Curriculum
The Common Core Curriculum is being used for each student and is adjusted according to the comprehensive grade levels for each student.
Students must demonstrate an appropriate degree of success in the classroom in order to be given opportunities to participate in other aspects of school life. Academic issues will be regulated as indicated in each area below:
Academic Probation and Dismissal
A Student may be placed on academic probation for the following reasons:
· two D’s or an F in any grading period
Students on academic probation and their parents will be required to meet with the principal to discuss the student performance and to devise a plan for improving their performance. Faculty members may be invited to this meeting to help in devising the plan. During this conference the following areas will be discussed:
· factors that are negatively impacting the student’s academic performance e.g. extra-curricular activities, learning problems
· steps will be outlined for dealing with each of the factors identified
· goals will be established to measure the student’s progress
As a result of this discussion, an academic contract will be written, which the student/parent/guardian will sign. If a student does not receive two D’s or an F in the following grade period, he or she will be removed from academic probation. If they do receive two D’s or an F, but fulfill the goals in their academic contract, they will remain on academic probation and another conference will be held to evaluate the academic contract and to set new goals. If a student remains on academic probation for more than two consecutive semesters, he or she may be held back a grade. Individuals will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Student Retention
The administrator and teacher may consider retention when a student does not meet the stated academic requirements for grade promotion. Requirements include student level of reading, regular attendance, satisfactory social, emotional, and physical development.
Principles of Professional Ethics & Conduct of the Profession of Education at Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy
PURPOSE:
To comply with the requirements established by the Florida Ethics in Education Act, Florida Statute §1002.421, through the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of a policy that regulates and creates ethical standards in employment and notifies all staff of their obligations to report child abuse.
APPLICABLE LAW:
Florida Statute §220.187 Florida Statute §1002.39
Florida Statute §1002.41 Florida Statute §1012.01
Florida Statute §1012.315 Florida Statute §39.203
Florida Statute §768.095 Florida Statute §1001.10(5)
Florida Statute §1012.315 Florida Statute §943.0542
DEFINITIONS:
A. “Staff with direct student contact” means any employee, volunteer, or contracted personnel, who has unsupervised access to a scholarship student for whom the private school is responsible.
B. “Teachers” means staff members assigned the professional activity of instructing students in courses in classroom situations, including basic instruction, exceptional student education, career education, and adult education, including substitute teachers.
C. “School administrator” includes:
1. School principals, school dean or school directors who are staff members performing the assigned activities as the administrative head of a school and to whom has been delegated responsibility for the coordination and administrative direction of the instructional and non–instructional activities of the school.
2. Assistant principals, assistant dean or other school administrators who are staff members assisting the administrative head of the school.
NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSE:
Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex (as determined at birth and not subject to change), ethnicity, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Standards of Ethical Conduct
Training Requirement All instructional personnel and administrators are required as a condition of employment to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.
Duty to Report Misconduct and Procedure to Report Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators
All employees and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors. Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to the Executive Director immediately. Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to Executive Director, as well as, the governing Board of Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy
Liability Protections
Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the department or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203)
An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S. 768.095)
MANDATORY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:
Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy seeks to express unconditional love to children and provide for their personal wholeness. This caring community seeks to prevent child abuse of any form to our children and youth and to be of assistance to victims of abuse and their families. Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy desires to be a safe place for all children and adults who attend any activity. Individuals they know and trust sometimes victimize children. The school is not immune to such abuse, either by its members or by those in leadership positions. Incidents of child abuse or neglect cut across racial, social, economic and religious boundaries. Although no organization or individual can assure complete protection, this policy, along with the policy of Suspected Abuse Reporting Guidelines contained in the Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy’s Safety Manual reflects Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy’s commitment to help protect children from harm.
Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy will not tolerate child abuse or neglect. Staff cooperation in this commitment not only reflects a concern about children’s safety in this society, but also a willingness to take steps toward halting child abuse and its detrimental effects.
For the safety and protection of our children and workers, all people who participate in Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy sponsored activities with children are required to comply with the guidelines provided in this policy in conjunction with the policy on Suspected Child Abuse in our Safety Manual.
If Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy receives an allegation of child abuse, it will respond with the utmost concern to the victim, parent, or other party making such an allegation. The accused will be treated with dignity and support. Without clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy’s personnel will assume that such complaints are made in good faith. Persons making such complaints should have no doubt that Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy takes them seriously and will take appropriate action.
When it becomes necessary to report suspected child abuse or neglect, the protection of children must be the most important concern. It is the legal responsibility of any person with responsibility for the care of children to report all cases of child abuse they observe, and further, to report visible signs of alleged abuse. Failure to report could lead to liability, both civilly and criminally, on the part of Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy, the observer or both. Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy has determined that it is the responsibility of the program staff to report all cases of suspected child abuse to the proper legal authorities.
What is reasonable suspicion? Reasonable suspicion means that there is credible evidence or a discrepant or inconsistent history in explaining a child’s suspected abuse.
A report based on reasonable suspicion does not require proof that abuse or neglect has actually occurred or that the reporter witnessed the incident in question. Reporting is not a determination that child abuse or neglect has actually occurred; rather, it is a request for an assessment of the condition of a child.
Because we believe children are our most important concern, Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy has adopted the following guidelines for reporting:
A. Treat each allegation of child abuse seriously.
B. Attempt to assure the safety and protection of persons who have been harmed.
C. Immediately begin documenting all procedures observed in handling the allegation.
D. Immediately notify the school administrator or director. The school administrator or director will, along with the reporting staff member, immediately report allegations to the Department of Children and Family Services.
E. Immediately notify the parents if it is not known that they have previous knowledge of the allegations, and allegations are not currently against them.
G. As appropriate, the school administrator shall immediately notify New World Leaders Academy’s insurance carrier of the possibility of a claim. If the abuse allegation does not implicate a Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy staff member or Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy volunteer, this step may be omitted.
H. If the accused has assigned duties within V, that person will be immediately relieved of his duties until the investigation is concluded.
I. V authorities should extend whatever care and resources necessary. In providing care to the principals (alleged victim and the accused) and their families, the pastor, ministry leader, and/or school authorities, should under no circumstances be drawn into a discussion of the truth or falsity of the allegation which could contaminate an official investigation. Do not assign blame or take any steps that involve establishing or negating the allegation.
J. It is appropriate to show care and comfort for the alleged victim. This should be the pastoral objective from the moment the allegation is received or otherwise made known.
K. Observe confidentiality for both the alleged victim and the accused until advised to the contrary by the school administrator.
L. Do not confront the accused until the safety of the child or student is secured.
M. Do not prejudge the situation, but take the allegations seriously and reach out to the alleged victim and his or her family.
N. Treat the accused with dignity and support.
O. If the media or other parties contact a ministry official or school authorities about a pending allegation of child abuse, they should be referred to the dean or school administrator. Only the ministry leader, school authorities, or their designees should make comments about the allegations, using a prepared public statement to answer the press and to convey news to the congregation, staff members and school personnel. The prepared statement shall be made only after consultation with Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy’s attorney and will include the steps that Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy has taken to protect children, such as the development and implementation of this manual, and the care and concern Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy has for all parties involved. The privacy and confidentiality of all involved shall continue to be of primary concern.
Important Contacts and Their Phone Numbers
National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD
Florida Child Abuse Hotline (800) 96-ABUSE (800-962-2873)
Department of Children and Services web site: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/
The Common Core Curriculum is being used for each student and is adjusted according to the comprehensive grade levels for each student.
Students must demonstrate an appropriate degree of success in the classroom in order to be given opportunities to participate in other aspects of school life. Academic issues will be regulated as indicated in each area below:
Academic Probation and Dismissal
A Student may be placed on academic probation for the following reasons:
· two D’s or an F in any grading period
Students on academic probation and their parents will be required to meet with the principal to discuss the student performance and to devise a plan for improving their performance. Faculty members may be invited to this meeting to help in devising the plan. During this conference the following areas will be discussed:
· factors that are negatively impacting the student’s academic performance e.g. extra-curricular activities, learning problems
· steps will be outlined for dealing with each of the factors identified
· goals will be established to measure the student’s progress
As a result of this discussion, an academic contract will be written, which the student/parent/guardian will sign. If a student does not receive two D’s or an F in the following grade period, he or she will be removed from academic probation. If they do receive two D’s or an F, but fulfill the goals in their academic contract, they will remain on academic probation and another conference will be held to evaluate the academic contract and to set new goals. If a student remains on academic probation for more than two consecutive semesters, he or she may be held back a grade. Individuals will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Student Retention
The administrator and teacher may consider retention when a student does not meet the stated academic requirements for grade promotion. Requirements include student level of reading, regular attendance, satisfactory social, emotional, and physical development.
Principles of Professional Ethics & Conduct of the Profession of Education at Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy
PURPOSE:
To comply with the requirements established by the Florida Ethics in Education Act, Florida Statute §1002.421, through the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of a policy that regulates and creates ethical standards in employment and notifies all staff of their obligations to report child abuse.
APPLICABLE LAW:
Florida Statute §220.187 Florida Statute §1002.39
Florida Statute §1002.41 Florida Statute §1012.01
Florida Statute §1012.315 Florida Statute §39.203
Florida Statute §768.095 Florida Statute §1001.10(5)
Florida Statute §1012.315 Florida Statute §943.0542
DEFINITIONS:
A. “Staff with direct student contact” means any employee, volunteer, or contracted personnel, who has unsupervised access to a scholarship student for whom the private school is responsible.
B. “Teachers” means staff members assigned the professional activity of instructing students in courses in classroom situations, including basic instruction, exceptional student education, career education, and adult education, including substitute teachers.
C. “School administrator” includes:
1. School principals, school dean or school directors who are staff members performing the assigned activities as the administrative head of a school and to whom has been delegated responsibility for the coordination and administrative direction of the instructional and non–instructional activities of the school.
2. Assistant principals, assistant dean or other school administrators who are staff members assisting the administrative head of the school.
NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSE:
Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex (as determined at birth and not subject to change), ethnicity, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Standards of Ethical Conduct
Training Requirement All instructional personnel and administrators are required as a condition of employment to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.
Duty to Report Misconduct and Procedure to Report Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators
All employees and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors. Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to the Executive Director immediately. Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to Executive Director, as well as, the governing Board of Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy
Liability Protections
Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the department or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203)
An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S. 768.095)
MANDATORY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:
Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy seeks to express unconditional love to children and provide for their personal wholeness. This caring community seeks to prevent child abuse of any form to our children and youth and to be of assistance to victims of abuse and their families. Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy desires to be a safe place for all children and adults who attend any activity. Individuals they know and trust sometimes victimize children. The school is not immune to such abuse, either by its members or by those in leadership positions. Incidents of child abuse or neglect cut across racial, social, economic and religious boundaries. Although no organization or individual can assure complete protection, this policy, along with the policy of Suspected Abuse Reporting Guidelines contained in the Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy’s Safety Manual reflects Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy’s commitment to help protect children from harm.
Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy will not tolerate child abuse or neglect. Staff cooperation in this commitment not only reflects a concern about children’s safety in this society, but also a willingness to take steps toward halting child abuse and its detrimental effects.
For the safety and protection of our children and workers, all people who participate in Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy sponsored activities with children are required to comply with the guidelines provided in this policy in conjunction with the policy on Suspected Child Abuse in our Safety Manual.
If Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy receives an allegation of child abuse, it will respond with the utmost concern to the victim, parent, or other party making such an allegation. The accused will be treated with dignity and support. Without clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy’s personnel will assume that such complaints are made in good faith. Persons making such complaints should have no doubt that Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy takes them seriously and will take appropriate action.
When it becomes necessary to report suspected child abuse or neglect, the protection of children must be the most important concern. It is the legal responsibility of any person with responsibility for the care of children to report all cases of child abuse they observe, and further, to report visible signs of alleged abuse. Failure to report could lead to liability, both civilly and criminally, on the part of Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy, the observer or both. Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy has determined that it is the responsibility of the program staff to report all cases of suspected child abuse to the proper legal authorities.
What is reasonable suspicion? Reasonable suspicion means that there is credible evidence or a discrepant or inconsistent history in explaining a child’s suspected abuse.
A report based on reasonable suspicion does not require proof that abuse or neglect has actually occurred or that the reporter witnessed the incident in question. Reporting is not a determination that child abuse or neglect has actually occurred; rather, it is a request for an assessment of the condition of a child.
Because we believe children are our most important concern, Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy has adopted the following guidelines for reporting:
A. Treat each allegation of child abuse seriously.
B. Attempt to assure the safety and protection of persons who have been harmed.
C. Immediately begin documenting all procedures observed in handling the allegation.
D. Immediately notify the school administrator or director. The school administrator or director will, along with the reporting staff member, immediately report allegations to the Department of Children and Family Services.
E. Immediately notify the parents if it is not known that they have previous knowledge of the allegations, and allegations are not currently against them.
G. As appropriate, the school administrator shall immediately notify New World Leaders Academy’s insurance carrier of the possibility of a claim. If the abuse allegation does not implicate a Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy staff member or Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy volunteer, this step may be omitted.
H. If the accused has assigned duties within V, that person will be immediately relieved of his duties until the investigation is concluded.
I. V authorities should extend whatever care and resources necessary. In providing care to the principals (alleged victim and the accused) and their families, the pastor, ministry leader, and/or school authorities, should under no circumstances be drawn into a discussion of the truth or falsity of the allegation which could contaminate an official investigation. Do not assign blame or take any steps that involve establishing or negating the allegation.
J. It is appropriate to show care and comfort for the alleged victim. This should be the pastoral objective from the moment the allegation is received or otherwise made known.
K. Observe confidentiality for both the alleged victim and the accused until advised to the contrary by the school administrator.
L. Do not confront the accused until the safety of the child or student is secured.
M. Do not prejudge the situation, but take the allegations seriously and reach out to the alleged victim and his or her family.
N. Treat the accused with dignity and support.
O. If the media or other parties contact a ministry official or school authorities about a pending allegation of child abuse, they should be referred to the dean or school administrator. Only the ministry leader, school authorities, or their designees should make comments about the allegations, using a prepared public statement to answer the press and to convey news to the congregation, staff members and school personnel. The prepared statement shall be made only after consultation with Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy’s attorney and will include the steps that Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy has taken to protect children, such as the development and implementation of this manual, and the care and concern Etta Mae Anderson Learning Academy has for all parties involved. The privacy and confidentiality of all involved shall continue to be of primary concern.
Important Contacts and Their Phone Numbers
National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD
Florida Child Abuse Hotline (800) 96-ABUSE (800-962-2873)
Department of Children and Services web site: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/