Nonpublic School Recognition Training 2016
Resources 23 Illinois Administrative Code - http://www.isbe.net/grants/html/np_recognition.htm Illinois School Code www.ilschoolcode.edu Non Public Recognition page (forms and resources) - http://www.isbe.net/grants/html/np_recognition.htm
Contacts ISC 2 (West 40) (708) 449-4284 Mark Klaisner (mklaisner@west40.org) Richard Erdman (rerdman@west40.org or 708-990- 7616) ISBE (217) 524-4832 Gary Greene (ggreene@isbe.net) Melina Wright (mewright@isbe.net)
AGENDA I. Process and Tools Overview II. School Visit Components III. Reporting IV. Example Scenarios V. Logistics VI. Resources VII. Q & A Saved at www.isbe.net/grants/html/webinar_archive.htm.
What s New Probe has been revised, so use the 19-page one marked (lower left corner) ISBE 91-04A Nonpublic School Evaluation Instrument (10/16). Probe has items now for bullying policies and autoimmune injectors. Nutrition questions have been revised. Glossary has been revised and expanded; USE THE GLOSSARY! (http://www.isbe.net/nonpublic/pdf/np-eval-instglossary.pdf) Non Public School Recognition
Process Overview 1 ISBE is required to have a voluntary process for nonpublic schools. (105 ILCS 5/2-3.25o) Nonpublic recognition is similar to but more limited than public school recognition the visiting team looks at four areas: (23 Illinois Administrative Code Part 425.30) Administration (including written policies) Education program Personnel Health and safety
Process Overview 2 ISBE notifies schools scheduled to be visited by letter in the fall. ISBE/ROE/ISC/Contractor (hereafter, contractor ) schedules visits December-April. Contractor acts as ISBE s representative and heads a small visit team. Team conducts the visit, following the nonpublic probe. Visit dates, any materials collected during the visit, and completed reports will be submitted to ISC 2 (West 40). There are pitfalls to avoid this topic is coming up soon in this presentation!
Setting up Visits Contractor follows-up from initial letter to schedule visit (via phone call and/or email). Give proposed date to school. Be persistent and set a date. Don t let the school put it off. Confirm visit date in writing with copy to ISC. Let ISC 2 (West 40) know of issues in scheduling or repeated or last minute cancellations.
The Visit Team According to 23 IL Admin Code Part 425.40(a)(2), the visit team shall include at least a representative of the State Superintendent, a representative of a public educational entity such as a school district or regional office of education, and either a representative from another nonpublic school OR an individual who is familiar with the nonpublic educational milieu.
Tools for Visits (http://www.isbe.net/grants/html/np_recognition.htm) Evaluation Instrument (the probe ) Glossary Nonpublic School Visit Team Assignments DCFS Mandated Reporter Form (CANTS 22) School Drill Document Annual Review Report for State Fire Marshal
School Visit Components Conduct an Entrance Conference with all parties; consider having a tour of the school. This is an opportunity for observation and to ask questions. Make team assignments covering the sections of the evaluation (use the Nonpublic School Visit Team Assignments sheet) Conduct visit Complete the electronic probe based on team member findings Conduct an Exit Conference
School Visit Components Exit Conference Walk the school staff through the completed probe, discussing any issues and how they can be resolved. Do NOT discuss the school recognition status or potential status ISBE decides this after reviewing the visit materials and reports. If there are deficiencies, encourage resolution within 30 days so the final version of the probe can be as clean as possible. Try to leave a copy of the probe with the school before leaving; otherwise, send probe to the school within two weeks.
Most Common Findings & Responses Section I Administrative Requirements Daily Attendance: the policy must specifically require daily attendance rather than just regular attendance Missing Children Act: procedures on flagging current or former students; copies of reviewed or adopted policies and procedures
Most Common Findings & Responses Section II The Educational Program Patriotic items: These are only required if the school receives public funds that is, a check. Very few nonpublic schools receive public dollars. Health topics: topics must be covered in all grades except as noted
Most Common Findings & Responses Section III Personnel Missing or lack of fingerprint-based background checks on certified and non-certified personnel: Copies of live scan receipts Sex offender data sheets not available: Printouts from the Illinois sex offender website Missing evidence of freedom from communicable diseases for new employees: Copies of receipts and/or results
Most Common Findings & Responses Section IV Health and Safety Annual Review Compliance Report not submitted to the State Fire Marshal: Complete and submit report
Completion Procedures Contractor files with the school a DRAFT report within two weeks of visit. If there are any findings School has 30 days to respond (to Team Leader); Team Leader alters probe contents to reflect any deficiency resolutions made by the school. Failure of school to respond within 30 days could result in a pending or probationary status. Based on the communication between school and the Team Leader, a Final Report is filed (to ISC 2 and school via email) within 40 days of visit.
Processing Pitfalls 1 These are common reasons a report will be returned to the team for revisions. General Report is not a form that can be edited (do NOT send a scanned copy) No compliance box checked or both yes and no checked for the same item Dates missing where required Evidence missing where not obvious (e.g. local fire authority report) Non Public School Recognition
Processing Pitfalls 2 These are common reasons a report will be returned to the team for revisions. Cover Page RCDT code missing Team member information missing or incomplete Signature line filled in (do NOT sign the probe) Final Pages indicating as a recommendation what is actual a deficiency Non Public School Recognition
Scenario 1 - Building and Fire Safety Review Check List You reviewed report of the local inspection of the building, and the report indicates various citations. The School Administrator emailed that the citations are now corrected. How would you handle this situation? Which response seems the best choice?
Poll 1
Scenario 2 School Safety Drills In each academic year, schools must conduct a minimum number of various safety drills. The school submits a copy of the annual report to each party that participates in the annual review process and to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. What would you do if 1. The school did not conduct a bus drill because the school does not transport their students? 2. The school conducted only two school evacuation drills, did not conduct a tornado drill, and did not submit an annual review compliance report?
Poll 2
Scenario 3 Student Records There are various requirements involving student records that led to three items on the compliance probe. The school indicates that it believes this should be N/A box for each of the three student records requirements. The principal said the school applied and received waivers for the student records requirements. How would you handle the situation and what is required for each question?
Poll 3
Payments Logistics $500 upon report submission and an approval check Travel reimbursement may be available under limited circumstances. Pre-approval is required for any expense. Team Leader submits invoice to ISC 2 with final nonpublic report ISC 2 sends payments on a monthly basis Report any issues with a school to ISC 2 Failure by the school to set up visit Last minute or repeated cancellation of visit Failure to respond to findings within the requirements of the rules (either late or incomplete) Other noteworthy issues from the visit or issues that might threaten the safety of students
Questions?