Date: 02/08/2006
Final
Fifth-Year Programs
COMMITTEE ON JOINT EDUCATION
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07:45 AM
The meeting was called to order by the co-chairman, Representative Merrifield.
07:45 AM
Mike Poore, representing Sheridan School District, Scott Mendelsberg, former principal of Lincoln High School in Denver Public Schools, and now with the Gear Up Program, and Brad Jupp, representing Denver Public Schools, were asked to come to the table together to discuss their perspectives and experiences in offering "fifth-year" programs for their high school students. Mr. Poore discussed the origins of the program that Sheridan School District has had in place since 1998, and spoke about creating opportunities for students who have not previously had such opportunities. He testified that this type of program establishes a transition to postsecondary work. He discussed the positive impact he has seen in his school district. He acknowledged some critiques that such programs do not have sufficient rigor, and described the high level of rigor that he sees in his program. He said that he feels the program could be structured to address concerns about the fiscal impact. He stressed the importance of support for at-risk students from local high school. He also noted that he has been hearing from school superintendents across the state showing interest in this type of program.
07:52 AM
Scott Mendelsberg, former principal of Lincoln High School, spoke about his experiences at Lincoln High School and said that students who have hope to go to college do fine, but those without hope struggle. In regard to the fiscal impact, he testified that it would ultimately cost more not to offer and support the students who are served in such a program. He said that prior to implementing the fifth-year program at Lincoln High School, only 17 percent of the graduating class went on to college, which increased to over 70 percent once the program was undertaken.
07:55 AM
Brad Jupp, representing Denver Public Schools, said that he brought a policy perspective regarding the programs. He said that the new Denver Plan, and the commitment that accompanies it, has brought a great deal of optimism in Denver Public Schools (DPS). He reminded the committee that DPS offers five different types of diplomas. Mr. Jupp commented further on the success of the College Now program at Lincoln High School. In 1994-95, the program served 40 students, which increased to 130 students in the 2004-05 school year.
08:01 AM
Representative King asked Mr. Poore about the requirements under Sheridan's program. Mr. Poore said that the program allows seniors to tailor a program to take some classes at Sheridan High School, and some possibly at Arapahoe Community College. Marcia Caldwell, counselor, Sheridan High School, responded to questions regarding credit requirements and the remediation included in the school's course offerings. She said that most of the students do not start the 20th Century diploma until a fifth year and may enroll for up to six years. Mr. Mendelsberg commented further on remedial classes and said that at Lincoln High School, the goal was to offer remedial classes as electives. Mr. Poore discussed the positive impact of his diploma program on the district's "remediation rate."
08:12 AM
Representative King said that he supported accelerating the type of program that Sheridan High School and Lincoln High School have into a four-year program. Senator Windels asked what other types of support that students in the program receive. Ms. Caldwell said that the students indicate that the college adviser and the high school counselor are very important resources in their transition to postsecondary work. She commented further on college orientation courses that students take.
08:15 AM
Mr. Mendelsberg spoke about the communication and support that the students need to persist in college. Committee members asked about the need to educate parents so that they can support their students. Mr. Mendelsberg spoke about the hope that parents have for the students in the program. Mr. Poore indicated that in his district, he hopes to begin educating parents and developing the support system beginning in 9th grade. In responding to questions, Ms Caldwell said that at least 50 percent of the students who receive the diploma end up with an associate's degree. Others pursue four-year degrees.
08:21 AM
In response to questions, Mr. Poore said the Sheridan School District has continued the program and continued to count the students in the program its enrollment, knowing that the Colorado Department of Education may audit the district and make the district liable for funding. Mr. Poore said he feels there is still confusion about the State Board of Education policy. Representative Coleman commented on the state audit that was conducted in 2001. She specified that the audit at that time urged that students' work not be interrupted and indicated that legislation may be needed. Committee discussion continued. Mr. Mendelsberg spoke about the potential impact of a fifth-year program on discipline issues.
08:28 AM
Pamela Suckla, Chair of the State Board of Education, stated that the board does not have an official position on the status of fifth-year programs. She explained that board members support such programs, and are only divided on the interpretation of the statutes. She said that they would all like to see these types of programs continue. Further, Ms. Suckla said that the board would like new dollars to go to funding students in these programs. Additionally, she added that the board supports equity for all students and for making these types of programs available across the state.
08:32 AM
Representative Paccione asked questions about the interpretation of current law. Ms. Suckla spoke about the impact of student identifiers and the reporting that was not available before now. This system allows for tracking of students funded and enrolled in such programs. There was further discussion of the recommendations of the Legislative Audit Committee in 2001. Ms. Suckla said that the interpretation of the department at the time was a recommendation to "grandfather" in the current students, but for school districts not to continue this type of program. Subsequently, the State Board passed a rule prohibiting the practice.
08:37 AM
Dr. William Moloney, Commissioner, commented on the discussion that CDE and CCHE had with the Legislative Audit Committee in 2001. He testified that committee members at the time had requested a rule change. Jared Polis, State Board member, commented further on the direction received from the Legislative Audit Committee. He reminded the committee that school districts had authority to make their own graduation and diploma requirements. Rico Munn, State Board member, commented further on the types of programs at Lincoln High School and Sheridan High School. He noted the wide agreement on the value of the programs, while noting that determinations need to made regarding how to fund them.
08:41 AM
Karen Middleton, State Board member, emphasized the need to look generally at K-16 programs and the need to support for counseling and student support services. She said that she hoped that any new initiatives would not be too narrowly tailored. Representative Coleman discussed her goals for new legislation and her commitment to students. On behalf of the board, Ms. Suckla asked for legislative assistance in going forward on the issue of fifth-year programs. Senator Windels commented on the possibility of suspending the rule in question to support current students.
08:46 AM
Ms. Suckla said that the board did not foresee trying to discontinue the current programs. She further indicated that school districts had reassured the board during consideration of the issue at fall meetings of the board that they had been looking at outside sources of funding for these students. Mr. Munn commented further on the rule in question.
08:50 AM
The committee adjourned.