No Child Left Behind

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Yesterday I found GreatSchools.net while searching for info on my cousin's high school graduation. This is a great website. I learned where DD's school stands in relation to the state, as well as neighboring schools. It also outlines the education bill Pres. Bush signed in to law, in Jan. 2002, a measure that allows students to transfer to other schools, whether it be within the same school district or in another school district, if there are not performing well.

So I need to ask- Has anyone done this, transfered out of the school district where you reside for the benefit of your child's education? I'm considering pulling DD out of her current middle school, where test scores are very low and she doesn't seem to do as well as I think she could. She's never seemed to fit in (it's an urban school and she spent 3 formidible years in the 'burbs) Placing her in a school closer to where I work, one is the same district where she attended grades 1 through 3, would be ideal, as when the opportunity arises we would be moving back in to that area.

I was wondering how to go about requesting this change. The website says I should have a discussion with the principal of the current school, but I feel so distant from the administrators since we moved here. The school year ends on the 18th here (later than other in the county). Is it possible to make the change over the summer.

Open to any advice. Thanks.

 

[Megan's Mom]

It's my understanding that in order to be able to move your child the school district that you are in has to be on the state caution or alert list. At least that is how it is in Alabama. If schools don't perform at a certain level on state standardize test for a specific number of years without improvement then you can move if the ethnic balance won't be messed up. there are all kinds of hoops that you have to go through. On the surface they tell you that you can mmove but then you learn all these conditions. It might not be the same in your state. I would start out talking to the school guidance counselor she/he might be able to give you some information without having to go to the principal or assistant principal. Hope this helps.

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

first you need to know if the change is actually possible. what's the law in your state? what's school district policy?

here on Long Island you have to show proof that you RESIDE in the district in order to enroll your child in a school in the district.

if you don't reside in the district but have managed to enroll your child anyhow you will be charged tuition.

the No child Left Behind legislation does not become effective for several years, so state law and local policy governs "school choice" issues.

 

[gepetto]

you can't just walk into the school tomorrow and demand that your child be transferred based on NCLB.

Even if your school is eventually deemed a "failing school" by the government, they are not required to allow you to transfer children out unless the school has made no progress for 2 consecutive years.

 

[disneyfanforever]

I think it depends on your specific county and state. I know in the district I live in in Arkansas, there are choices available between the three main districts in the metro area. We have the options of 1) majority to minority transfers (which depends on the race of your child and the dominant race of children in that district), 2)School choice transfers (which I believe is just when you say you want your child to go to another school in a different district for which you will provide transportation, I have heard these are more difficult to get) and 3)Magnet school transfers. I hope everything goes well for your child. It sounds like you are very interested in her education.

 

[catherine]

Thank you for posting the link. We are currently living in the Uk, but my DH is originally from CA. We are planning on relocating back to CA in the next couple of years and need to check out schools for my 2 DD's, so this info. will be very helpful.

Thanks,
Cat.

 

[katerkat]

Originally posted by gepetto
you can't just walk into the school tomorrow and demand that your child be transferred based on NCLB.

Even if your school is eventually deemed a "failing school" by the government, they are not required to allow you to transfer children out unless the school has made no progress for 2 consecutive years.

Yep. (Or, at least, in Mississippi.) MS just started the official testing this spring, and school will receive their Annual Yearly Progress report this summer. (AYP is is measured by testing at least 95 percent of a school in reading and math. The results are then broken down into nine different possible groups of students, including one group which is composed of all students.)
If a school fails to make AYP for two consecutive years, three “school improvement” phases are enacted. First, the school is required to offer public school choice, and must spend a maximum of 20 percent of the district’s Title I allocation for transportation and/or supplemental services.
Phase two offers corrective action. Phase three involves a plan for alternative governance of the school and putting such a plan into action.
If a school makes AYP for two consecutive years while undergoing the phases, state officials begin a corrective action plan, starting with offering parents school choice.

 

[laceemouse]

We used to live in Jacksonville, Fl. and had the choice to pick schools based on the same things that disneyfanforever listed. Here we have NO choice but to attend the school your house is zoned for (except private schools.) All of the schools here have good test scores, but when we moved here 3 years ago we studied them and bought a house near the schools with THE best scores. There are things I HATE about my house (it is on a busy road) but we bought it for the schools. I would start by talking to the administators at the school your DD attends now. Even in a "poor" performing school their are good and not so good teachers. If you tell them about your concerns you may get the better teachers next year (the squeeky wheel gets the grease!) If things don't improve, I personally would do my research and sell my house if that's what it took to get the best schools for my kids! We can live where we want to after they are done with school, my youngest is starting kindergarden next year so that will be a while! Good luck!!!