W. Va. Code R. § 126-69-4

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-69-4 - Educational Programming and Operations

4.1. Opportunities. School-aged students educated in schools operated by the WVSDT shall have thorough and efficient educational opportunities.

4.1.a. School-aged students served in WVSDT schools, including exceptional students placed in WVSDT schools, shall receive a free appropriate public education in accordance with applicable regulations under W. Va. 126CSR16, Policy 2419, Regulations for the Education of Students with Exceptionalities.

4.2. WVSDT schools and classrooms serving school-age juveniles shall adhere to the following standards when implementing educational services.

4.2.a. Operational Procedures. The Superintendent of the WVSDT or designee is authorized to develop written operational procedures to implement the intent and provisions of this policy. WVSDT shall establish operating policies and implement written procedures that reflect the WVBE's education standards. These standards ensure that juveniles in facilities governed by the WVBE and WVDE receive a thorough and efficient education in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; continue to advance in school; and prepare for re-entry to the local school, postsecondary education, or the world of work.

4.2.b. Curriculum and Instruction. Curriculum and instructional practices are based on state-approved standards and research and ensure that students in these facilities receive a thorough and efficient education. Standards are used to guide instruction and include technology standards.

4.2.c. High Expectations. WVSDT schools shall cultivate a culture of high expectations through curricular offerings and instructional and administrative practices, where stakeholders demonstrate high expectations for students and achievement.

4.2.d. Learning Environment. WVSDT schools shall provide a safe, positive, and nurturing environment that is conducive to learning.

4.2.e. Research-Based Instructional Strategies. WVSDT schools shall demonstrate the use of research-based instructional strategies that facilitate learning for students. These strategies shall include, but are not limited to, social justice initiatives and trauma-informed care and should focus on the special needs of each child.

4.2.f. Strategic Plan. WVSDT school leaders shall collaborate with school personnel to develop a strategic plan using data regarding student achievement and align it with the goals and priorities of the WVBE and WVDE to assure continuous improvement. The strategic plan will be posted on the WVSDT website for partners and others to access.

4.2.g. Data Analysis. WVSDT schools shall make data-informed decisions regarding instruction by collecting and analyzing student assessment and performance data. WVSDT schools shall use multiple measures to annually evaluate program effectiveness and student success.

4.2.h. Guidance and Advisement. Students shall receive personalized guidance and advisement opportunities regarding academics, careers, and pro-social/emotional development.

4.2.i. Lesson Planning. WVSDT teachers shall prepare lesson plans based on the state-approved content standards. WVSDT administrators shall review lesson plans quarterly, at a minimum, and provide written feedback.

4.2.j. Statewide Assessment. Students enrolled in WVSDT education programs shall participate in statewide assessment programs as applicable.

4.2.k. Local Assessment. Each student shall be administered reading/mathematics inventories at intake in order to build individualized learning plans based on the data reflected in the assessment. Staff shall refer the student for comprehensive educational assessments in suspected areas of need as appropriate. A report of findings and recommendations shall be prepared for each student and made available to the court for purposes of disposition and made available to the host agency for purposes of treatment and/or case planning and management.

4.2.l. Personnel. WVSDT schools shall conform with W. Va. Code, WVBE, and WVSDT policy to implement employment, hiring, assignment practices, and conduct evaluations for WVSDT staff. The professional educator(s) assigned to provide instructional services in the juvenile center shall hold or qualify for a West Virginia professional or temporary teaching certificate. At least one professional in a WVSDT school shall be endorsed in multi-categorical special education.

4.2.m. Eligible juvenile centers shall be accredited by a professional association every three years.

4.2.n. Facilities. WVSDT school facilities shall be safe and hazard-free, to adequately meet the students' needs and provide a positive learning environment.

4.2.o. School/Host Agency Collaboration. WVSDT leadership and host agencies shall collaborate to develop an interagency agreement that will ensure a safe and secure environment for students and staff. This interagency agreement shall support the delivery of a high-quality education program and must clearly specify host agency responsibilities for providing adequate facilities and maintenance as agreed upon within reasonable limits.

4.2.p. The WVSDT shall establish a calendar for the juvenile center education program in consultation with the director of the juvenile center. The calendar for the juvenile education program will include a regular school term in compliance with state law concerning the required number of instructional and non-instructional days. The calendar will also include 20 to 40 days of summer programming.

4.2.q. The juvenile education program shall provide students the opportunity for a full instructional day in accordance with W. Va. 126CSR42, Policy 2510, Assuring the Quality of Education: Regulations for Education Programs.

4.3. Truancy diversion/county collaborative classroom programs shall provide instruction as described in the memorandum of understanding with the county.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-69-4