In-District Correspondence Program
Dillingham City School District
Parent-Student Handbook
DCSD Parent-Student Handbook
Table of Contents
School Vision and Mission…………………………………….…………….………………....3
DCSD Support Services………………………………………………………………………...4
Staff and Professional Development
Special Education
Counseling
DCSD Media and Technology
Library Services
Enrollment ……….……………………………………………………..……………………..4
Student Allotment Amounts
Full Time Enrollment Status and Pro-rated Allotment Amounts
New Enrollment
Date of Enrollment
Re-enrollment
Ages of Enrollment
Early Entry into Kindergarten
Determination of Grade Level
Acceleration and Retention
Out-of-State Residency
Withdrawal from Dillingham Correspondence School
Dual Enrollment………………………………………………………………….………..…..6
Public School
Private School
Transfer within District
Individual Learning Plans ……………………………………………………………..…...... 7
Core Course Requirements
Curriculum Choice/Options
Standards Based Courses/Parent Designed Courses
Faith-based Curriculum
Pre-Approval for Curriculum
State Standards
Amending the ILP
Attending In-district classes
Extra-Curricular Activities
Time Allotments K-8
Grading Scale
Computer Program …………………………………………………………………………...11
Internet Stipend
Program Requirements…………………………………………………………….………….12
Testing Participation
Monthly Contact
Quarter Grades and Progress Review
Non-Compliance Procedures…………………………………………………………………12
Non-Compliance Monthly Contact and Quarter Reviews
Non-Compliance Testing Participation
Paperwork
High School Diploma and Transcripts ………………………………………………………13
High School Diploma
High School Credit for College Courses
DCSD Certified Transcripts
Statewide Mandated Testing Program and Achievement Testing Procedures……………14
TerraNova
Standards Based Assessments and High School Graduation Qualifying Exam
Who is Tested
Test on Grade Level
Alaska Kindergarten and First Grade Developmental Profile
Items available for annual check-out …………………………………………………………15
Resource Room
Funding Accounts and Expenditures………………………………………………………..16
Approved Curriculum Purchases
Automatic Pre-Approved Purchases
Items NOT Approved for Purchase or Reimbursement
Purchases for Supplies and Materials
Purchase Limitations
Curriculum/Textbook/Materials Return Policy
Reimbursement Schedule
Special Education……………………………………………………………………………18
Forms…………………………………………………………………………………………17
(Also available for download or on CD)
“Working together for our children.”
Vision Statement
We are committed to maintaining a high quality program that encompasses the best elements of individualized education and meets the needs of all students. We support the role of parents in educating their children. We will continue to provide educational choices that include academically sound curriculum and extra-curricular programs to produce independent learners who will become contributing members of society.
Mission Statement
The mission of Dillingham Correspondence School, in conjunction with the Dillingham City School District, is to provide support to parents so that they can prepare their children to become life-long learners, problem-solvers, and contributing members of their family, community, and society by providing meaningful experiences that create understanding of their cultural heritage and the technological world.
Purposes:
1. Supply educational materials to parents.
2. Supply teaching support to parents & students as needed to ensure a successful educational experience.
3. Provide for extracurricular activities for students to enlarge their world.
4. Provide individualized instruction to enable students to achieve their full potential.
Dillingham Correspondence School students have the opportunity to:
1. Participate in the design of customized curriculum.
2. Experience learning outside of classrooms.
3. Receive one-to-one advisement with sensitive, experienced Alaska certified teachers.
4. Earn high school credits.
5. Earn college/post secondary credits.
6. Participate in adult education programs.
7. Learn at their own pace.
8. Use learning styles with which they are successful.
Belief Statements:
1. We believe in parent autonomy in educational choices.
2. We believe that parents are the child’s first and most important teacher.
3. We believe that with our professional support, parents will make the best educational choices for their children.
DCSD Support Services
Staff and Professional Development
Our staff members have the opportunity to participate in local, site, and district in-service programs. Staff meet regularly with district specialists to increase knowledge, skills and resources to share with students and their families.
Special Education
Students receive special education services through a consult model. Their curriculums are modified to meet needs on an individual basis according to their IEPs. They receive direct instruction in their home school setting from their parents and receive support services from the local office from Special Education Department staff. The contact teacher and Special Education Department monitor student progress on a monthly basis with quarterly progress reports maintained.
Counseling
DCSD students receive counseling support services through our K-5 and 6-12 counselors. Our 6-12 counselor is K-12 Certified in the State of Alaska. Our counselors in collaboration with our correspondence school teachers are an essential part of creating a successful correspondence program.
DCSD Media and Technology
Elementary students K-6 and their parents are able to utilize the Elementary School computer lab and services of our Media Specialist. Full-time Middle School and High School students 7-12 have the option to participate in the Mac laptop program. An annual deposit of $40 is required of each laptop student. All home correspondence parents have the option of using the Elementary School computer lab by signing up through the Elementary school technology specialist.
Library Services
All home correspondence students have the option to use the Elementary School library to check out books. Elementary students can participate in Reading Is Fundamental in the fall and spring. All migrant education students may participate in the district Reading Is Fundamental program. This program currently offers three free books for students to reading during the school year or during the summer months when they are at fish camp.
Enrollment
Dillingham Correspondence School has open enrollment for all eligible students K-12 through the student count period as provided in AS 14.17.600. All registration forms can be downloaded from . Once all necessary documentation is received by DCSD, we will schedule an appointment with an advisory teacher to create your Individual Learning Plan(s) (ILPs) for the school year. If your application is not complete, your application will be held pending receipt of required documents.
Student Allotment Amounts
Grades
/ ¼ Time / ½ Time / ¾ Time / Full Time*K-3rd / $400.00 / $800.00 / $1,200.00 / $1,600.00
4th-8th / $450.00 / $900.00 / $1,350.00 / $1,800.00
9th-12th / $500.00 / $1,000.00 / $1,500.00 / $2,000.00
Funds are not available until after July 1 of each academic year. Purchase orders for curriculum will not be processed prior to this date.
All expenses must be directly related to each student’s Individual Learning Plan.
Expenses dated prior to July 1 will not be reimbursed without written pre-approval from the advising teacher/administrator.
Only full-time students may participate in the computer assistance programs.
Allotments may be prorated for students enrolling during the count period.
After the beginning of the October count period, a student who chooses to enroll as a correspondence student will be responsible for paying for the cost of the correspondence course materials/supplies.
When a student enrolls as a correspondence student with the district, the district reserves the right to order only two classes initially. Once the student shows satisfactory progress with the first two correspondence classes, additional classes will be provided.
Full Time Enrollment Status and Pro-rated Allotment Amounts
Student allotments may be pro-rated for students enrolling during the October count period.
Students will receive 5% of the allotment for each verified day of enrollment during the count.
New Enrollment
DCSD accepts new enrollments starting in the spring. Enrollment continues through the student count period each year. Students are required to fill out a complete Registration Application Packet. A copy of the birth certificate must also be received before the application can be processed. To ensure graduation requirements can be met, students enrolling with Dillingham during their senior year must provide an official transcript from their previous public school before enrollment with Dillingham.
Date of Enrollment
Date of enrollment is determined by the date on the enrollment form and verified by the completion of the ILP.
Re-enrollment
Students will receive re- enrollment forms and can schedule ILPs starting May of each academic year. However, ILPs cannot be completed until the prior year is closed out and all reports and work samples are received. Please note that funds are not available until July 1 with the start of each new school year.
Ages of Enrollment
A child who is five years of age before September 1 following the beginning of the school year, and who is under the age of 20 and has not completed the 12th grade, is of school age. For the purpose of determining whether a child is of school age under AS 14.03.070 , a child is not considered to have completed the 12th grade unless that child has passed any high school graduation competency examination required by law, even if that child has met all other graduation requirements.
Early Entry into Kindergarten
To enroll a child who is younger than school age, the parent must appeal to the district of residence for approval. DCSD cannot enroll a student who is not of school age without written approval from the district of residence. This process usually includes independent psychological testing to ensure academic, social and emotional readiness. This process should be started early as each district has predetermined policy and deadlines that must be followed.
Determination of Grade Level:
Grade level is determined by the review of prior records and documentation of previous grade level completed.
The grade level of students in grades 9-12th is determined by credit hours earned.
9th grade 0-5.5+ credits
10th grade6-11.5+ credits
11th grade12-17.5+ credits
12th grade18+ credits
Acceleration/Retention
It is our responsibility to ensure that students have the academic skills needed at each grade level to allow for progress through their academic career. DCSD cannot simply “skip” students through grades or retain them without proper documentation.
If parents wish to recommend the acceleration of a student, they are required to submit a written request. The request must include documentation of high academic achievement. Appropriate test scores must indicate that the student is capable of completing work at the desired placement level. Social and emotional readiness for the requested grade level will also be considered. Upon receipt of the test scores and recommendation, the district and DCSD will determine if the scores indicate whether or not advanced placement would be appropriate. Acceleration of a student requires the approval of the advising teacher, administration and the Superintendent. (ref. BP5123)
As long as adequate instruction is demonstrated, retention of a student is rarely recommended. If retention is recommended or requested, district policy and procedure will be followed. Retention of a student requires the approval of the superintendent.
Out-of-State Residency
Students who live or move outside of Alaska are not eligible for enrollment with DCSD. Students living outside of Alaska are not eligible for school funding under AS 14.17. Under special circumstances, such as military or medical, limited extended leave periods may be pre-approved as long as the student maintains Alaska residency, maintains monthly contact and reporting schedule, and has completed required forms. Students must be present during state mandated testing periods. The Extended Stay Outside form is required for all absences greater than 30 days.
Withdrawal from Dillingham Correspondence School
Parents must notify DCSD if they are enrolling in another public or private school or discontinuing enrollment under any other circumstances. Students who withdraw prior to the end of the student count periodwill be held accountable for all expenditures and will be required to return all materials. Withdrawal from Dillingham Correspondence School will not be official until the Notice of Withdrawal Form is received. This form must be signed and dated by the parent/guardian when submitted during the count period. Students can also be withdrawn from the program for non-compliance with our program requirements. Withdrawal forms attached.
Dual Enrollment
We accept both public and private school dual enrolled students. Students dually enrolled with another public school must obtain authorization from the district utilizing the “Dual Enrollment Form” before enrollment can be processed. Please note that dual enrolled students must also participate in statewide mandated testing. DCSD may also require a schedule from the school of dual enrollment.
Dual Enrollment/Another Public School
Dillingham Correspondence School is a public school using public dollars to fund its operations. Students may be enrolled in two public school programs simultaneously. However, a student may not be funded for more than four classes between two public programs. Students will need to have their local school principal or district official sign off on the dual enrollment form in order for us to submit for correct funding.
Dual Enrollment/Private School
The state does not count dual enrolled students who attend private schools. A student may be a dual enrolled student in a private school and be considered a full-time student with DCSD. Since private school students do not take public dollars, dual enrolled private school students may be enrolled with our program with full-time status. Students may not use coursework completed at the private school for credit earned through DCSD. Nor may these courses count toward funding.
Many private school students like to take advanced placement classes, music courses; physical education courses/team sports, remedial courses and other general education courses to fill gaps in their transcripts and for many other reasons.
Transfer within District
Students who choose to transfer in-district may do so after the October count days. They must fill out transfer forms completely with all signatures of necessary staff, with a written explanation or a formal meeting with all staff involved before the transition is made.
Individual Learning Plan
All students enrolled in Dillingham Correspondence School must complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) outlining their course studies for the year. This plan is developed jointly by the parent, advising teacher and student when appropriate. The ILP must include on-going assessment and be designed to meet proficiency towards achievement of the state standards. Students have one year to complete their coursework.
Core Course Requirements
DCSD requires enrollment in a minimum of four courses (8 semester classes) with our school to be counted as full time. As per regulation 4 AAC 33.426, students enrolled in a correspondence program, whether full or part-time, must take at least 50% of the student’s coursework through the statewide correspondence program in core courses. A full time student with DCSD must take a minimum of 2 core classes. Core coursework performed outside the statewide correspondence program may not count towards the 50% core course requirement.
Core classes are defined as the following:
1
Dillingham City School District 2007-2008
Dillingham Correspondence School10/25/2018
- English/Literature/Reading
- Math
- Social Studies/History/Geography
- Science
- Technology
- Foreign Language/Sign Language
- Courses Required by I.E.
1
Dillingham City School District 2007-2008
Dillingham Correspondence School10/25/2018
Include what topics will be covered in each subject area, what materials will be used, and how progress will be assessed.
Your contact teacher is available to assist in preparing your ILP if you would like. Your contact teacher may ask for clarification or adaptations before it is signed.
The ILP can be amended at any time by submitting an ILP Amendment.
This requirement may be waived by DCSD administration for extenuating circumstances such as fulfilling graduation requirements.
Curriculum Choices
DCSD has an extensive list of approved curriculum available to all students in our district. Curriculum development, review and improvement are an on-going process that includes administration, teachers, parents, and students. As per board policy, curriculum “shall be consistent with the philosophy, goals and objectives of the district” and “reflect the desires of the community, the needs of society and the requirements of the law.”
The following choices are a selection of currently available curriculum providers: Arizona, Nebraska, North Dakota, Calvert, Core Curriculum of America, ACS, Keystone National High School, Oak Meadow School, Brigham Young University (BYU), Saxon Publishers, Inc., Power Glide, Steck-Vaughn, Silver-Burdett/Ginn, Glencoe/McGraw Hill, AGS, Classroom With a View, Daniel DeRoux, GOLD, Hewitt Home-schooling Resources, Indiana University School of Content Studies, Laurel Springs School, University of Alaska, University of Missouri, University of Oklahoma, Write at Home, WriteGuide, and SRA. All curriculums must be aligned with the state standards and presented to the board for final approval. The origin of curriculum that has not been reviewed and approved by the Regional School Board (RSB) must be noted on official transcripts.
Standards Based Courses/Parent Designed Classes
Dillingham Correspondence School has approved Standards Based Courses for courses such as PE, Art, and Music. These courses are aligned to state and national standards. Parents may also design their own classes with the assistance of their assigned advising teacher. These classes will list what the child is expected to learn and be aligned with the State Standards. The course must include the text and materials that will be used for the course. Parent Designed Courses and the text and materials used must also be reviewed and approved by the advising teacher/correspondence administrator before credit will be assigned.
For both Standards Based Courses and Parent Designed Courses, assessments will be required as determined with the advising teacher. Students may opt to create portfolios, photo journals, or final projects. Students may also keep a calendar or journal for documentation; your advising teacher will contact you periodically to collect information like time spent on your student classes. All courses must be submitted for approval according to the District quarter schedule.