Questions and Answers About Project Excel

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Questions and Answers About Project Excel
Provided by the FCPS Instructional Services Department

EXTENDED DAY CONTRACT

How is the seven percent increase figured? Does it count toward retirement? Will it count for the three highest salary years? Will I also receive sick leave based on the higher amount? Will it be permanent? What happens if I transfer to another school?
The seven percent salary increase will be based on the normal school year salary scale which includes step and cost of living increases. You can estimate your salary by multiplying the amount you will be earning next year by 1.07. This increase will count toward retirement and can count for the three highest salary years. Sick leave will be accrued by an eight-hour day and used the same way. The seven percent is given to the position in the Excel schools rather than the person. If you leave the school and transfer to a nonExcel school, you would also lose the increased salary.
Which staff is included in the extended day contract?
The seven percent increase includes the following full-time contracted employees who are assigned full-time to the Excel schools:
- instructional assistants
- classroom, physical education, art, music, Title I, reading, special education, speech, and ESL teachers
- librarians
- counselors
The seven percent increase does not include FECEP/Headstart or preschool program personnel, and all unified scale personnel.
If we select the eight hour day contract, how are the working hours determined? How long will the school day be for students?
The extended day provides for an additional one-half hour each day. That half-hour can be added to the end of the day or the beginning, depending upon the school's opening and closing time. The student day will be a uniform six and one-half hour day every day.
Can a school decide to take less than a seven percent raise and use the difference for other resources or to pay people who won’t get paid?
No. The extended contract is one option. There are other options available.
What hours would the people who are not getting the salary increase have on Monday?
For those staff, Monday would remain the same as it is now.
Does Project Excel affect our 15:1 ratio or special needs funding?
No, it does not affect existing resources.
Is there any research regarding student achievement in school using the Excel models?
The research to support these models indicates that more time spent on focused learning results in improved achievement.

INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL MODEL

How many additional teachers would the school get? What can the extra teachers do that classroom teachers could not do? What kind of staff will be hired?
The number of new resource teachers would double the number of TTT teachers the school now has. The regular classroom teachers would have an hour of uninterrupted planning time each day during the student day. Staff hired could be regular elementary teachers, reading, mathematics, GT teachers, music, art, health, PE, etc. The school determines the specific teachers according to need.
How will more PE, music and art help with the SOLs?
The additional resource teachers do not need to be PE, music, or art teachers. The extra teachers should help decrease fragmentation of classroom instruction, move some instructional responsibility from the classroom teacher, and/or provide additional direct instruction in the four core areas tested by the SOLs.
Does this option guarantee the resources to provide a one-hour block of daily planning time within the student day?
Yes.
When do resource teachers get planning time?
They will have planning time comparable to classroom teachers. The individual schedule would depend on the school and the mix of resource teachers.
Where would FCPS get the extra teachers? Would they be certified? Part-time? Full-time?
The teachers would be certified and hired as part of the normal hiring process. Most of the teachers would be full-time teachers assigned only to the school.
If we select the individual school model will a sub be part of it?
Having a full-time sub is possible as long as the overall cost of the individual school model does not exceed the cost of the extended day contract model.
Will teachers be required to come back early?
No.
Will we get a truant officer?
A truant officer is not part of the plan. Each area has two attendance officers to assist schools with truancy and court-related issues. Having additional resources to work with parents is possible, as long as the cost does not exceed the extended teacher contract model.
Will subs be provided for the resource teachers?
Yes.
Does the Individual School Model include extra money for the staff?
No. The contract time is the same as present.
Does the librarian have to provide TTT?
No.
If we decide to design our own program, how would we know the budget we have to work with?
We will determine the cost of the extended contract model at your school and that amount of money will be your budget. Each school is being given its individual budget.

MODIFIED SCHOOL CALENDAR

Who teaches during the intersessions? Regular staff? Certified staff? What is the pay?
Individuals are hired to teach during intersessions. Depending on the program, a combination of certified and noncertified staff are hired. If members of the regular staff choose to teach during the intersession, they will receive additional pay at their per diem hourly rate.
What have been the test results of the extended year program to this point?
National studies of extended year programs that provide additional instructional time show student achievement gains. The FCPS
evaluation of the MSC indicated improved academic achievement across a wide range of measures.
Does the extended year model have Monday early closing?
Yes.
How would you make a transition from the extended day to the MSC? How would you go from no Early Monday closing to a Monday early closing? Would staff lose the seven percent?
The seven percent salary increase would end. Teachers would begin the extended year schedule in August. The early Monday closing would be reinstituted when the extended year schedule begins.
Does the MSC add more days during the year for instruction for students?
The extended year model does not add more days to the regular schedule, but distributes the days over more of the year. There are three intersessions in which extra instructional time is provided students.

ACCOUNTABILITY

What is the accountability model?
The accountability model for Excel schools is the School-wide Achievement Index (SAI) and a system of consequences for performance on the SAI.
The model is based on a belief in continuous improvement at each school. Annual academic improvement goals are established for each school based on the school's previous year's performance on the SAI.
What assessment tools will be used to measure student achievement?
The assessment tools are achievement tests, not ability tests, which are consistent with the curriculum and the state's assessment instruments.
They include:
Kindergarten - Early Childhood Assessment Program (ECAP) and Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS)
Grade 1 - Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA); Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Assessment (PAPA),
Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test (Project Excel and Comparison Schools only)
2 - DRA, PAPA, Stanford Achievement Test; 9SA
3 - Standards of Learining (SOL)
4 - Stanford 9 TA
5 - SOL
6 - Stanford 9 TA
Will the evaluation and accountability system take student mobility into account?
Yes. Two of the evaluation questions compare gains for students who have been in Excel schools for two years with gains for non-Excel students who have remained in the same schools for two years. The SAI compares a school's performance with its performance in the previous year. This means that schools are not "penalized" for high student mobility.
What is the size of the annual increase in the SAI that is expected for Excel schools?
Excel schools can earn a gold award by increasing their SAI average (across four content areas) by 5 points; they can earn a silver award by increasing their SAI average by four points; and they can earn a bronze award by increasing their SAI average by three points.
What have been the results of the Modified School Calendar (MSC) to this point?
Timber Lane ES is the first MSC school to be evaluated. The data from Timber Lane evaluations indicate that the achievement of students at Timber Lane consistently exceeded that of students at a demographically similar comparison school between 1998-1999 and 2000-2001. The differences in the achievement were found on the Stanford 9 TA, the SOL tests, and the POS mathematics test. The majority of these differences were statically significant.
What is involved in the reconstitution of a school? Who is affected and how does the process work?
Reconstitution of a school staff is one sanction that Accountabilities Task Force considered. The parameters of that process will be recommended by that group and will be defined by the academic needs of children at each site.
Are special education students and ESOL students included in testing and evaluation of Excel schools?
Yes, all students who take the tests are included in the evaluation. The state-approved testing accommodations for ESOL and special education students apply to the testing of those students in Project Excel schools.
Will parents also be accountable? How can we help parents to become more aware and involved in sharing the responsibility for student achievement? Will the county fund programs to support this involvement?
The involvement of parents in the achievement of their children remains a priority for our schools. The Center for Promoting Family Learning and Involvement continues to offer schools parent involvement seminars for schools staffs, schoolbased parenting classes, multicultural parent panel presentations, SOL fairs, and Reading Initiative. A library of translated resources is also available to school staff for distribution to parents.
Is support staff included in accountability plans?
Yes, the accountability plan includes all support staff. These staff members are eligible for bonuses as outlined in the superintendent's School Accountability Task Force report (Jan. 31, 2000).
Will all elementary schools be held accountable for student achievement?
All students in our school system will be held accountable for student achievement, but not in the same way as the Excel schools. The Excel schools are receiving significantly more resources than other elementary schools.
What consideration has been given to the fact that schools have reorganized and restructured curriculum to align with SOL?
All FCPS schools have begun implementation of curriculum that has been aligned with the SOL. This is not just applicable to Project Excel schools.

KINDERGARTEN/FECEP

What staff development and support will be given to implement the full-day kindergarten program?
Full-day kindergarten teachers will receive a resource guide which includes sample full-day schedules and researched-based background information. Substitute funds for observations in recommended full-day programs are available. An academy course will be offered with a concentration on enhancing literacy in a full-day kindergarten program. The Office of Early Childhood and Family Services (OECFS) staff provides school-based support.
What guidelines are in place for pupil placement in full day kindergarten programs?
There is no pupil placement into full-day kindergarten programs.
How will we know in only three years that full-day kindergarten will make a difference at our school?
National research should give Project Excel schools confidence that at-risk students benefit from full-day kindergarten programs. The impact of the full-day kindergarten at your school will be measured by the kindergarten, first grade, and second grade assessments.
What communications has occurred with the SACC program?
After the Project Excel schools regarding the model they have chosen make decisions, we will communicate information with the Office of Children.
What resources will be provided to equip new kindergarten classrooms?
Funds have been provided to equip new kindergarten classrooms.
How can we accommodate parents who don't want a full-day kindergarten program?
Parents can be counseled regarding their option to pick up their child mid-day and about the benefits of full-day attendance.
Will additional ESOL support be provided for full-day programs?
ESOL teachers are encouraged to collaborate with kindergarten teachers and, if they have time in their schedules, to provide direct instructional support to ESOL students in full-day kindergarten programs. However, due to budgetary considerations, ESOL staffing is not allocated to kindergarten classrooms.
Do all Project Excel schools implement the full-day kindergarten program?
Yes.
What is the status of FECEP/Head Start and special education preschool classes in the Enhanced Elementary Day model?
For 2002-03 school year, FECEP/HeadStart and preschool special education ( Early Childhood Integration Program (ECIP) classes will continue the present Monday early closing schedule. Both programs will continue to examine the funding sources, implications for the ECIP program, and parent suggestions. Some FECEP/HeadStart classes in Excel schools are participating in the Enhanced Elementary Day Model.

FINANCES AND RESOURCES

How is Project Excel funded?
The Excel program funds are in the baseline budget. The current School Board and Superintendent are very committed to Project Excel and will make continuation of funding a priority as future budgets are developed.
Are additional resources provided so we can purchase textbooks ahead of the cycle?
There are no funds budgeted for buying textbooks a year early.
Are funds available for the additional supplies needed for the additional instruction time?
Yes
Is there funding for extra counseling resources?
Counselors also receive the extended contract and thus have two hours more a week available to students. In the individual school model, extra resources to support counseling are possible, but the cost of the individual school model must not exceed the cost of the extended contract model.
Why do preschool programs not have extended days?
Not all of the schools have preschool programs. Given the funds available, the decision was made to focus on students in grades K-6.
Yes.

TECHNOLOGY

How many computers will actually be purchased?
Each kindergarten classroom will have a minimum of two computers with Waterford Early Literacy software, including the management system. Each first grade classroom will have a minimum of one computer with the software and management system. This includes special education self-contained kindergarten and grade one classrooms.
What is the schedule for implementation of technology for grades K-1?
All Excel schools received the full compliment of technology as described above.
Do schools receive training in the use of the software and management systems?
Yes. A Waterford trainer provides staff development when hardware and software are installed.

FACILITIES

The facility implications will require parkos. Are they included?
Yes, facility implications have been an ongoing priority of Project Excel.
Do trailers and quads have bathrooms?
FCPS does not provide temporary classrooms with bathroom facilities. Students in upper grades and itinerant programs have been assigned to these spaces and are able to access the school’s bathroom facilities.
Are temporary structures be wired for technology networks?
In the past, where possible, temporary structures have been wired for technology networks. With the expansion of these structures, decisions about the need for network connections will be made based on school and programs needs.
If implementing the Individual School Model, is additional staff be provided with additional temporary classrooms?
Each Individual School Model will need to be reviewed for facility implications. The use of flexible classroom space may need to be a factor in implementing the designed model.
What resources have been considered for additional staff and programs that come to a school?
Funds have been included in support of equipment for full-day kindergarten and temporary classroom space. Equipment funds are available will be available to schools. Money will be placed in central codes.

SCHEDULING

Is there be help to do the scheduling? What kind of help? When?
Yes, technical assistance will be provided to the school from a scheduling team and/or consultant. Requests may be made to the Director of Elementary Programs in Instructional Services.
How will special education staff access students if there is a 90-minute block when students cannot be pulled out? How will band teachers and GT teachers be able to see students? What about area orchestra?
One major goal is to decrease fragmentation. Several approaches and models have been considered and used. The technical assistance team will help schools address these problems. Arrangements will be made to make sure students are able to participate in area band and orchestra.

CURRICULUM MODELS/INSTRUCTION

Do schools receive additional funding to adopt an instruction model?
Yes.
Do we have to wait until the 2003-04 school year to implement a curriculum model?
Yes, unless the funds are already budgeted for the school.
What is the reduced class size model?
The reduced class size model would provide additional staff for lowering class size in grades K-6 within budget limits. However, priority is given to grades K-3. Teachers would receive staff development to learn how to maximize the lower ratio for improving achievement.
What is the Direct Instruction model?
Scripted lessons emphasize clear instruction in reading, mathematics, social and physical sciences, fact learning, and handwriting. This model is based on the Distar Program.
Explain the Reading Recovery High Impact model.
This model is an intensive intervention literacy program. A school receives a maximum of two additional teacher(s) who share joint responsibility for a first grade class so that the first grade teacher has a half day to conduct Reading Recovery lessons. The first grade teachers receive a year of Reading Recovery training to be able to conduct these lessons.
What is the Success for All (SFA) model?
The Success for All (SFA) model is a comprehensive restructuring program that emphasizes reading and language arts through a highly structured approach. The SFA coordinator position is funded by Project Excel.
Can a school choose more than one curriculum model to accommodate different needs at the primary and upper grades?
Only one curriculum model for each Excel school has been budgeted.
If a school is already implementing the first grade triad model of Reading Recovery, can we expand our model in the next school year?
Yes
If we already are adopting Success for All and it is paid for by Title I, can we choose another curriculum model such as reduced class size next year?
Yes, if you are already implementing a curriculum model that is paid with federal funds, you may choose another model to implement.
Will schools now be able to require selected students to attend summer school?
FCPS offers students the opportunity to attend summer school. Selected schools offer the after-school remediation program. In addition, the Student Accountability Plan requires conditionally promoted students to attend summer school as a condition of promotion.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

How does the extended day contract affect staff development?
Since staff development can no longer be delivered on a Monday, alternatives for Excel schools will be provided. Some staff development is delivered after contract hours; some may be provided using substitutes. Instructional lead teachers also are able to offer school-based staff development. In addition, more five-session courses are offered.
Will it be possible to send students home early several times a year in order to have staff development? High schools do that now.
Every option will be explored to provide needed staff development.
How would lead teachers receive the staff development needed to remain current?
Lead teachers would continue to receive the staff development they need through the use of substitutes.

VOTING

What happens if faculties are unable to reach consensus on one of the three models?
We will work individually with the school.

Last update: June 5, 2002
Curator: Rose Kaspersen, Rose.Kaspersen@fcps.edu