Board hears plan to use Instructional Time Model for students on extended suspension under HB 2862
Summary
District staff presented a proposed addition to the Instructional Time Model (ITM) to provide check-ins and coursework access for students on extended suspension; the item was a public hearing and will return for action at a future meeting.
At a public hearing the Tempe Union board received a staff presentation on adding use of the Instructional Time Model (ITM) for students on extended suspension. The proposal would use authority granted by House Bill 2862 to provide instructional flexibility, including remote check-ins and assignment submissions to prevent students from losing access to coursework while suspended.
Dr. Lehi (presentation lead) said HB 2862 allows districts to provide instructional hours at various times and in multiple formats. The proposed addition to the district’s ITM would allow students on extended suspension to “engage with someone designated from the school, in designated times during their extended, suspension to go over coursework to, touch base with a student,” and prepare the student for return. Attendance for those ITM check-ins would be recorded by logging into Google Meets or by daily assignment submissions.
Board members praised the approach as a supportive re-entry strategy. Member Barraza said the plan made the statutory options “palatable” for students who fall behind during suspensions. Vice President Steele asked whether the district would evaluate whether the approach improved outcomes; staff said attendance and chronic absenteeism measures would be tracked and the district hopes the ITM addition will help reduce chronic absenteeism.
No final action was taken at the hearing; the proposal will be presented for board action at a subsequent meeting after staff finalizes the ITM amendment and completes the state submission process.
Speakers [{"name":"Dr. Lehi","role_title":"Assistant Superintendent / Teaching & Learning (presentation lead)","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"Tempe Union High School District"},{"name":"Member Barraza","role_title":"Governing Board Member","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"Tempe Union High School District"},{"name":"Vice President Steele","role_title":"Vice President / Governing Board Member","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"Tempe Union High School District"}]
