Beach School Board Aims for More Say on Academies

By LAUREN ROTH

By Lauren Roth

The Virginian-Pilot

Virginia BeacH

A proposed policy would require a School Board vote to continue new academies after they reach implementation.

Current guidelines do not include such a “sunset” provision and require several steps to end an academy.

The policy presented at Tuesday’s School Board meeting reflects its desire for more control over academy programs. It requires the b oard to approve themes and give an OK for schools to propose new academies.

The policy would also redefine academies . The change would mean that three academies – the Middle Years Program at Plaza Middle School, the International Baccalaureate Program at Princess Anne High School and the Mathematics and Science Academy at Ocean Lakes High School – would be recategorized as advanced academic programs. Those programs focus on accelerated course work, not topics such as health or global studies.

Over the past few years, the board has question ed the equity of the academy system. Seven of 11 comprehensive high schools have academies.

Board members have also expressed concerns about gaps in the program. For example, there are language programs at both the elementary and high school level, but none at the middle school level .

The board is expected to vote on the policy Aug. 21.

Also Tuesday, the board reviewed goals from its weekend retreat . Three top priorities this year will be improving special education, reducing demands on elementary teacher time and trying to raise achievement among black male students.

Lauren Roth, (757) 222-5133,

lauren.roth@pilotonline.com

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