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•DIVISION OF INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

6.0 Series

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6.0 Division ofInstructionalSupport Services

RegulationNumber

6. I

6.26.3

6.46.5

6.6

6.76.8

6.96.10

6.11

6.126.13

6.14A6.14B

6.14C

6.140

6.14E6.14F

6.14G

Subject

Baltimore City Policies and Procedures for PublicLaw 94-142Parent Surrogate ProceduresComplaint ProceduresDue Process Hearing Procedures •Identification and Placement of HandicappedStudentsTransportation Guidelines: Special EducationStudentsStudent Attendance Policies and ProceduresForeign Students - Admission and WithdrawalPolicies and ProceduresReporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect •~--Student Tuition - Rates, Policies and ProceduresRegulations Regarding Home and Hospital InstructionAttendance of Chronic Health Impaired StudentsUse of SH-19Suspensions and Expulsions - Purpose and BackgroundPolicies and Procedures - Regulations GoverningSuspensions and Expulsions (Section 507 - Rules ofthe Board of School Commissioners) •Disciplinary Removal and Suspension Forms and1ettersSuspension Services Procedures and Suspension FlowChartExpulsion Procedures and Expulsion Flow ChartSuspension/Expulsion Procedures for HandicappedStudentsProcedures For Review of Expelled Students' CasesFor Possible Reinstatement Into BCPS •

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Regulation •______ t--'-N~u~m!"_be~r!.___ _+------------'S'..!:u~bilj~ec~t~----'-------=

6.0 Division ofInstructionalSupport Services

Policies and Procedures - Suspected Abuse and Neglectof Students by School Personnel

6.20 School Health Committee: Functions andResponsibilities

6.21 Procedural Guidelines for Developing and ImplementingCompetitive Proposals

6.14H

6.141

6.15A

6.15B6.15C

6.16A6.16B6.16C6.1606.176.17A6.17B6.17C6.18

6.19

Procedures for Review of Expelled Students' Casesfrom Other LEAs Requesting Admission to BCPSProcedures for Reinstatement of Suspended StudentsReturning From Commitment to Juvenile InstitutionsStudent Records - Purpose, Definition, Contents,Management of Funds, Access, Release of Information,etc.Student Records - Transfer ProceduresProcedures For Record Transfers Between BaltimoreCity and Baltimore County School SystemsHome Instruction Program - Purpose and BackgroundHome Instruction Program ProceduresLetters and FormsHome Instruction BylawsImmunizations and Health ScreeningsImmunizationVision and Hearing ScreeningsScoliosis ScreeningSchool Psychologists Role in Assessing Studentsfor Special Education

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BCPS 6.1

BALTIMORE CITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC LAW 94-142PRIVATE AND PAROCHIAL PARTICIPATION - (34CFR76.650-662)

Baltimore City Public Schools assures that handicapped children in privateschools and facilities will be provided special education and related servicesat no cost to their parents or guardian, when such children are placed in orreferred to such schools or facilities by the city, and that in such instancesthe Maryland State Department of Education shall determine whether such schoolsand facilities meet State standards and that children so served have all therights they would have if served in a public education agency facility.

1. When a handicapped child is offered a free appropriate publiceducation in a public education agency that is readily accessible to his/her home community and the parents waive that opportunity in favor ofprivate school placement, the parents shall assume full financialresponsibility for the child's education.

2. If a parent contends that he/she has been forced, at the parent's ownexpense, to seek private schooling for the child because an appropriateprogram does not exist, and Baltimore City Public Schools disagrees,that disagreement and the questions of who remains financiall responsibleis a matter to which the due process procedures apply.

3. When a handicapped child is placed in a private school or facility bya Baltimore City Public School, the Division of Pupil Services andSpecial Education shall take steps to assure that the child has allthe rights he/she would have if educated in a public school.

4. Provision will be made for private schools to receive a copy of theDivision of Pupil Services and Special Education's procedures.

5. Opportunity must be provided for private school participation indevelopment and revision of standards relating to special education.

6. Provision must be made that programs and projects which are carried outin Baltimore City Public School facilities, and which involve jointparticipation by handicapped children enrolled in public schools, willnot include classes that are separated on the basis of school enrollmentor children's religious affiliation.

7. Baltimore City Public Schools will implement the policies and proceduresrelative to Placement in Private Schools in accordance with the fulllegal mandates.

8. The Division of Pupil Services and Special Education will undertakemonitoring activities to assure policy implementation in accordancewith State legislation and other administrative policies/procedures.

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BCPS 6.1

BALTIMORE CITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PUBl.IC LAW 94-142FACILITIES, PERSONNEL AND SERVICES - (34 CFR 300.223) •

Baltimore City Public Schools insures that a description of the kind andnumber of facilities, personnel, and services necessary to meet the goal offull education opportunity is maintained.

1. Special Services Information System (SSIS) procedures will establishinformation relative to the number of students requiring services andthe numbers and kinds of services needed. Specifically, SSIS datawill be utilized to:a. Determi ne the areas of necessary changes in services andresources to handicapped children.b. Determine the service delivery systems which provide the mosteffective services at the least cost.c. Provide a basis for the ongoing planning and qua Iity improvementof special education programs.

•--2. Computerized printouts will show the numbers and kinds of staffs needed

to meet the full education opportunities for handicapped children.a. A computerized model will be developed annually and updatedas needed.b. The specific names and facility locations will be available on

a computerized staffing plan and updated as needed. •PUBLIC CONTROL OF FUNDS - (34 CFR 76.301)

Baltimore City Public Schools insures that proper fiscal control, disbursementand accounting procedures exist to ensure that funds and title to propertyacquired with federal funds are administered properly and in compliance withfederal and state mandates.

1. Plans for the use of federal funds will be submitted to and approvedby the Maryland State Department of Education.

2. Quarterly Financial Reports for all Local Pass Through and StateDiscretionary funds will be submitted to the Maryland State Departmentof Education for monitoring .

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BCPS 6.1

BALTIMORE CITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PUBL LAW 94-142EXCESS COST - (34CFR 300.182-136; 229) •

Baltimore City Public Schools insures that Part Band P.L. 89-313 funds will beused only for the excess cost of providin9 special education and relatedservices to handicapped children.

1. Plans for the use of Part Band P.L. 89-313 funds will be submitted toapproved by the Maryland State Department of Education. •

2. Monitoring procedures by Maryland State Department of Education willreveal that Part Band P.L. 89-313 funds are expended over and beyondthe use of local funds to provide education and related servicesfor handicapped children.

NONSUPPLANTING - (34CFR 300.230)Baltimore City Public Schools insures that Part Band P.L. 89-313 funds will beused to supplement and, to the extent practical, increase the level of stateand local funds expended for the education of handicapped children, and in nocase to supplant state and local funds.

1. Reports submitted to the Maryland State Department of Education willshow maintenance of effort by the Baltimore City Public Schools.

2. Plans for the use of Part Band P.L. 89-313 funds will be submittedand approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.

3. Monitoring and evaluation procedures by the Maryland State Departmentof Education will reveal that state and local funds are not supplantedby Part Band P.L. 89-313 funds.

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BCPS 6.1

BALTIMORE CITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC LAW 94-142COMPARABLE SERVICES - (34CFR 300.231) •

Baltimore City Public SChools insures that Part Band P.L. 89-313 funds are notused to provide services to handicapped children unless local and state fundsare used to provide services to those children which are at least comparableto services provided to other handicapped children in the public school system.

1. There will be no discrimination in the services to handicappedchildren as a function of funding sources. •2. Comparable services will be provided to handicapped children regardlessof fundin9 source.

INFORMATION REPORTS - (34CFR 76.301(c) (4) (i); 720-722)

Baltimore City Public Schools insures that necessary reports will be providedto the Maryland State Department of Education as required to carry out theState's responsibilities. ~

1. Records will be gathered and maintained in the Pupil Services,Special Education Office as illustrated in the Annual LocalApplication.

2. Records and other requested information will be forwarded to theMaryland State Department of Education upon request.

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BCPS 6.1

BALTIMORE CITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC LAW 94-142FISCAL RECORDS - (34CFR 76.301(c) (4) (ir); 730-740 •

Baltimore City Public Schools insures that records which demonstrate compliancewith program and fiscal requirements will be maintained and accessible to theMaryland State Department of Education.

1. Appropriate records will be maintained in the Pupil Services, SpecialEducation Office and the Division of Budgets and Management forBaltimore City Public Schools.

2. Upon request, records will be made accessible to the Maryland StateDepartment of Education. •

LOCAL POLICIES CONSISTENT WITH STATE/FEDERAL REGULATIONS (34CFR 76.l01(e) (1)

Baltimore City Public Schools assures that the administration of each programis done in accordance with all applicable statutes, regulations, state plansand applications.

1. Policies and procedures written for Baltimore City Public Schoolswill be in accordance with statutes, regulations, state plans andapplications.

2. Practices related to educating handicapped children in Baltimore CityPublic Schools will be in accordance with statutes, regulations,state plans and applications.

FULL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GOAL - (34CFR 300.222)Baltimore City Public Schools shall make available free public programs for allhandicapped children including those who are severely handicapped.

1. Full implementation of the full educational opportunity goal is aconstant goal.

2. The Baltimore City Public Schools will implement the policies andprocedures of this section in accordance with the full legal mandates.

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BCPS 6.1

BALTIMORE CITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE PUBLIC LAW 94-142PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT (34CFR 300.224; 380-387)

Baltimore City Public Schools shall develop and implement a comprehensive systemof personne l development including in-service training for regular educators,special educators, ancillary staff, special services personnel and parents.Baltimore City Public Schools shall:

1. Establish a personnel development plan which:a. Includes an efficient delivery system within specified time1ines.b. Identifies competencies needed by general and special administrators

and educators, support staff and parents, etc.2. Conduct and analyze the results of a needs assessment system to determine

in-service requirements citywide, and shall:a. Review existing needs assessment processes and available data.b. Modify the above and devise new processes as warranted.

3. Prepare a personnel development plan encompassing both preservice andinservice programs and accordingly:a. Convene representatives of appropriate agencies for input into the

personnel development plan.b. Detail the populations (by number and position) to be trained through

the plan. (This includes administrators, teachers, aides, foodpreparation staff, architects, parents, et a1.) who are engaged inthe education of handicapped children.

4. Disseminate instructional materials and programs as needed and at alevel that is practical in terms of available funds.

5. Establish an evaluation model which will assess the overall effectivenessof the comprehensive system of personnel development and shall:a. Incorporate the evaluation model in all aspects of the comprehensive

system of personnel development.b. Use the results of the evaluation in modification of the personnel

development plan and its delivery.6. The Division of Pupil Services and Special Education of Baltimore City

Public Schools will develop its training priorities through a processof identifying and assessing needs of schools with respect to require-ments of P.L. 94-142.

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BCPS 6.1

•BALTIMORE CITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC LAW 94-142 •PRIORITIES - (34CFR 300.225; 320-324)

Baltimore City Public Schools has established priorities for the provision ofa free appropriate public education to all handicapped children. The firstpriority is to serve all handicapped children who are not now receiving aneducation. The second priority is to serve those children within each disability,with the most severe handicaps, who are receiving an inadequate education.

A. The priorities specified by Baltimore City Public Schools are as follows: •1. By September 1, 1979, all handicapped children, ages 0-21 shallhave available to them a free appropriate public education.

2. By September 1, 1980, all handicapped children, through age 20, shallhave available to them a free appropriate education. (Article 77,Section 1060, 1976 Supplement, Annotated Code of Maryland).

B. Direct and support services to be provided with the City's share of theformula grant will be directed to:1. First priority, including Child Find, Preschool, and Interagency •

support services. .2. Second priority, including severe communication disorders and

interagency support services.C. The procedures used for the determination of inadequately served

children are based on reviews of SSIS reports monthly.

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BCPS 6.1

BALTIMORE CITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC LAW 94-142PARTICIPATION IN REGULAR EDUCATION (34CFR 300.227; 550-556) •

Baltimore City Public Schools insures that to the maximum extent appropriate,handicapped children are educated with children who are not handicapped, andspecial classes, separate school or other removal of handicapped children fromthe regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity ofthe handicap is sich that education in regular classes with the use ofsupplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily. This •policy insures:

1. A continuum of alternative placements is available to meet the needsof handicapped children for special education and related services andshall include, but not be limited to:a. Instruction in regular classesb. Itinerant instructionc. Resource roomsd. Special classese. Special schoolsf. Home instructiong. Instruction in institutionsh. Instruction in hospitals

2. Educational placement of each handicapped child:a. Is reviewed at least annually, andb. Is based on his or her individualized educational program.

•3. Unless a handicapped child's individualized education program

requires some other arrangement, the child is educated in the schoolwhich he or she would attend if not handicapped.

4. In selection of the least restrictive environment, consideration isgiven to any potential harmful effect on the child or on the qualityof services which he or she needs.

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BCPS 6.1

BALTIMORE CITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC LAW 94-142VOCATIONAL EDUCATION/CAREER EDUCATION - (34CFR 300.305) •

Baltimore City Public Schools assures to handicapped children, as well asnon-handicapped children, the availability of a variety of eduction programsand services in the area of art, music, industrial arts, consumer and home-making education, and vocational education (specially designed, if necessary).

1. Educational programs and services available to non-handicappedchildren will also be available to handicapped children inaccordance with their IEP's. •

2. Handicapped children will not be prevented solely because of theirhandicap, from participating in programs and services available toto non-handicapped children.

See also "Guidelines for Special Education Students Applying forVocational Education Programs" in Programs ~ Citywide Schools.Directions for Applying. •

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BCPS 6.1

BALTIMORE CITY POLICIES ANO PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC LAW 94-142CHILD roENTIFICATrON (34 CFR 300.220) •

Baltimore City Public Schools assures that all children birth-21 residing inthe city who are handicapped, regardless of the severity of their handicap, andwho are in need of special education and related services are identified,located, and evaluated, and a procedure is developed and implemented todetermine which children are currently receiving needed education and related •services and those which are not.

1. Baltimore City Public Schools will conduct a citywide awarenesscampaign for the identification, location, and evaluation ofhandicapped children from birth to 21 years of age.

2. The Office of Special Education Procedural Safeguards, ChildFind Unit will coordinate the Citywide Child Find effort.

3. A 24-hour Child Find Hotline and TTY number for the deaf (396-8919)will be maintained to respond to requests for information concerning •special education programs and services.

4. Printed materials pertaining to Child Find will be disseminateo on acitywide basis to all public and private agencies that serve children.

5. The publicity and information campaign to extend the identification,location and evaluation of handicapped childre~ will be an ongoingactivity through the use of multiple dissemination techniques.

6. Acting as an information and referral service within the BaltimoreCity Public Schools, the Child Find, Parent and Community RelationsUnit will refer requests for information to the appropriate office.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Baltimore City Public Schools insures that provisions are made forparticipation by teachers, parents, interested agencies, organizations, andother individuals in the planning for and operation of each program.

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BCPS 6.1Page - 2 •

Each year, the public is invited to attend and give input at an openmeeting on the distribution of PL 94-142 and PL 89-313 federal funds forprograms and services for handicapped children in Baltimore City.

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BCPS -6.1

BALTIMORE CITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC LAW 94-142PARENT INVOLVEMENT - (34 CFR 300.226) •

Baltimore City Public Schools insures that provisions are made for parentparticipation and for consultation with parents or 9uardians of handicappedchildren in meeting the Full Educational Opportunity Goal.

A Parent Information and Training Center has been established to promote andencourage a parent leducatorl community partnership in planning for handicapped •students. This Center coordinates and provides training for parents, respondsto parent inquiries, and serves as a resource base for school and communityservices.

In addition, a Parent Advisory Council for Exceptional Children providesinformation about available programs, resources, and services to parents ofhandicapped students in Baltimore City. •The Child Find, Parent and Community Relations Unit regularly schedulesworkshops and conferences that are relevant for parents of special students.

NONDISCRIMINATION (34 CFR 76.500)

Baltimore City Public Schools assures that programs will operate in compliancewith federal statutes and regulations regarding nondiscrimination on the basisof handicap, race, color, national origin, and sex. •

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BCPS - 6.2

PARENT SURROGATE PROCEDURES

DIVISION OF INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Federal and State Legislation regulating the identification, evaluation or educationalprogram and placement of handicapped children requires parent involvement throughoutthe educationai decisian-making process. Written consent of the parent is required forassessment as well as for placement in special education.

Maryland By-Law (COMAR 13A.05.01.08) recognizes and accepts as "Parent"

a child's natural parent;a guardian;a person acting as a parent of a child such as a relative or a step-parent withwhom the child lives, including those relatives or step-parents who are fosterparents; orany other individual who is legally responsible for the child's welfare.

The Division of Instructional Support Services, Baltimore City Public Schools, mustrequest the approval of a parent surrogate for children: (1) who are without parents asdefined above or whose parents are unable to represent them because of certain circum-stances, and (2) who have been identified or who are suspected of being handicapped andare eligible for such representation. A parent surrogate is a person appointed by theState Superintendent to act in place of a parent in the educational decision-making pro-cesses related to a particular child.

Referral af Children in Need of Parent Surrogates

Referrals of such children shall be made by forwarding a completed Request farParent Surrogote Form - ARD Appendix A to the Office of Special Education Proce-dural Sofeguords, Child Find, Parent and Community Relotions Unit. (See ottachmentIF 1)

I. Guidelines ta Determine Child's Eligibility

The following guidelines sholl be used to identify children who are potentiolly eligi-ble. The following meets the eligibility criteria.

A child under the age of 21 who is identified os educationally hondicopped and inneed of special education or a child suspected of being handicapped and in need af specialeducation through established Baltimore City Public Schools' procedures:

• whose parents are unavailable or unknown as established by the failure of reason-able efforts of a public agency to discover the physical whereobouts of the child'sparents ar to identify the child's parents; or

who is a ward af the state; or

who is in the care and custody of a state ar county agency or official and neitherparent of the child can participate in the educational decision-making process due to:

- prolonged hospitalizatian or institutionalization- prolonged serious illness or infirmity

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BCPS - 6.~

2

- extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of parents- failure of the parents to participate after repeated attempts to involvethem over a long period of time. The failure of a parent to cooperateis not a basis for requesting a parent surrogate unless it can be docu-mented that the parents have failed to participate after repeated effortsover a long period of time.

•II. Documentation of Reasonable Efforts to be submitted by the School

When a child is in the custody and care of 0 state or county agency or officials andthe natural parents whereabouts are known, all reasonable efforts to involve them must bemade and records maintained of those efforts in the student's file. Reosonable effortsinclude some combinotion of the following, as appropriate, which are routinely performedby school stoff.

contacting the agency with responsibility of caring for the child or known rela-tives of the child, and other persons interested in the childtelephoning the parentsending general delivery and certified letters with return receipts requestedvisiting the parentgiving timely notice to parents of meetingsscheduling meetings at a mutually agreed upon time and placefully informing the parent of his/her rights in the special education decisian-making processarranging for interpreters for the parent who is deaf or whose native language isother than English

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Copies of records or of a dated chronological summary of attempts to involve the par-ent, as appropriate, must accompany the Request for Parent Surrogate Form.

III. Requirements for the Parent Surrogate

Qualifications

A person who wishes to be appointed a parent surrogate must complete the ParentSurrogate Application. (See Attochment 2). A person may moke applicotion if he/she:

is 21 years of age or older, andhos no interest thot conflicts with the interest of the child, andhos knowledge ond skills that insure odequate representation of the child or willporticipote in training offered by Baltimore City Public Schools to insure adequaterepresentation of the child, andis not an employee of a public agency involved in the education of the childentrusted to that parent surrogate.

•IV. Duties and Terms of Office

Once appointed, the parent surrogate acts in place of the parent and is to be accordedall rights to which the natural parent is entitled in identification, evaluation, placement,and provision of a free appropriate public education. Refer to the Division of InstructionalSupport Services' ARD Manual for a full listing of parent rights and responsibilities (ARD •Appendix K - Attachment 3). The Manual is available in each Baltimore City Public School. -

EjCP~ - 6.2

The school in which the child is enrolled os well os all other oppropriate partieswill be notified by copy of the letter from the State Superintendent of the appointmentof the parent surrogate.

IThe school as well as the ARD committee sholl monitor the parent surrogate perform- Ionce and duties, and in any situation where there is question as to the adequacy of Ithe parent surrogate's representation of the child, the Child Find, Parent and Commun-ity pelations Unit, Baltimore City Public Schools, must be notified - 396-8918).

The terms of the parent surrogate's appointment to represent a child will continueuntil:

the child is no longer in need of special educationthe parent of the child resumes the responsibilitythe parent surrogate resignsthe appointment of the parent surrogate is terminated by the State Superintendent,Maryland State Department of Education upon determination that representationof the child is inadequate.

Schools are encouraged to recommend persons who are interested in applying. Theperson who is recommended to represent a specific child may be a foster parent, or onagency representative who is interested in the child and who is not on employee of theBaltimore City Public Schools or any interested person who meets the eligibility require-ments.

V. Recommendation of Schaal for Parent Surrogate

1. If the applicant is interested in representing a specific child, on applicant (Attach-ment 2) should be accompanied by the completed Request for Parent SurrogateForm (Attachment 1).

2. If the applicant is interested in representing any eligible child, only the Applicationfor Parent Surrogate Form (Attachment 2) should be submitted to:

Division of Instructional Support ServicesChild Find, Parent and Community Relations Unit

200 E. North AvenueBaltimore, Maryland 21202

VI. Appointment of the Parent Surrogate

The Division of Instructional Support Services, Child Find, Parent and CommunityRelations Unit, sholl screen applications for Parent Surrogates, secure all other requireddocuments from other agencies, troin applicants as appropriate, match surrogates tochildren as necessary, and submit the Request and Application Form simultaneously to theState Superintendent for final determination of the child's eligibility and approval of theparent surrogate recommended to represent the child.

The Office of Child Find, Parent and Community Relations Unit, contingent uponthe timely receipt of documentation from other agencies, will forward the completedapplications to the State Superintendent within 20 working days of request.

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BCPS - 6.2

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Copies of the finol action of the State Superintendent will be forwarded to thechild's school of enrollment for inclusion in the student's file. •

Pleose contoct the Office of Special Education Procedural Safeguards, Child Find,Parent ond Community Relations Unit, 396-8918, if there are any questions in regard tothis matter.

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BCPS - 6.2Attachment 111

SUBJECT Request for Parent SurrogateMEMO

NAME &TiTlE

School #

CITY of--+-------------------1 BALTIMOR.EAGENCYNAME &ADDRESS

DATE:

TO Office of Compliance, ChiJdfind,and Parent Relations

2300 North Calvert Street 21218

I. Name of school staff person requesting a parent surrogate _

Position School # School Phone # •II. Name of child _ Pupil #~O!!!Ol!.0"=__ _ DOB_J..-.....L. __

Residing with -::::::::-;:;-:::::=,..",""''''' _name of person !facility

Phone # _ Relation _

Address __ -::::::;- = -,=,.- ---,,::--.- _street city state zip code

Social Worker ~ _ Agency _

Address _ Phone # _

SexMale Female

Check handicapping condition, if established__ Mentally Retarded

__ Hard of Hearing

__ Deaf

__ Speech/Language Impaired

__ Visually Handicapped

__ Emotionally Handicapped

__ Orthopedically Impaired

__ Other Health Impaired

__ Specific Learning Disabilities

__Multihandicapped

__ Deaf/Blind

•Race

__ American Indian or Alaskan Native

__ Asian/Pacific Islander

__ Black/Negro (Not of Hispanic Origin)

__ White (Not of Hispanic Origin)

__ Hispanic

Native Language _

current program/level of service date of most recent ARD

I t I. Reason for request (Check appropriate block for both parents.]

o Parentts] Unknowno Parentis) Unavailable-Deceased

o Parentts l Unavailable-Geographic Whereabouts Unknown

o Guardianship with State Agency or State Official

•IV. Complete, if applicable.

The following person is interested in representing this child as a parent surrogate.

Name _ Phone # _

~L::R~Ec:.V.:.. _

Address -== -:= -:;= ~;;;;-:::;;;;:;-----street city state zip code

ARDAPPENDIX N •

Wnite-ARD Folder veucw-Orttce of Compliance, Childfind, and Parent Relations

BCPS - 6.2

Attachment 1/2 •MARYLAND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONDivision of Special EducationParent Surrogate Application

Name _ Horne WorkPhone Phone _Address _ Employer _

Employer Address _ •Current Occupation _Related Education to the Handicapped:

Related Work or Experience With Handicapped:

Do you have knowledge and skills in the fOllowing areas:Federal and state educational rights of handicappedchildren; P.L. 94-142, Maryland Bylaw 13.A.05.01. •

Yes No - Evaluation/testing procedures;Yes No - Program placement options (levels of service);Yes No - Multidisciplinary team/ARD process;Yes No - Development of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP);Yes No - Procedural safeguards including due process;Yes No - Parental rights and responsibilities; •Yes No - An overview of handicapping conditions;

List specific handicaps with which you are familiar,i.e., mental retardation, blind, deaf:

MSDE/SPED 13500-01-1/83

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Parent Surrogate Application (2)

Yes No-- - The structure and procedures of the agency educatingthe child;

Yes No - Legal resout-ces avanable to parents on the local,state and federal level; and,

Yes No - Knowledge of the child you will represent, ifperti nent.

Are you above the age of 21? Yes NoHave you ever represented a child in the identification, evaluation, andplacement process? __ Yes __ NoExplain:

Are you an employeechildren? YesIf yes. 1ist : _

In matching a child with an appropriate parent surrogate, efforts are made totake into account language and racial or cultural identity of the child andassigned parent surrogate. Please indicate any relevant information aboutyourself to assist in this process.

of a state or local agency involved in the education ofNo

Occupation _How long have you known this person? _Date of Application ___

MSDE/SPED 13500-01-1/83

CITY OF BALTIMORE

WllllA~1 DONALD SCHAEFER, Mayor

BCPS - 6.2Attachment #3

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTDIVISION FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN2300 North Calvert Street. Baltimore. Maryland 21216

•PARENTS' RIGHTS

DURING INITIAL PLACEMENT PROCEDURES, YOUR RIGHTSARE AS FOLLOWS

Your.written permission must be secured beforeyour child is assessed.You are to be afforded the opportunity to beinformed of the results of assessment.You have the right to reguest an independentevaluation paid by the Baltimore City PublicSchools.You must be informed of and invited by writtennotice to partlcipate in Admission, Review andDismissal Committee "meetings which address yourchild~s special educational needs.You must be notified when an IndividualizedEducation Program (IEP) will be written foryC"-- child and you may participate.IYOu must sign the IEP before the progra~ can

be initiated.You must give your consent before your childmay be placed in an exceptional children'sprogram.You must consent before information regardingyour child's s~ecial educational needs aresubmitted to the Maryland State Department ofEducation ...Your child's IEP is subject to annual reviewby the ARD Committee and you must be informedin writing of the results of any review~

DURING APPEAL PROCEDURES, YOU HAVE THERIGHT TO:

You have the right to request a hearing when-ever the ARD Committee proposes to or refusesto change the identification, eval~ation oreducational placement/?rogram of your Child.Examine school records concerning yeur child.(The right may be exercised at any time byappointment).Appeal the BCPS' denial of a free independentevaluation.An interpreter or translator as needed.Determine whether the hearing will be closedor open to the public.Advice of counsel and representation bycounsel at the hearing. •Bring the child to the hearing.Keep the child in his/her current educationalplacement unitl all due process hearingappeals have been completed.Written notification about the hearing inyour primary language or mode of communicatioTPresent evidence and testimony.Prohibit the introduction of any evidencewhich has not been disclosed to you at least(5) days prior to the hearing.Cross-examine and challenge all testimonypresented during the hearing.Receive a copy of the hearing deicision ....Receive a verbatim transcript of the hearingat reasonable cost.

•Appeal the decision of the hearing officeror hearing panel.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - _._._._.- - - - - - --I have been informed by the Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee of my rights 'as a parenta' have received 8 r::rpy of those rights.\.

DateChild's NameWhite - ARD Folder

Parent's SignaturePink - Parent •

9/85 1j!:_'J_, __ I

t _

ARD APPENDIX K

BCPS - 6.3

CITY OF BALTIMOREDEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION •

WILllA.\·l DO~AlD SCHAEFER, Mayor

ASSISTANT SUPERI>lTENDENTDIVISION FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN2300 North Calvert Street. Baltimore. Maryland 21218

BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLSDIVISION OF INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDSCOMPLIANCE UNIT

COMPLAINT PROCEDURES •The Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS), Division of InstructionalSupport Services, Office of Special Education Procedural Safeguards is prOVidingthese complaint procedures as a mechanism for receiving, reviewing, investigatingand resolving complaints regarding handicapped children. A complaint is analleged violation of both procedural and substantive provisions of PL 94-142 andCOMAR l3A.05.0l. The Complaint Procedures may occur prior to a request for dueprocess hearing.

Procedural and substantive violations are listed below. This list presentsexamples and is not exhaustive.

Procedural 'Substantive •Timeline Violations: Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

Screening Individualized Education Program Content

Assessment Least Restrictive Placement

IEP Development Confidentiality of Records

IEP Implementation

Placement Informed Consent

Child Identification •Protection in Evaluation

Parent Surrogate

Parents are encouraged to discuss their concerns regarding their child withthe school principal or other designated staff. If the concern is not worked outsatisfactorily by the principal or designated staff, the parent or his/herrepresentative should refer the matter to the Compliance Unit.

Complaints are received in the Compliance Unit, Division of InstructionalSupport Services from parents, principals, ARD members, advocates, MSDE, andother 'public and private agencies. Complaints are accepted by telephone or inwriting. When a complaint originates by telephone, the originator is requestedsubmit a written follow-up t~ the Compliance Unit. •to

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BCPS - 6.3Complaint ProceduresPage - 2 •If assistance is needed in writing a complaint, a staff member will helpduring an office meeting.

If the complainant who is not a parent or legal guardian requestsinformation (school records, etc.) a written authorization to release suchinformation must be signed by the parent or legal guardian. Release of ConfidentialInformation Form is available in the Compliance Unit.

Upon receipt of a complaint from any of the sources listed, the ComplianceUnit will log in the complaint on the date of receipt and assign the case to a managerno later than the third day. Within ten (10) days following receipt of thecomplaint the case manager will be in touch with the source (initiator) of the •complaint to identify the nature of the complaint. Following that, a formalinvestigation is conducted via contact with school staff and review of records.Feedback is provided to the parent with the aim of resolving the complaint.

If the complaint is resolved through negotiation the Compliance Unit shallsend a summary of the terms of agreement to the originator of the complaint and tothe BCPS staff responsible for implementation of the agreement. Within ten (10)days of agreement the Compliance Unit staff shall monitor implementation of theagreement and schedule follow-up monitoring activities as necessary. The casewill be closed when the agreed upon resolution is implemented.

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BCPS - 6.4

CITY OF BALTIMORE

WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Mayor

llEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT •DIVISION FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN2300 North Calvert Street. Baltimore. Maryland 21218

.BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLSDIVISION OF INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDSCOMPLIANCE UNIT

DUE PROCESS HEARING PROCEDURES

The Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) Division of Instructional •Support Services is providing these procedures as a mechanism for requestinga due process hearing.

Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) hearing procedures are initiated bya written request from

- the parent- the legal guardian- the parent surrogate*the advocate, agency representative, or a third party

* (Supporting documents are requested) •Within two (2) school days, the Compliance Unit

- acknowledges receipt of the request- request school records by phone and memo_ notifies City Solicitor by memo and copy of letter- assigns to Case ManagerUpon receipt of school records, the Case Managercollects data pertinent to the hearing request through review of theschool records

_ discusses and clarifies the issues with the parent, advocate, citysolicitor, BCPS personnel and other involved agency personnel •

_ identifies pertinent compliance issues and refers for corrective actions(individual case or systemwide).

Simultaneously, Case Manager and clerical staff initiate the following:

- schedules the hearing- confirms the hearifg date with all parties_ secures a hearing officer in rotating alphabetical order from the listBCPS maintains

- secures a room for the hearing- confirms taping of the hearing through media- sends confirmation letter of above activities to all parties

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BCPS - 6.4

Due Precess Hearing ProceduresPage - 2 •

Negotiation is a major activity prior to a formal hearing. BCPS iscommitted to the negotiation process wherein parents and educators work togetherto resolve procedural safeguards issues. Many concerns raised about the child'sschool program can be dealt with and resolved to the satisfaction of all partiesthrough negotiation. Negotiation may include:

- the initiation of screening;- scheduling of ARD review for the purpose of review of handicapping •condition, IEP Content, related services content or to consider additionalassessment, placement, modifications

- waiver of local level hearing.Negotiations may occur between the City Solicitor's Office and counsel forparent and child, Compliance Unit staff and parent or counselor any othercombination. If cooperative agreement is reached:

_ the terms, including the parent's approval of withdrawai of thehearing request, are written .the parent signs the agreement indicating concurrence with the terms ofthe negotiation

- the signed agreement is sent to the student's school of enrollment to become ~a part of the student record·the Compliance Unit:- directs appropriate staff in implementation of the agreement- monitors implementation until full implementation.of the agreement isconfirmed

If the cooperative approach to planning breaks down, the hearing will proceedas scheduled to ensure compliance with the 45 day timeline for receipt of thedecision. This timeline starts with the date of receipt of the written request.

The hearing is a formal procedure before a state approved Impartial Hearing.Officer. Due process means fairness in the way a decision is made. It meansfollowing fixed procedures. Each party is allowed an opportunity to represent hiS.Qr her point of view through documents submitted in evidence and oral testimony.Maryland State Law requires that documents to be submitted in evidence and notice ofnames of witnesses to be called must be submitted by each party to the hearing nolater than five (5) days prior to the date scheduled for the hearing. BCPS is re-quired to compel the attendance of BCPS employees and/or their representatives whomthe parent requests to appear as witnesses.

All parties may have attorneys or advisors and therethe presentation of testimony and for cross examination.are taped.

is full opportunity fThe hearing procedures

Following completion of the hearing, a written decision will be rendered. Acopy of the decision will be sent to both parties. If either party disagrees with ~the decision, the decision may be appealed by either party to the Maryland StateDepartment of Education (MSDE). If the decision is appealed, the child remainsin his or her current educational placement unless the parent and BCPS agree uponanother temporary placement.

BCPS - 6.4

Due Process Hearing·ProceduresPage - 3 •

In the event the ]CPS's position is upheld and the parent does not wish toappeal to the MSDE, the Compliance Unit in conjunction with the parent directsand monitors implementation of the hearing officer's decision. Upon confirmationof full implementation, the hearing case will be closed. Implementation mustoccur within 14 to 30 days of the receipt of the decision.

In the event a hearing is requested concerning a proposed placement actionand the child is not currently receiving free educational services, the hearingtimelines are expedited. Then the hearing is held within 20 calendar days of •receipt of the request, the decision issed within 15 days of the hearing, andthe decision implemented within 15 days of receipt of the decision. While in dueprocess the child shall be placed in a public school program. If the studentis in school, pending due process, the student remains in current program.

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BCPS - 6.5

•IDENTIFICATION AND PLACEMENT OF HANDICAPPED STUDENTS

Baltimore City Public Schools is obligated under federal and statelaw to identify, evaluate and provide a free appropriate publiceducation to all eligible handicapped children. Prior to referral toan Admission, Review and Dismissal committee students must be referredto either the School Promotional Committee or the Teacher AssistanceTeam. These teams will e:~plore alternatives that should be tried withthe student prior to referral for special education services.

Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) •In order to meet its mandate the Baltimore City Public Schoolsmaintains three types of admission, review and dismissal committees(Preschool, Building and Divisional). These committees serve with theauthority of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Committeesare composed of:

Chai rperson ~ (EI ementary - ARD Manager Secondary ~ Speci alEducation Department Head)

Individuals familiar with the child's current level offunctioning (these individuals include a special educator andother BeF'S interdi scipIinary personnel and heal th department •personnel) ;

Other public agencies, as appropriate

Potential service providers, as appropriate

Representatives from nonpublic schools or state funded oroperated institutions, where a student is currently beingserved.

The responsibilities of the ARD committee are to:

receive referrals and screen students

order appropriate assessments •determine eligibility for special education services

designate individuals to develop the IEP

approve the IEF'

determine special education placement

review pupil progress based on the IEP and make appropriatemodifications or recommend dismissal from service(s), whenappropriate. •

BCPS - 6.5Individualized Education Program (IEP)

BCPS pr-ocedures call for the rEF' to be developed within .30 ...calendar days of a stLldent~s eligibilIty meeting. The rEP is develop~In a meeting by:

r-epresentative of the BCPSparent or- guardian

child~s teacher(s)~ when appropr-iateIEP implementors, when feasible

The IEP must be developed~ approved by the ARD committee andsigned by the parents~ before services are initiated. It must beimplemented within 30 scho()l days after its approval.

The rEP must include: •A. A statement of the child~s speciallevels of educational performance;

education needs and present

B. A statement of annual goals, including short-term instructionalobjectives which must be measurable;

C. A statement of the specific education and related services to beprovided to the child, and the extent to which the child will beable to participate in general education programs;

D. The projected dates for initiation for services and theanticipated duration of the services; •E. Appropriate objective criteria and evaluation procedures andschedules for determining, on a least an annual basis~ whether theshort-term instructional objectives are being achieved; and

F. The per-esorics, ) (title) responsible for implementing the IEF'

For further information regarding the BCPS' ARD procedures, seethe BeF'S Gui del i nes and F'rocedu.res for Admi sst on 5 Rpvi pv'l and D1 smi ssa.lTeams.

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BCPS - 6.6

TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES: SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS •Transportation for Special Education students is to be provided as

a related service if a student requires such service in order tobenefit from special education. Transportation is defined a~.

(i) "Travel to and from school between school s,

(i i ) Travel in and around school buildings~ and(iii ) Specialized equipment (such as special or adapted buses~

lifts, and ramp ej if required to p r ov t do specialtransportation for a handicapped child (3c)O.13) " •Within the provisions of Public Law 94-142~ students enrolled in

Special Education programs are provided transportation service inaccordance with their Individuali=ed Education Program (rEP). MarylandPrograms for Handicapped Children COMAR 13A.05.01 states.... "transportation shall be pr-ovided in accordance with theindividualized educational program as determined by the Admission~Re v i ew and Dismissal Committee."

The provision of transportation services as a related service willbe considered on an individual basis by the ARD committee when:

1. a student identified as handicapped cannot access school in •order to receiVE special education SErvices.

a handicapping condition interferes with the stLldent~s abilityto attend school LInder tl,e same guidelines pr-ovided for non-handicapped students~ and

3. a student is not assigned to their zone school of attendance,and the distance to their assigned school exceeds the distanceto their zone scl,ool.

All handicapped students are not entitled td the related servicetransportation. This service is provided only wilen it is recommended~.nd ,O'lpproved by the ~~F:DCDmmittee. When t ran so or t at i n-, is recommended •it mLlst be noted on the IEP.

At the Annual Review IEP meeting~ all students will have theirserVIces reviewed. Students are recommended for placement in theschool closest to their zone school which can meet their specialeducation program needs identified on their IEP.

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S'IUDEm' ATrENDANCE

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

List of Contents

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I. Policy StatementII. Legal and School Board References

A. SChool Board Rule (Article 5, section 501)B. Compulsory AttendanceC. Disadvantaged ChildrenD. Handicapped Children

III. Systemwide DefinitionsA. lawful AbsenceB. Unlawful AbsenceC. Involuntary Absence

IV. Specific ProceduresV. Central Office SupportVI. Students over the Compulsory SChool AttendanceAge (CSA)

A. Students over CSAB. Returning PWs

VII. COOrdinating Responsibility

BCPS - 6.7

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-1- BCPS- 6.7.Revised 10/1/87

L POLICY STATEMENT

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Regular schaal attendance is expected of all studentsin the Bal.timore City Public Schools to insure both pupilsand the community receive and benefit from the availableeducational opportunities.

It is the responsibility of all appropriate schaalstaff to consider regular student attendance as a criticalpriority. BCPS staff is expected to make all reasonableattempts to assist students and parents in addressing thosefactors that cause students to be absent from school, •n:. COORDINATINGRESPONSIBILITY

A. The associate superintendent of the Division ofInstructional Support Services is assigned the primaryresponsibility for policies and procedures related tostudent attendance and for coordinating the schaalsyste m's attendance progra m,

m. LEGAL and SCHOOL BOARD REFERENCES

The procedures relate to several awJicable federaland state laws and school board rules as listed below. •A. SCHOOLBOARD RULE (SECTION501 - SCHOOL ATTENDANCE)

501.01 - The policies and practices of the Bal.timoreCity Public SChools with respect to the attendanceof students shall be interpreted in accordance withthe specific provisions and intent of the. af'Plicableportions of the public schaal la ws of Maryland.

501.02 - It is the policy of the Bal.timore City PublicSChools to implement as fully as possible the laws ofthe city of Bal.timore and the state of Marylandregarding the attendance of students in public schools.

501.03 - The public schools of the city of Bal.timoreshall:(l) attempt to identify promptly all students not incompliance with attendance laws.(2) report such identified students so that adequateinvestigations and research may be conducted todetermine the cause or causes of noncompliance.(3) institute such programs and services and make suchprogram and service changes as will attempt to reducesubstantially the amount of noncompliance.(4) work with and involve students, families, and thecommunity so as to maintain the highest pos;;ible levelof attendance.(5) enforce the laws to the fullest possible extentagainst those students, parents, and adults who fail tocomply.

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-2- BCPS - 6.7 •Revi sed 10/1 /87

B. THE COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW (

The compulsory attendance law of Maryland requires regularschool attendance of children between six and sixteen yearsof age. This law also sets forth the penalties forviolations of the law including a fine not to exceed $50.00PER DAY OF UNLAIoIWL ABSENCE OR IMPRISONMENT FOR UP TO 10DAYS. The fine applies to parents, guardians, or cu~todiansof the children. (State Law, Ann. Code -Educ. Article7-30ll

State law also specifies that appropriate educationalopportunities shall be provided for disadvantagedchildren. Note that this law requires the schoolsystem to offer educational opportunities for childrendefined as disadvantaged. (Fed. Law -The Elern. and Sec.Educ. Act)

•(C. DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN

D. HANDICAPPED CHILDRENLaws relating to the education of handicapped childrenrequire that appropriate educational programs be providedfor such children (from birth through age twenty.) (Fed.Law PL94-l42. Section 504 of the Vee. Rehab. Act. StateBy-Law 13.04.01, l3A.OS.Ol)

IV. SYSTEMWIDE DEFINITIONS•

The following official definitions for absenteeism shall beused by all public schools in Baltimore city. The examplesgiven are to assist teachers in determining whether an absenceis L, u, or I. THE LETTER CODES ARE TO BE RECORDED IN ROLLBOOKS. - ----- ---

A. Lawful Absence (Code "L") Lawful or legitimateabsence requires a written explanation from the parent,guardian, or custodian of the child. In certaincircumstances, notification tc, the school would come from anofficial agency. •Absence from school shall be considered lawful under thefollaNing conditions:1) Death in the immediate family.*

* "IIm1ediate family" shall be defined as including parent,grandparent, brother/sister, spouse, child, (including those in thegroup who are step-, half, blood, or foster relations). For death ofsuch family merrbers, a maximum of four school days will be consideredlawful. For all other relatives, a one-day absence shall beconsidered lawful. •

3) Detention at a facility such asthe Charles Hickey School orMontrose Center. (Schools arenotified of those students whoare detained, using the form"Action of Juvenile Court ofBaltimore City.")

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•-3- BeDS - 6.7Revised 10/1/87

2) Illness of the student. The principal may require aphysician's certificate from the parent or guardian of astudent reported continuously absent for illness. (nomeand hospital teaching should be considered in caseswhere chronic absence is alleged for health reasons.)

3) Court summons.4) Observance of religious holiday. •5) Appointment with doctor, dentist, clinic, etc.6) Emergency illness of the student's own child.7) Breakdown of school transportation vehicle.8) Violent storms: Violent storms shall be interpreted to

mean only those conditions of the weather which wouldendanger the health or safety of children in transit toand from school.

9) Work: When approved or sponsored by the school, or theschool system. •In cases where students have been lawfully absent, the school shall

make provisions for the availability of make-up work. Where make-upwork has been successfully completed, the student's grades shallreflect the completion of such work.

B. Unlawful Absence (Coded "U") Some explanations for unlawfulabsence may represent "real" reasons for the absence. Suchsituations require immediate and careful investigation. Interms of the attendance laws, they are not a lawful basisfor absence.Reasons for absence not denoted under "Lawful Absence"shall be coded as unlawful (U). •C. Involuntary Absence (Coded I)Examples of involuntary absence are:1) Disciplinary removal.2) Suspension proceeding.

-4- BCPS - 6.7Revised 1011/87.

V. SPECIFIC PROCEDURESA. The principal shall designate a staff member as the

school's attendance manager. This person will haveresponsibility for coordinating the school's attendanceprogram.

B. Any student arrlvlng in school later than a time pre-determined by the principal must obtain a late pass beforebeing admi~ted to any subject class. A late note may berequired for admission to school if a student arrives afterthe end of the first period. The school will keep a dailyroster of all students who obtain late passes. The dailyroster of late students shall be maintained by the schoolthrough the close of the school year. It is essential thata procedure be developed in each school which changes anabsence to a lateness.

•All schools must have a procedure for admitting students whoarrive late. The principal may require a note or phone callfrom the parent for those students continuously! habituallylate to school.

* C. Each homeroom or self-contained teacher shall submit a dailylist of absences to the principal at the end of homeroom. •* D. The attendance manager or designee will prepare a daily listof absentees and distribute it as appropriate, i.e., perclass section, grade level, etc.

E. Each homeroom teacher shall report in writing to theprincipal or a designee the full name and homeroom ofeach student absent for three days in any week (or a span offive school days.) The reason for the absence shall beindicated if known.

F. After three unexplained absences out of five on roll, theattendance manager or designee will communicate with thestudent" s home to ascertain the reason for the absence anddetermine whether additional assistance is needed. (Eachhome contact shall be accurately documented.) •

G. Teachers will regularly notify the attendance manager of thenames of students who begin to exhibit erratic attendancepatterns, e.g., five unexcused absences in a month.

H. After five unexcused absences in a month, the attendancemanager or designee shall request a conference with theparent to ascertain reasons for poor attendance.

* Applies primarily to secondary schools •

4. To make a referral for additional support/assistance, ifthis has not been done previously. (See item H2.)

K. If,after an attempt has been made to implement theattendance agreement and a referral has been made forappropriate support services and the informal hearing hastaken place, there still is no improvement in the student'sattendance (ex: five unlawful absences for the monthfollowing the informal hearing) and a satisfactoryexplanation is not available, the case shall be referredto court services for consideration of court action.

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- 5- SCPC - 6.7 •Rev; sed 1011/87

1. During this conference, a written agreement forimproving the student's attendance should becooperatively developed. It should include clearstatements regarding the responsibilities of allinvolved parties: parents, students, school personnel.The success of such a plan depends upon the commitmentof all parties involved.

2. In addition, at this point, strong consideration shouldbe given to referring·the case to BCPS support personnelor outside agencies such as outpatient counseling orDSS for additional support and follow up in appropriatecases. (For a list of available community supports youmay consider consulting a Gchool social worker, schoolpsychologist, guidance counselor or the Health andWelfare Council referral resource at 685-0525.)

•I. The attendance manager or a designee could be responsible

for the appropriate follow up regarding the school'sresponsibilities under the agreement: consultation withteachers/administrators or referral for support services.

{J. After two consecutive rronths of five unexcused absences or a

total of fifteen unexcused absences in a semester, theattendance manager shall set up an informal hearing,formally requesting the parent to appear. It is recommendedthat the hearing officer be the school administrator.copies of all correspondences sent to the horne should bekept by the attendance manager.

•This hearing is set up to address the following areas:1. To explain formally the legal requirements and

ramifications regarding school attendance2. To determine the nature of the breakdown of the

agreement (See items 47 and 48) and modify/amend itas appropriate. The hearing officer shall have theauthority to commit the school to support the agreement.

3. To develop/modify an attendance agreement, if this hasnot been done previously. (See item HI.)

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, L. Additional recommended activities/procedures

1. Develop a meaningful system of incentives2. Involvement and training of parents3. A student committee

4. A bUddy or peer facilitator system

5. Regular communications/publicity to studentsand parents

6. SChoolwide regular attendance recognitionassembly

7. Organized/structured staff involvementEx: Homeroom/classroom activities or projects

8. Quarterly and year-end awards

VI. CENI'RAL OFFICE SUPPORTA. Court/attendance services

a. Group-informal hearings - to be set up ona limited basis. (It is suggested that suchgroup meetings be schedUled prior to thesecond semester.)

b. Processing of court referralsc. Case/policy conSUltation

d. Speaking at other parent or student groupactivities such as PTA meetings and assemblies

e. Citywide hot-line for handling reports received fromoutside the system.

f. Systemwide pUblicity

g. Additional initiatives such as pilot projectsh. Assistance with student non-returns

i. Assistance with students out of compliance withimmunization requirements

B. Some limited social work services may be availablefor selected individual cases.

C. August dissemination to schools of 45 day printoutlisting of stUdents who were absent 45 days or moreduring the previous school year.

BCPS - 6.7Revised 10/1/87 •

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-7- BCPS - 6.7Revised 10/1/~

rVII. STUDENI'S OVER THE CCMPULSORY SCHOOL ATI'ENDANCE AGE

A. STUDENI'S OVER THE COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AGE

In accordance with school system's policy, no student maybe automatically dropped from the roll without first makingan effort to contact the home. For students who aresixteen years of age and older, the school shall send aletter to the student's home, indicating that if thestudent is not in school within ten days or the school hasnot been contacted by the parent or guardian, the studentwill be dropped from the roll. Readmission of such astudent is encouraged in appropriate cases. In such cases,it is recommended that a plan be developed in order toassist the student in achieving academic success. •HandicaPPed students are not excluded from the policy andprocedures outlined above. Given the unique nature of eachstudent's needs, the department head and/or ARD managershould work with the student, parents, or guardian andschool staff in ensuring regular attendance. Specificprocedures for working with non-attending handicaPPedstudents over the age .of 16 may be found in the ARDGuidelines ~ Procedures Manual, Section v, Pages 48-50. •B. RErtlRNING PERMANENT WITHDRAWALS (PWs)It is the responsibility of every school to assistreturning permanent withdrawals, especially those over thecompulsory attendance age of sixteen years, in locating anappropriate educational program. The school's counselingstaff should interpret Carnegie units and assist thestudent in choosing an appropriate program.It is anticipated that a dropout retrieval network will beimplemented during 1987-88. As soon as that programbecomes operational, the primary responsibility forinterviewing and referring PWs will be shifted to thenetwork. •

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BCPS - 6.8

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FOREIGN STUDENTS - ADMISSION AND WITHDRAWAL, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

1. Policy

As a matter of general policy, the Baltimore City Public Schools arepleased to provide educational opportunities for foreign students.However, consideration must be given to the educational backgroundof the foreign student and the availability of an appropriateeducational program in one of the schools. The extension of thiscooperation represents an important facet in the total governmentalprogram of international relations, especially in the matter ofcooperative programs having been developed between the United Statesand a foreign country. ~

No child or person shall be admitted to any day school program untilthe required forms have been received from the Office of StudentPlacement. Enrollment of a foreign student should not be considereduntil contact has been made with the Office of Student Placement sothat the facts attending each case may be reviewed.

The main items that must be considered in the case of each foreignstudent seeking admission are (1) visa status, (2) tuition payment,(3) availability of an appropriate educational program and (4) abilityto read, speak and write English sufficiently to progress in an appro-priate educational program. ~

II. Types of Visas

A. Student Visas1. Application

The BCPS is authorized by the Immigration andNaturalization Service to issue a specialstudent visa application, Form 1-20 A-B, calledthe Certificate of Eligibility. This form mustbe approved by the Immigration and NaturalizationService and presented to the Director of the Officeof Student Placement before enrollment Can take place. ~

2. Statew.ent of Agreement

With the cooperation, assistance, and approval of theImmigration Authorities, a Statement of Agreement hasbeen developed. TIlisStatement of Agreement must besigned by the non-immigrant foreign student applicantand the adult sponsor who will be responsible for thestudent and the student's tuition while the studentresides in Baltimore City. In fact, this statementmust be signed before an application for a studentvisa Can be considered.

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BCPS - 6.1l

-2- •Acceptance in the Baltimore City Public Schools is contingent upona foreign student applicant meeting each and all of the followingconditions, which are quoted from the Statement of Agreement:

"I must be able to understand English in termsof reading and writing and have a reasonableskill in speaking English."

"I must be engaged in a full program of studyconsisting of at least 15 hours per week ofclassroom instruction in a regular day schooloffering elementary and/or secondary education.Foreign students are not eligible for day-timecourses in Adult Education." •"I will be enrolled in a day program only, unlessspecial scheduling is necessary, arranged by thecounselor and approved by the principal at theschool where I am enrolled. I understand furtherthat a request for a student visa transfer to theBaltimore City Public Schools will not be honoredif my student visa was issued to permit me to attenda private school, private technical institution, ora college or university." •"I must be financially self-maintained and able topay full tuition fees. (Foreign students are noteligible for waiver of tuition.) The 1-20 A-B willbe rescinded and declared null and void if for anyreason the tuition is not paid in accordance withexisting policies. A copy of the current tuitionrates is attached. Out-of-state rates apply to allforeign students."

"I will not be allowed to work unless special per-mission is granted by the U.S. Immigration and Natural-ization Service. The only exception to this conditionis in work-study programs where the employment is directlyrelated to the school study program." •"I must provide the Baltimore City Public Schoolswith a transcript of my grades from my former schoolprior to enrollment and prior to acceptance as a non-resident foreign student. I will not be enrolled un-til my transcript has been evaluated (for comparisonto United States standard grades) by the BaltimoreCity Public Schools. No action will be taken on theapplication for a student visa until the transcript

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BCPS - 6.8

-3- •has been evaluated."

"I will not be enrolled in any Federal Aid supportedprograms; that is, programs that are supported inpart or in full by Federal funds.""Enrollment in a particular grade, class, and schoolwill be approved only if my age and maturity are com-patible with other students."

"Continuation of my student visa status requires asatisfactory school record in terms of achievement,attendance and deportment. An unsatisfactory recordin any of these areas will be sufficient cause forrescinding the eligibility."

•"I understand the points of agreement stated above andfurther understand that failure to comply with each andall of the points of agreement or any violation of thesepoints of agreement will be due and just cause for therescinding of my student visa status.

The above conditions have been developed as a result of our experiencesIiith foreign students. These conditions are required and assure a foreignstudent applicant of the best opportunity for academic success and accom-plishment. •3. Procedures

a. The Certificate of Eligibility (Form 1-20 A-B) iscompleted by the Office of Student Placement basedon the following conditions of admission:

(1) A full course of study (at least 12-15hours per week) is available in a givenschool.

(2) Tests will be administered where necessary todetermine the appropriate grade placement.Such tests are administered by the Office ofTesting and Evaluation, or by school basedstaff.

•(3) Tuition (using out-of-state, non-resident

rates) will be paid. In no case can thetuition be waived.

(4) Proof of the sponsor's ability to pay hasbeen received.

(5) Completion of a Statement of Agreement. •

BCPS - 6.8

-4- •b. The completed Certificate of Eligibility is fon;arded to

the student who must present it to the Immigration Author-ities. Certain additional information is entered on theCertificate by the Immigration Authorities and the Certif-icate is forwarded to the Director of the Office of StudentPlacement for enrollment purposes. The Certificate ofEligibility is in effect as long as the student is enrolledin a city public school. A student visa is issued for atwelve (12) month period of time. However, if the foreignstudent is expected to return to the city school the follow-ing September, the original Certificate remains in force. Ifthe student, who is expected to return to the school fails todo so, or the student completes his or her program of study.the school's copy of the Certificate of Eligibility must bereturned to the Office of Student Placement. The Office ofStudent Placement is responsible for reporting the terminationof the student visa status to the Immigration and NaturalizationService.

•A student must apply to the Immigration Authorities to extendhis or her time for continuation of an educational programbeyond the original date of completion stated on the Certificateof Eligibility, or to transfer to another school, or to accept,employment. Special permission to work or to accept employmentmust be granted by the Immigration Authorities because a personholding student visa status (a non-immigrant) is not permittedto work while in the United States. In certain instances,employment for practical training related to the studenfs fieldof study may be recommended by the schoOl authorities and the111U!ligrationAuthorities may permit employment for such a purpose.All types of employment must be approved by the lamigrationAuthorities. This approval must be presented to the Office ofStudent Placement.

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B. Tourist Visas •A foreign person who holds a Tourist Visa and who seeks enrollmentmay not be enrolled. A foreign person holding a Tourist Visa mayapply for a change of visa status to Student Visa status by contact-ing the Office of Student Placement.

C. Exchange Students

All exchange students must be approved by the Office of StudentPlacement. Foreign students who are 18 years of age or youngerand who are designated exchange students are those whose educationalprograms have been approved by a recognized agency, such as theAmerican Field SerVice, or by a governmental agency, such as the •

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United States Information Agency of the United States Government.TIlese students live with families in the city and are regarded asresident students. However, an exchange student living with personswho reside in a Nary land County but who, for good and sufficientreasons wishes to attend a city school, may also be regarded as aresident student upon receiving special approval from the Officeof Student Placement.

D. Permanent Visas

1. After a review of the visa credentials, if one or bothparents has a permanent visa and resides in BaltimoreCity, the child may be enrolled after permission hasbeen granted by the Office of Student Placement. Tuitionpayment or waiver is not required in this case.

2. If the child has a permanent visa but neither parent re-sides in the city, tuition payment or waiver of tuitionis required.

E. Refugee Visas

1. After a review of the visa credentials, if one or bothparents are classified as refugees and resides in Balti-more City, the child may be enrolled after permissionhas been granted by the Office of Student Placement.Tuition payment or waiver is not required in this case.

2. If the child has a refugee visa but neither parent livesin Baltimore City, tuition payment or waiver of tuitionis required.

F. Children of Parents Who Carry Student Visas

After a review of the visa credentials, if one or both parentsis/are on a Student Visa, and is/are not receiving a scholarshipfrom the academic institute in which he/she is/are enrolled orfrom an agency based in the United States, tuition will berequired. If cne or both of the parents is/are receiving ascholarship, as mentioned above, approval would be grantedwithout tuition payment. The parent(s) must reside inBaltimore City and the child(ren) must be able to speak, readand write English sufficiently to progress in an appropriateeducational program in order to be enrolled.

G. Children Whose Parents Are Exchange Students

After a review of the visa credentials, if one or both parentsis an exchange student, and if one or both parents live in thecity, and the child (ren) can speak, read and write English

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-6- •sufficiently to progress in an appropriate educational program,the child(ren) may be enrolled. No tuition is required, butenrollment must be approved by the Office of Student Placement.

III. Referrals

All referrals regarding foreign students should be made to the Officeof Student Placement. TIleOffice of Student Placement is located inRoom 106Q, 200 East North Avenue, 21202, 396-8603. The Office ofStudent Placement is the only office that makes decisions in regard toforeign student enrollment and tuition in the Baltimore City PublicSchools. •IV. On Ilay 28, 1981, the Board of School Commissioners recommended dayschool tuition rates. The rates apply to students whose parents/legal guardians are non-residents of Baltimore City. The ratestructure, approved by the Board of Estimates, applies to studentswho enroll after July 1, 1981.

ANNUAL RATES FOR ~VNUAL RATES FOR •HARYLAND OUT-OF-STATERESIDENTS RESIDENTS

Kindergarten $ 600 S 800Elementary $ 800 $1200Middle/Junior $1000 $1800Zoned Senior $1200 $2000City-wide/Vocational Technical $1500 $2200 •Handicapped

Levels I - IV $1600 $3000Level V $2000 $4000

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