model B (Strengthen
the Academic Core): the district would be able to propose a program that
strengthens core academic subjects and effective academic intervention
services, and provides students with exploratory subjects that address the
learning standards, are of high interest to students and further reinforce core
academic learning.
Eligibility: Districts with a high percentage of student requiring academic intervention including SINI
and SURR, or newly formed schools, including those created as a response to the
mandate to “Redesign” or “Restructure,” are eligible.
An application is required.
Model C (Build on
Success: Develop Next Generation Schools/Programs):
The district would be able to propose new ideas for restructuring
the full educational program (Model C#1) or specific program enhancements (Model
#C2) schools/applications) and be granted relief from programmatic regulatory
requirements, while ensuring that all students receive opportunities to achieve
all of the State learning standards.
Eligibility: Newly
formed schools and all existing schools, except those that have the highest
percentage of student requiring academic intervention (i.e., SINI or SURR) are
eligible. The Board of Regents will set a limit of 75 applications: 30 for
Model #C1, and 45 for Model #C2. An application is required.
NYSTEA urges you to do the following:
1) Learn more about the specifics for each model. Read the
entire Strategy to Implement the Regents Policy Statement on Middle-level
Education.
2) Consult with others in your school. Determine which
model your school will choose. The Model C “selective program refinement”
option targets courses without state mandates and encourages schools to apply
for unit of study mandate relief.
3) Get Active. Even if you school will choose Model A,
programs will not be accepted status quo. Every technology teacher needs to
illustrate that they are strengthening their programs by teaching to the
standards, providing relevant learning experiences, and applying both content
and skills from other academic areas.
4) Strengthen you network. NYSTEA consists of a strong
network of teachers and partners from education, industry, and business who
have been preparing for these challenges. As a team, we can strengthen
Technology education programs across the State.
NYSTEA is here to assist all Technology teachers, to build
programs where there have been none, and to strengthen all others. We are
currently developing a professional development program that is aligned with
the NCLB guidelines to present to school administrators.
Please show your support for your profession and recruit teachers
who are not current members to join the NYSTEA network.
Middle-Level Reform Chronology
The “adopted” Strategy paper from James A. Kadamus, dated January 20, 2005.
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NYSTEA Response Letter & Chart
This is the 12/28/2004 letter and chart NYSTEA used to respond to the revised Middle level reform proposal.
Download Letter (PDF file)
Download chart (PDF file).
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A The Current Middle Level Reform Strategy from James A. Kadamus, issued December 22, 2004.
A Revised Middle Level Policy Statement from James A. Kadamus, issued December 1, 2004.
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NYSTEA Response
This is the 9/22/2004 NYSTEA response to the Middle level reform proposal.
download PDF file
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The original Strategy to Implement the Regents Policy Statement on Middle-Level Education from James A. Kadamus, issued May 6, 2004.
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| We Need You |
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NYSTEA is here to assist all Technology teachers, to build programs where there have been none, and to strengthen all others. Show your support for the profession and become an active member of NYSTEA.
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