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Board advances first reads on state-driven policy changes for extended learning and graduation requirements
Summary
Trustees approved first reads of several policies to align with ED 306 rules: Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs), Alternative Learning Plans, instructional materials, and updated high-school graduation requirements (including a state-mandated civics exam requirement). They asked the policy committee to refine cost thresholds and check privacy/FERPA implications for FAFSA language.
Policy staff presented multiple first-read policies required to align district practice with new ED 306 state rules. Highlights:
Extended Learning Opportunities (IHBH) and Alternative Learning Programs (IHBI): these policies expand the district’s pathways for students to earn credit through independent study, internships, apprenticeships, community partnerships and other competency demonstrations. The policies establish an approval and appeals process, roles for administrators and lead teachers, and local review to verify competency before awarding course credit. Policy committee inserted a placeholder $4,000 threshold in IHBI to prompt board discussion about when costlier alternatives should come to the board; committee members said the $4,000 figure approximated the average cost of sending a student to an out-of-district CTE program, but the board asked staff to consider alternatives (for example, $2,000 or per-semester limits) and to define which costs would trigger board review.
Instructional materials and graduation requirements (IKF): the board reviewed changes that require a written instructional-resources plan every three years and a restructured approach to diploma tracks. The district plans to continue three diploma tracks (standard 23 credits, technical 24, scholastic 26) while embedding competency options; the policy notes a state-mandated civics and naturalization exam (128 questions, 70% passing) that students must complete to graduate. Trustees asked staff to check the legality/FERPA implications of a provision that says the superintendent must provide a physical or digital copy of a student’s completed FAFSA upon request.
Board action and next steps: all discussed policies were accepted for first read and sent back to committees for refinement on costs, privacy language, and program oversight. Administration will present program-of-studies specifics and related implementation planning in December/January.
