No. 35875 (New Rule): Rule R277-497. School Grading System

(New Rule)

DAR File No.: 35875
Filed: 02/15/2012 03:50:50 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The purpose of this rule is to implement a school grading system consistent with Sections 53A-1-1101 through 53A-1-1113.

Summary of the rule or change:

This new rule provides Utah State Board of Education (Board) responsibilities to implement a school grading system with specific elements, provides responsibilities of local education agencies (LEAs), and provides responsibilities of schools.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 53A-1-1113
• Subsection 53A-1-401(3)

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

There may be costs to the state to develop, implement, and maintain the school grading system. Costs are speculative and will be absorbed by the Board within existing legislative appropriations and budgets.

local governments:

There are no anticipated costs or savings to local government. LEAs will provide data which will not result in any measurable costs.

small businesses:

There are no anticipated costs or savings to small businesses. This rule applies to schools in the public education system and does not affect businesses.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

There are no anticipated costs or savings to persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local government entities. The rule affects the state and local government and does not affect individuals.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

There are no compliance costs for affected persons. The Board and LEAs will work together to implement a school grading system to inform parents and the community about school performance.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

I have reviewed this rule and I see no fiscal impact on businesses.

Larry K. Shumway, State Superintendent

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Education
Administration
250 E 500 S
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111-3272

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Carol Lear at the above address, by phone at 801-538-7835, by FAX at 801-538-7768, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

04/02/2012

This rule may become effective on:

04/09/2012

Authorized by:

Carol Lear, Director, School Law and Legislation

RULE TEXT

R277. Education, Administration.

R277-497. School Grading System.

R277-497-1. Definitions.

A. "Board" means the Utah State Board of Education.

B. "LEA" means a local education agency, including local school boards/public school districts, charter schools, and, for purposes of this rule, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.

 

R277-497-2. Authority and Purpose.

A. This rule is authorized by Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3 which vests general control and supervision of public education in the Board, Section 53A-1-1113 which directs the Board to adopt rules to implement a school grading system, and Section 53A-1-401(3) which allows the Board to adopt rules in accordance with its responsibilities.

B. The purpose of this rule is to provide consistent definitions, standards and procedures for LEAs to report school data through a school grading system.

 

R277-497-3. Board Responsibilities.

A. Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Board shall implement a school grading system. The school grading system shall include the following elements:

(1) A report of school academic performance in language arts, writing, math, and science expressed in a grading system (A,B,C,D,F), for academic achievement including:

(a) student assessed proficiency, and

(b) student assessed growth.

(2) Academic achievement shall be based on:

(a) student performance on the Board-approved grade/subject level assessments, and

(b) college and career readiness indicators, such as graduation rates.

B. The Board shall use generally accepted standards of validity and reliability to determine the appropriate requirements for letter grades that combine to make up a school report through the school grading system.

C. Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year data, the Board shall:

(1) implement a school grading system that makes data and reports available to parents, educators and the public. The report shall include the elements described in R277-497-3A.

(2) School data and reports shall be available to parents, educators and the public through a public website that facilitates the comparison of public schools based on the school grading system and demographics.

D. The Board-implemented school grading system shall include test scores for students with disabilities consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. 1401(3).

E. After the 2011-12 school year, the Board shall:

(1) seek and review evaluation information on the calculations and methodologies used to determine academic achievement reports and consider modifications to refine and improve the process and availability of the information.

 

R277-497-4. LEA Responsibilities.

A. LEAs shall provide accurate and timely data as required under R277-484 to allow for the development of the school reports.

B. LEAs shall use the school reports as a communication tool to inform parents and the community about school performance.

C. LEAs shall ensure that the school reports are available for all parents.

 

R277-497-5. School Responsibilities.

A. Schools shall provide data for the school reports as provided in R277-484.

B. Schools shall cooperate with the Board and LEAs to ensure that the school reports are available for all parents.

 

KEY: school reports, grading system

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: 2012

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: Art X, Sec 3; 53A-1-1113; 53A-1-401(3)

 

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