Oklahoma’s New Graduation Requirements Achieving Classroom Excellence (ACE) – SB 1792

What is ACE - SB 1792 (Achieving Classroom Excellence)?  The intent of this legislation…to ensure that Oklahoma students have mastered essential core academic content and skills in order to prepare them for college or the world of work.

Major Elements of ACE: 1. College Preparatory Curriculum 2. Beginning in school year, all seventh grade students shall demonstrate mastery in reading and mathematics. 3. End-of-Instruction Exams to obtain a high school diploma.

1. College Preparatory Curriculum…  Students entering ninth grade in the school year are required to complete a college preparatory curriculum, unless the student’s parent or legal guardian approves the student to “opt out” from the college preparatory curriculum.

Current Standard DiplomaCollege Preparatory Curriculum Lang. Arts 4 UnitsLang. Arts4 Units Social Studies 4 UnitsSocial Studies 4 Units Mathematics 3 UnitsMathematics3 Units Sciences 3 UnitsSciences3 Units Arts Competencies 2 CompArts Competencies2 Comp Electives 8 UnitsElectives8 Units Foreign Language2 Units (2 units of the same Foreign Language or non-English language or 2 units of Computer Technology approved for college admission) Total…………… Units Total……………………..26 Units and/ or sets of competencies

2. All Students Must Obtain Mastery in Reading and Mathematics…  Beginning in the school year, all seventh grade students shall attain at least a satisfactory score on the seventh-grade criterion-referenced tests in reading and math.  Each student who does not score at the satisfactory level shall be provided remediation (i.e. extended time during the school day, tutoring, or other supplementary services).

3. End-of-Instruction Exams to Obtain a High School Diploma…  Starting with this year’s current seventh grade class, students will have to pass four out of seven end-of- instruction (EOI’s) exams in order to obtain a diploma. Special Education Students - Eligibility for testing modification determined by a student's Individual Education Program (IEP).  (3) Retests per course will be allowed during a calendar year  Students who cannot pass these EOI exams will be given an opportunity to pass alternative tests – still to be determined by the state.

Achieving Classroom Excellence (ACE) Act of 2006  End-of-instruction exams include the following: (Four must be passed for diploma) Algebra I (Required) English II (Required) Algebra II (Optional) Students must pass Geometry (Optional) two of the optional English III (Optional) exams for a total of Biology (Optional) four U. S. History (Optional)

Oklahoma has entered the high-stakes testing arena… We are not alone; however, more states appear to be requiring high-stakes tests in order to secure a high school diploma.

27 states now or will soon have graduation exams Source: American Diploma Project Network, Presented to Oklahoma’s ACE Task Force, 2005

Of these, seven have high stakes end-of-course tests Source: American Diploma Project Network, Presented to Oklahoma’s ACE Task Force, 2005

Union’s Remediation Data State CRT Results of All Students MathReading Grade# Tested # Not Passing % Not Passing Grade# Tested # Not Passing % Not Passing 5 th %5 th % 6 th %6 th % 7 th %7 th % 8 th %8 th %

Union’s Proposed Intervention Strategies: Remediation Classes Reading Labs for 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade (150 students served each grade) Math Labs for 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade (75 students served each grade) Algebra fundamentals with the SMS Lab for 9 th grade. Athletic Study Tables Middle School Alternative School High School Credit Recovery English, Math, Science Block (“Focus”)

What is a “Focus” Block? Classes taught by the district’s most effective teachers. Class size of a maximum of 25 students and a team of 75 students (2 teams per block) A simple four class schedule each day. A focus on Math and Literacy. Increase Math and English time by 54.5% Science and Social Studies instruction will include a literacy focus. Built in advisory / skills class with a focus on successful strategies of successful students A “Focus” block will be created at 7 th, 8 th, and 9 th grade in year one ( )

Sample “Focus” Block Schedule 1 st Block7:45 – 9:15 (ex: Science*) 2 nd Block9:20 – 10:45 (ex: English) 3 rd Block*10:50 – 12:45 (ex: Math) >includes a 30 minute lunch Skills12:50 – 1:20 Elective1:25 – 2:15 *Science and Social Studies will meet for one semester each.

“Focus” - Skills for Success Component #1 Goal – build relationships that are positive and caring. Strategies of successful students Advisory/Counseling Support Services Skills for adolescents Work-ethic instruction Homework support Make-up work time Asset building in students

“Focus” Selection Criteria Format: Group A students who failed English and Math in the previous grade or students who attended school less than 80% of the time. Group B Students who scored 50% or less on the district Math CRT / or two+ Instructional Levels below on Star Reading test and failed Math / or English Group C 50% or less on district Math CRT Two+ Instructional Levels below on Star Reading test D or F in Math or English

QUESTIONS?