Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 356-X-6 — Instructional Philosophy

356 Alabama School of Fine Arts

Ala. Admin. Code r. 356-X-6-.01 Instructional Philosophy

(1) The ASFA's goal is to educate the child through a sound, well-balanced instructional program which promotes each child's social, mental, physical, and emotional development.

(2) The Board supports continuing efforts to accomplish this goal through design and supervision of a quality instructional program and seeks to create a proper instructional climate through provision of the best possible facilities, equipment, materials and staff.

History

• Authority: H.J.R. 145, September 17, 1971.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 356-X-6-.02 Basic Program

(1) The basic educational program for the ASFA is intended to provide for the maximum growth of all students. It shall be so developed that learning experiences will vary according to individual needs while providing all pupils with a basic body of understandings, attitudes, knowledges and skills necessary for life.

(2) ASFA is a fine arts program with a well integrated academic program. Every effort is made to ensure the compatible, productive and positive cooperation of all areas of the program. The executive director, within the guiding policies established by the Board of Directors, is the final authority and arbiter in all matters concerning the development and implementation of the basic program.

History

• Authority: H.J.R. 145, September 17, 1971.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 356-X-6-.03 Course Of Study

(1) The course of study at ASFA meets the requirements of the State of Alabama, Department of Education.

(2) Exact course titles and descriptions are listed in the ASFA Catalog.

History

• Authority: H.J.R. 145, September 17, 1971.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 356-X-6-.04 Supplementary Activities

The ASFA encourages teachers to develop and conduct programs of supplementary activities which provide for a wide variety of student interests. Appropriate personnel shall participate in the proper design and supervision of all such activities.

History

• Authority: H.J.R. 145, September 17, 1971.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 356-X-6-.05 Instructional Resources

(1) The ASFA strives to use any and all resources that may become available to the benefit of the program.

(2) Visiting artists, touring exhibitions, programs from government, industry and the arts are sought and included as an integral and vital part of the ASFA instructional and recreational program.

History

• Authority: H.J.R. 145, September 17, 1971.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 356-X-6-.06 Textbook Selection And Adoption

(1) The ASFA complies with the current rules and regulations as set forth by the Alabama State Board of Education.

(2) Internally, a textbook committee of faculty members and administrative representatives review and recommend those instructional materials deemed necessary and desirable for the accomplishment of the program.

History

• Authority: H.J.R. 145, September 17, 1971.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 356-X-6-.07 Field Trips

Educational study trips are considered a vital part of the curriculum and are encouraged. Field trips should originate with the teacher but must be approved by the executive director or his designee. Field trips must provide students with extended learning opportunities and must always give priority to the safety of the students.

History

• Authority: H.J.R. 145, September 17, 1971.
• Filed September 1, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 356-X-6-.08 Community Resources

The ASFA encourages the enrichment of curriculum and the widening of educational horizons through the use of persons from outside the school with special knowledge, talents, or vocations to provide student or teacher learning opportunities.

History

• Authority: H.J.R. 145, September 17, 1971.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 356-X-6-.09 Progress Reports

(1) Teachers shall periodically share with parents and students an evaluation of each student's individual progress.

(2) Methods of evaluating and reporting the progress of pupils shall facilitate each student's learning, encourage the growth of self-confidence and intrinsic motivation and portray student competence in prescribed skills.

History

• Authority: H.J.R. 145, September 17, 1971.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 356-X-6-.10 Promotion

(1) For each student, the teacher(s) will recommend promotion or nonpromotion in consideration of the best interests of the students.

(2) The principal will consider the recommendation and approve final grade level assignments or special program assignments.

(3) In considering the best interests of the students, both the teacher and the principal should consider such alternatives as would likely result in maximum progress by the students, such as:

(a) Promotion without condition.

(b) Promotion on the condition of satisfactory progress in summer school.

(c) Promotion with special remedial support such as tutoring or remedial class assignment.

(d) Nonpromotion and return to the regular school.

(4) In deciding whether to promote a student to the next grade, the following factors are to be considered:

(a) Attendance - 178 days of school are expected of all students. A maximum of 20 days of school may be missed except in case of unusual circumstances such as hospitalization or other extended illness.

(b) Mastery of the Basic Skills - For promotion, individual student performance on the Birmingham Essential Skills Tests in reading and math administered to students is to be considered. It is recommended that a student score 70% or better on each test before being promoted. The decision for each student should be made by the teacher and principal in considering all factors related to the student's total development. For students who do not demonstrate mastery on the reading and/or math section of a test, attending summer school is strongly recommended. A test developed by the Birmingham School System comparable to the state test will be administered at the end of summer school and will be used to determine promotion for students who failed to demonstrate mastery in the spring testing.

(c) Report Card Grades in the subjects should indicate satisfactory classroom work and test performance. Depending on other factors, two failing grades in the above subjects may warrant nonpromotion. The student shall not be promoted with three or more failing grades in these subjects.

History

• Authority: H.J.R. 145, September 17, 1971.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 356-X-6-.11 Graduation

Students who have attended the ASFA and have completed requirements prescribed by the Board will be issued a diploma or certificate of achievement and may participate in the appropriate school ceremony as approved by the executive director or his designee.

History

• Authority: H.J.R. 145, September 17, 1971.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 356-X-6-.12 Continuing Teacher Education

(1) Academic: All professional employees will be required to complete a continuing teacher education program in keeping with the comprehensive plan submitted annually by the in-service education committee.

(2) Fine Arts:

(a) All fine arts instructors are encouraged to pursue their professional interests by performing, coaching, exhibiting, publishing, or otherwise involving themselves in their particular discipline.

(b) Fine arts instructors are encouraged to participate in local, regional and national activities, organizations and conferences.

(c) Instructors in fine arts are expected to maintain and sustain their interests, contacts, and professional growth by pursuing, within their field, all possible avenues of information.

History

• Authority: H.J.R. 145, September 17, 1971.
• Filed September 30, 1982.