The following document is a guide for parents to explain School Choice and Adequate Yearly Progress under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

What is School Choice?

School Choice means that a parent may choose to send their child to another school, as specified by the district, or keep their child at their current school.

Why does my school get School Choice?

The only schools that currently qualify for School Choice are those that receive federal money called Title I funds for school improvement programs. Because these schools receive federal funds, they must follow additional guidelines under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, including offering School Choice if a Title I school does not make Adequate Yearly Progress for two years in a row in the same subject.

What is Adequate Yearly Progress?

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) is a major accountability component of the federal education reform law, No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). AYP measures how well schools and school districts help all students reach the education standards that Oregon has set. Oregon's AYP calculation is based on more than 60 different criteria, which include student performance on state standards tests, how many students took the test, and the school's attendance rate. In addition, the calculation divides the results of students into groups based on race, special education status, language and economic standing. If any one of the 60 criteria does not meet AYP, then the entire school receives an AYP rating of Not Met.

What does not meeting AYP mean?

If your child's school receives an AYP rating of Not Met for two years in a row in the same subject area, parents now have the choice of transferring their child to another public school as designated by the district. Although any school may receive a "Not Met" AYP rating two years in a row, the opportunity to choose another school when that happens only applies to schools that receive federal Title I funds.

What school choice do I have?

The district sends out a notification to parents of those schools that are now under federal sanctions for public school choice. This notification includes a list of public school options for the parent to choose from. The list of possible schools that each parent receives is based on geographic area, transportation, and possible services being provided at their child's current school.

What if we enroll our child midway through the school year, do we get School Choice?

Yes. If you are new to the school, you will be informed of your choices. If you are enrolling your child at school outside of the listed transfer times, then you will have up to five days to make your decision to use School Choice. Please be aware that while you are making your decision, your child will not be attending classes until you specify a school.

Will my child get bus service to the transfer school?

Yes. Students who are eligible for school choice will receive transportation to their selected school unless they are within walking distance of the selected school. "Walking distance" is specified by state school transportation law. Transportation will be provided to your child's transfer schools as soon as possible; however, it does take time for our district to plan the bus route. Occasionally, there is a delay before a regular school bus is available for your child. If a regular school bus route cannot be established on the day of enrollment for beginning the next day, you may provide transportation to his/her transfer school. This district has a commitment to encourage attendance each and every day of school and will work with you to help ensure that your child is able to attend the school you choose as soon as possible.

What if I transfer my child, but then decide I don't like the new school? Can I change my mind?

You may enroll your child back in your neighborhood school at any time. However, it is important to consider that interruptions in the education process, like changing schools, may have a negative impact on learning. You will be strongly encouraged to have your child continue in the school until the end of the school year or at the very least, until the end of the current grading period.

What if my child's neighborhood school makes AYP?

If a school that is under federal sanctions, receives an AYP rating of Met for two years in a row , then the sanctions are lifted. This means the option for parents to send children to another school is no longer in effect.

Can my child stay at their transfer school even if their local school has met AYP?

Students that transferred to other schools while their neighborhood school was under sanctions, may remain at their transfer school. However, the district will no longer provide transportation.

What if we move while my child attends the transfer school?

If a family moves out of the boundary for a school that is being sanctioned, and moves into an area in which their local school is not under sanctions, then the School Choice option is no longer in effect. The student may continue to attend the transfer school; however, the district will no longer provide transportation.

What if the transfer school is also sanctioned at a later date?

If a student's transfer school does not meet AYP for two years in a row in the same subject and is sanctioned, the same school choice options go into effect. The parents will be notified and a list of school options will be included. Parents may either choose to send their child to one of the listed schools, keep the child at the transfer school, or return the child to their neighborhood school.

What if my child receives special education or bilingual services?

When providing a list of options of possible schools, the district has taken specific programs/services into account. The list of choices are based on services being provided to the students at their neighborhood school. In many cases, however, special services may simply not be available unless you remain in your neighborhood school. As parents, in collaboration with personnel from your school, you'll have to decide if the value of the services unique to your child's needs available at your neighborhood school outweighs the opportunity you may have to select another school.

Who can I call if I have more questions?

The district strongly encourages parents who are considering school choice to talk with their child's current school principal.