Grade Configuration

See links to in-depth information BELOW RIGHT under:
(1) Grade Configuration Implementation
(2) Staff Movement, and
(3) Middle School Development (New in April: Middle School Transition Video! 

Objectives
Move PSD to a K-5, 6-8, and/or K-8 and 9-12 grade configuration in a 3- or 4-year phase in process. Major activities for each year will lead to full implementation:

• 2007-2008: Boundary review process conducted, school readiness plans developed, feeder coordinated plans implement K-5, 6-8 models and/or K-8, 9-12 models.
• 2008-2009: Feeder systems coordinate site plans and staffing plans to implement K-5, 6-8, and/or K-8 and 9-12 grade levels.
• 2009-2010: Ready feeder systems and schools implement K-5, 6-8, and/or K-8 and 9-12 grade levels.

Timeline, Activities,  and Decision-Making Process	Critical Background Information	Ongoing Communication, Sources, and detailed information
June - Aug. 2007: Principals, directors, district administrators provide input on implementation design. June - Oct. 2007: Human Resources staff develops staff movement plan, including information on teacher licensure. Aug. - Oct. 2007: A definition of an atypical school will be reviewed and finalized.  K-8 criterion will be reviewed and finalized.  Feeder systems and schools will make decisions regarding configuration. Sept. - Dec. 2007: K-5, 6-8, and K-8 Feeder Readiness Plans completed. Sept. 2007: Form personnel movement advisory group comprised of cross-representation from staff groups. Oct. 2007: Human Resources staff movement plan is complete. Nov. 2007: Schools confirm grade level plans; PSD determines whether levels will change in 2009 or 2010.  Voluntary staff movement plan options are communicated widely. Dec. 2007: Committee establishes criterion and guidelines for School Readiness Plans (each school), the middle school concept, and transitions for recommendation to Superintendent’s Cabinet. Jan. 2008: Schools receive overview, process, timeline, and templates for site readiness plans.  Planning begins for levels, feeder system and district readiness. Feb. 2008: Essential Components of Successful Middle Schools recommendations from Middle School Study Group and DGCIC go to Superintendent's Cabinet. Apr. 2008: Schools submit draft readiness plans for Fall 2009 implementation.  Includes transition plans for staff, students, instruction, materials, and facilities. Oct. 2008: PSD Staff attend National Middle School Assn. conference in Denver. Nov. 2008: Schools submit final plans for Fall 2009 implementation.  Elementary and secondary assistant superintendents will approve site team, level, and feeder plans. Aug. 2009: Implementation of grade configuration changes.	Goals for implementing grade level changes include increased academic and extra-curricular opportunities for students, improved curriculum alignment, and successful transitions for students between all levels. Grade level changes are being made in order to accomplish the following objectives: • Encourage more students to complete Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and dual enrollment college classes, • Better prepare students for post-secondary challenges and options, • Assure more students complete high school, • Design graduation requirements that present students with additional pathways, and • Potentially create more early childhood education opportunities.	(1) DISTRICT GRADE CONFIGURATION IMPLEMENTATION INFORMATION: • Monthly Updates (Sept. 2007 - April 2008) • Funds available (121 KB) for schools to plan, implement grade level changes (Jan. 2008) • Site Readiness Plans (overview and process (18 KB) , elementary (163 KB) , middle level (192 KB) , high school (187 KB) plans) • Grade Configuration Implementation Plan (87 KB) (Dec. 07) • List of Issues, Concerns, Questions & Suggestions, grouped by schools, feeders, levels, and district • Grade Configuration Implementation Committee Members (25 KB)  (Aug. 07) • Timeline (20 KB)   for Grade Configuration Changes (Aug. 07) • Meeting Schedule (64 KB) for Committee (Sept. 07) Information and questions: mortega@psdschools.org or call 490-3011 (2) STAFF MOVEMENT INFORMATION: • February 2008 Staff Movement Update (98 KB) • December 2007 Staff Movement Update (71 KB)   (87 KB) • Responses to Frequently Asked Questions from Staff (142 KB) (Nov. 07) • Personnel Advisory Committee Minutes & Teacher Meeting Schedule (127 KB) (Sept. 07) • Personnel Advisory Committee Minutes (94 KB) (Oct. 07) • Teacher Licensure (188 KB) & qualifications for Grade Level Changes (Sept. 07) • Personnel Movement Planning & Goals (79 KB) (Sept. 07) • Personnel Movement Timeline (18 KB) (Sept. 07) Information and questions: ashore@psdschools.org or 490-3123 (3) MIDDLE SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT: • Middle School Transition Video (April 2008) • Esstential Components of Successful Middle Schools (chart (79 KB)   and detailed information/definitions (117 KB) ) • Inventory of Current Jr. High Practices (95 KB) (as PSD moves toward Middle School model) (Sept. 07) • Middle School Committee Members (62 KB) (Sept. 07)

The Grade Configuration Implementation process is dynamic and the timeline and information are being updated periodically to reflect changes, as needed.