1. State Budget and Legislative Update California Consortium for Independent Study (CCIS) Presented by: Barrett Snider, Partner - Capitol Advisors Group CCIS Legislative Advocate in Sacramento

2. Materials Online www.ccis.org

3. CCIS Advocacy Efforts Recent Changes to Independent Study Law Change to Pupil Teacher Ratio by Grade- span requirement Regular IS vs. Course-based IS Changes to Vaccination Requirements State Budget and school funding Sacramento and 2016 Election politics

4. Recent Changes to Independent Study 1.Permits written agreements to be maintained on file electronically 2.Provides that LEAs shall not be required to sign and date pupil work products when assessing the time value of pupil work products for apportionment purposes 3.Allows LEAs to enter into year-long master agreements

5. Pupil Teacher Ratios For 2014-15: CDE and State Controller guidance to auditors was to effectively ignore LEAs that failed to meet the grade span pupil teacher ratio requirement Change in 2015-16 State Budget: Removed requirement that pupil teacher ratios be calculated by grade spans Goes back to how it used to be…

6. New “Course-based” Independent Study Creates a “course-based” Independent Study option, beginning in 2015-16, for pupils in Kindergarten through grade 12 This is DIFFERENT from regular Independent Study This has DIFFERENT requirements than Independent Study There are lots of issues here – proceed with caution CCIS did not advocate for “course-based” option, was an ask by Department of Finance

7. Part 2: New “Course-based” Independent Study It is an optional alternative to regular Independent Study May offer it commencing with the 2015-16 school year May be offered to students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 Includes school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools Strongly advise NOT utilizing it – at least for now

8. Part 2: New “Course-based” Independent Study Required elements: Signed learning agreement completed and on file Highly Qualified teachers and employed at the LEA (or MOU) Pupils meet residency, enrollment, and age requirements Teacher and pupil must communicate twice per calendar month to assess satisfactory progress (in person, by telephone, or other live visual or audio connection) A proctor must administer examinations (issues) “Satisfactory educational progress” must be made to stay enrolled

9. Part 2: New “Course-based” Independent Study “Satisfactory educational progress” can include: Statewide tests, completion of assignments, examinations or other indicators that evidence the pupil is working, learning, and making progress toward successful completion of course “As determined by certificated employee providing instruction” If satisfactory progress is not being made 1.Notification to pupil and parents 2.Conduct an evaluation to determine if alternative placement should be made 3.Maintain a written record of the unsatisfactory progress evaluation which is considered a mandatory interim record and must be maintained for 3 years Maintain written or computer-based evidence of satisfactory progress for each pupil and each course. Evidence shall include: A grade book or summary document that lists all assignments, examinations and associated grades.

10. Part 2: New “Course-based” Independent Study Statewide testing results must be disaggregated to compare with pupils enrolled in classroom-based courses Pupil cannot be required to enroll in “course-based” independent study Independent Study Ratio (EC 47612.5) requirements must be met Pupils must be offered the minimum annual total equivalent instructional minutes Pupils must met applicable minimum daily instructional minutes Courses for HS graduation, UC/CSU admission cannot be offered exclusively through IS Pupils enrolled in these courses may not be assessed any prohibited fees Cannot prohibit from participating solely based on not having equipment, or internet

11. 2016 Efforts Allow ALL documents currently required for auditing purposes to be accepted and maintained electronically Clarify Independent Study alternative for unvaccinated students “not receiving classroom-based instruction”

12. SB 277 (Pan/Allen) Eliminates the personal belief exemption from the vaccine requirement for school aged children Applies to public and private schools (except home-based private) Begins in the 2016-17 school year Exemptions to be limited to only medical reasons Process for personal belief exemption available until January 1, 2016 Does not apply to students entering Kindergarten or grade 7 Otherwise, remains in place until the student moves into 7 th grade

13. SB 277 (Pan/Allen) Special Ed students cannot be denied access to services outline their IEP due to being unvaccinated Two alternatives: Home-based private school Independent study program “that does not include classroom-based instruction” CCIS working with CDE/DPH on guidance Expect lawsuits In the meantime: Be careful – remember intent

14. State Budget 2015-16: best budget for schools - ever State revenues about $1 billion ahead of estimates November: LAO State Revenue Estimates January: Gov’s 2016-17 Budget Proposal Prop 98 (Maint. Factor/settle-up) LCFF Funding Boat load of one-time money LCFF vs. Prop 98

15. 2016 Politics Legislative leadership changes Legislature: Friedrich’s case, teacher evaluation, local reserve cap State Board of Education: State accountability and LCAPs 2016 Ballot – Prop 30 extension, school bond, vaccinations(?), a million other things… Federal: ESEA reauthorization?

16. Contact Information Thank you, please contact us if we can provide additional information: Barrett Snider - barrett@capitoladvisors.orgbarrett@capitoladvisors.org