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Intra-District Choice ConsiderationsMarch 12, 2013Ray Gravuer, Director of Secondary Curriculum

History of Choice in the United StatesLate 18th Century Thomas Paine writes about a basic level of education absent of state educational monopolies.1955 Idea of School Choice was written about by Milton Friedman, economist. In his writing the governments role was limited to providing funding and setting basic standards for approved educational institutions (Voucher System).Modern Day History of Choice1979-80 Ronald Reagan approached Catholics who were dismayed by judicial assaults on school prayer.Republican Party was seeking a proactive, market-friendly agenda.AFT Union President promoted charter schools as a way to increase teacher autonomy.Civil rights leaders sought social justice for better urban schools. Questions to Ask While Considering your OptionsDoes choice benefit the common good?Does choice benefit the individual good?Are there any consequences to implementing choice?Why choice? What is your goal?

Marketplace Competition TheorySchool Reform/Student AchievementEfficient Use of ResourcesAthletic PreferenceOtherBefore reviewing some information about each of these areas, lets look at the procedures we currently follow when approving school choice.5Current Appoquinimink Choice RulesCapacity: If a school is at 80% capacity, it will be closed to choice students. In addition, choice students will not be permitted to exceed 5% of the schools population.Anyone wishing to remain in their school of choice for a subsequent year must submit an application annually.Under no circumstances will students be considered for a transfer based on an athletic preference. Goal: Marketplace Competition?Theory: Competition provides greater opportunity for success, while improving quality and encouraging innovation.

Other Views: Competition results in winners and losers.Potentially eliminates cross-school cooperation. Negatively effects community / neighborhood relations or perceptions.Goal: School Reform & Student Achievement? Both High Schools have made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) on State Assessments.AP Pass Rates are significantly higher than the National or State averagesGraduation Rates are higher than the State averageDemographic Representation is equitable across schoolsStatistics for AchievementPercent Students Passing AP Exams by YearGeographic Area200720082009201020112012United States56.2%57.2%Delaware50.4%47.6%Appoquinimink57%67%76%63%72%75%Graduation Rate by PercentageGeographic Area20072008200920102011Delaware81.2%81.9%85.3%86.7%79.3%Appoquinimink92.1%88.6%90.7%90.2%87.9%Goal: Efficient Use of Resources?Decrease duplication of services for low enrollment programs, while increasing district-wide offerings.Transportation costs could increase.Balance enrollment numbers.Program

Language ProgramsComputer ScienceDual EnrollmentResearch, Design and ManufacturingComputer Assisted DraftingPlant Science

10School CapacitySchoolCurrent Enrollment

Capacity 80% Capacity5% Choice RuleAHS156116001280MHS12531700136063If a school is at 80% capacity, it will be closed to choice students. In addition, choice students will not be permitted to exceed 5% of the schools population.AHS = 97.6% capacityMHS = 73.7% capacity

2 considerations are:Re-examine feeder patterns to balance enrollment numbers. Construction of Bayberry will significantly increase enrollment at MHS.Increase closing capacity percentage to 85% or 90%.11Goal: Athletic Preference?Will specific sports lose participation based on school? Will choice increase or decrease opportunities for participation?What happens if kids transfer in succeeding years?Will violations and allegations of recruitment increase?DIAA Transfer Rule - 2.4.3.1 First Year of Eligibility

2.4.3.1.1 A student who has previously participated in interscholastic athletics may transfer one time during their first year of eligibility without loss of athletic eligibility. However, students shall not participate in a contest at the varsity level for two different schools in the same sport during the same school year unless one of the exceptions applies.2.4.3.1.2 Unless one of the exceptions applies, a student who has previously participated in interscholastic athletics that transfers more than one time during their first year of eligibility, shall be ineligible in any sport for a period of ninety (90) school days commencing with the first day of official attendance in the receiving school. The period of ineligibility shall continue to the next grade/school year until 90 school days have passed.

DIAA Transfer Rule - 2.4.3.2 Second Year of Eligibility2.4.3.2 Second year of Eligibility forward: Unless one of the exceptions applies a student who has previously participated in interscholastic athletics, transfers to a DIAA member school after the first day of school of their second year of high school eligibility shall be ineligible in all sports that the student previously participated in. The period of ineligibility shall be one school year commencing with the first day of official attendance in the receiving school. The period of ineligibility shall continue to the next grade/school year until the total number of school days in the school year have passed.