N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 8 § 100.14

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 51, December 18, 2024

Section 100.14 - Excelsior scholars programs for grade seven mathematics and science students

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish requirements for summer programs for high performing students in mathematics and science who have completed seventh grade that are offered pursuant to Education Law, section 3641-a.

(b) Definitions. As used in this section:

(1) Advanced coursework means advanced instruction in mathematics and science that leads to attainment of the State learning standards in mathematics and science at the commencement level.

(2) Eligible student means a student nominated by the superintendent to participate in a summer program administered pursuant to this section who:

(i) will have completed seventh grade prior to the start of such summer program;

(ii) has demonstrated distinguished work in mathematics and science as determined by multiple measures, including, but not limited to:

(a) the student has maintained a grade point average of 90 or above in mathematics and science in grades five, six and seven; and

(b) has scored at level four on the State assessment in mathematics in grades five and six;

(iii) has received recommendations from at least one teacher of mathematics and at least one teacher of science who have taught such student in grades five, six and/or seven; and

(iv) has written consent from a parent or person in parental relation to participate in such summer program following completion of seventh grade.

(3) Excelsior scholars means students who have successfully completed a summer program of advanced coursework during the summer following the completion of seventh grade administered in accordance with this section.

(4) Other high performing student means a student nominated by the superintendent to participate in a summer program administered pursuant to this section who:

(i) will have completed seventh grade prior to the start of such summer program;

(ii) has demonstrated excellent work in mathematics and science as determined by multiple measures, including, but not limited to:

(a) maintaining a grade point average of 90 or above in mathematics or science in grades five, six and seven;

(b) scoring at level four on a State assessment in mathematics in either grades five or six;

(iii) has scored at level four on the State assessment in English language arts in grades five and six;

(iv) has received a recommendation from at least two of the following: a teacher of mathematics, a teacher of science, or a teacher of English language arts who have taught such student in grades five, six and/or seven; and

(v) has written consent from a parent or person in parental relation to participate in such summer program following completion of seventh grade.

(5) Centers of Excellence in Technology shall include those centers identified through the State's economic development agency to support State research facilities and other technology and biotechnology capital projects.

(c) The superintendent may nominate up to 10 percent of a school's eligible grade seven students to participate in the programs described in this section; provided that in school districts that have fewer than 10 eligible students, the superintendent may nominate one such student. The superintendent shall nominate equal numbers of male and female students, as practicable.

(d) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for such purpose, the commissioner shall annually issue a request for proposals to public and independent colleges and universities to administer summer programs as described in this section. Such proposals shall be in a format, and submitted pursuant to a timeline, as prescribed by the commissioner and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) a description of the process used to promote the Excelsior Scholars Program among local school districts and to engage in student outreach;

(2) a description of the selection process and criteria, which shall be based on demonstrated academic achievement, used by the college or university to review and select eligible students and, where applicable, other high performing students, from those nominated for participation in the program. Such selection process and criteria shall ensure:

(i) the selection of students who have demonstrated the highest level of academic achievement in mathematics and science; and

(ii) a balanced number of male and female participants, as practicable;

(3) a description of the advanced coursework to be provided to such students, including how such coursework is aligned with the State learning standards;

(4) a description of the academic qualifications of the faculty who will provide the advanced coursework to students participating in the program, and programmatic capacity of the site and staff; and

(5) a description of the criteria to be used to determine whether such students have successfully completed the program.

(e) Competitive grants will be awarded to eligible public and independent colleges and universities to implement program(s) pursuant to this section based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:

(1) the provision of appropriate advanced coursework and the program's alignment with the State learning standards;

(2) the extent to which participation was solicited through student outreach and program promotion;

(3) the expertise of faculty and programmatic capacity of site and staff;

(4) coordination with programs offered by the centers of excellence in technology, to the extent practicable; and

(5) the availability of appropriated funds for such purpose.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 8 § 100.14