Apalachee exploring AP African American studies; K—3 literacy screening shows modest improvement; three schools on Georgia Promise list

Teaching and Learning staff presented three informational items: a proposed AP African American studies course at Apalachee High School, results from the district—s K—3 universal literacy screening required by Senate Bill 48, and context for the recently republished Georgia Promise Scholarship list.

AP African American studies at Apalachee Dr. Moten told the board Apalachee High School is exploring offering an AP African American studies course as an elective and presented the sample textbook chosen by the teachers: The African American Odyssey (Hein, Hein & Harrell), seventh edition (published Feb. 2019), priced at $79. The College Board requires AP courses use college-level texts no older than 10 years from publication; the district said the chosen textbook is one of four example resources listed by the College Board. No action was requested that night; the text will be available for board review should Apalachee proceed.

K—3 universal screening and dyslexia identification Staff presented results of the universal screening administered three times this year as required by SB 48 to identify students at risk for significant reading deficiencies and characteristics of dyslexia. Using DIBELS districtwide (and Acadience at two grant-associated schools), the district reported roughly 33% of K—3 students at risk in the fall and a reduction to 29% at the winter screen. Districtwide, staff reported the highest school-level rate observed at about 27% in midyear reporting and said students flagged in screening are then assessed further for dyslexia characteristics. Staff credited adoption of approved high-quality instructional materials and ongoing interventions for the downward trend.

Georgia Promise Scholarship list and implications Dr. Thompson and Ms. Persinger explained the state—s recently republished Promise list, which identifies schools in the bottom quartile of overall CCRPI (College and Career Ready Performance Index) scores over two years. The updated list included three Barrow County schools: Auburn Elementary, Staton (Statham/Staton referenced in documents), and Winder Elementary. Staff explained the Promise Scholarship program sets aside state funds (staff cited capacity for roughly 15,000 scholarships statewide this year) that allow families residing in the attendance zones of qualifying schools to apply for scholarships that can follow students through their K— education. Private schools must apply to accept Promise students; staff said only two of the five private schools in the region had applied as of the meeting. Thompson noted school support continues under existing state school improvement processes even as Promise scholarships present an additional choice mechanism for families.

Ending District staff did not request action on any of these items that night; they provided materials for board review and said they would continue work with the listed schools to address academic needs.