Scottsdale Unified School District No Dream Too Big . . . No Challenge Too Great

Students from Yavapai and Tavan elementary schools, whose first language is something other than English, demonstrated their English proficiency through video, PowerPoint, and report presentations to the Governing Board Tuesday night.

Additionally, teachers, curriculum specialists, translation specialists, and other staff members reported on the demographics, staff training, curriculum, parent involvement, and achievements of the English Immersion Studies Program, which is under the direction of Cathy Rivera, executive director of educational operations. (The special report from the Board's work/study session is available from the English Immersion Department at 480-484-6169, or on the District's Web site at: www.susd.org)

All students who enter the Scottsdale Unified School District are screened to determine the language most commonly spoken in the home. Students from homes where languages other than English are spoken are tested to determine their proficiency in English. Students who are found to be limited in English proficiency are offered instructional programs for assistance.

Mrs. Rivera reported that English language learner enrollment was up by 136 students for 2001-2002. Increases in enrollment in SUSD's immigrant, refugee, and Native American students also were reported. More than 58 different languages were identified as primary languages for SUSD students, another increase over the previous year. The majority of non-English languages is still Spanish (91%) followed by Arabic (3%), then Russian, French, and Farsi (each 2%). Another statistic, just as important, is that 131 students exited from the program in 2000-2001, a jump of 235% from the previous year.

Also noted was that more than 200 teachers participated in the 40 hours of specialized training (SDAIE-Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English) offered by the District. SDAIE instructs teachers on how to help non-native students learn content material and acquire more proficient English at the same time.

In separate action, the Governing Board approved an additional benchmark indicator for the District goal "to provide a positive, respectful and safe learning environment." The additional benchmark will require that all school sites implement an annual customer service staff development program for all staff members. Governing Board members stated previously that it is critical for all SUSD staff to be client and student driven. The Board approved benchmarks in June and requested that an additional measurement be developed under this goal. (Curriculum and Instruction, 480-484-6192)

In other action, the Board:

• Approved making Cheyenne Traditional School a districtwide open enrollment school of choice, with transportation services to be limited to a few strategic pick-up and drop-off locations. (Administrative Services, 480-484-6140)
   
• Approved new fencing at Hopi Elementary School that matches the standards used in similar 1997 bond projects at Tonalea, Pima, and Hohokam elementary schools. (Facilities, 480-484-6143)
   
• Approved the purchase of five 84-passenger air-conditioned school buses to replace older high-mileage buses that are no longer cost effective to operate due to age and availability of replacement parts. (Finance, 480-484-6128)
   
• Accepted gifts valued at $27,668. Gifts were received from Mr. & Mrs. Jay Francis, Hopi PTA, Cocopah Yearbook Club, Arcadia Yearbook Club, Desert Mountain High School PTO, and an anonymous donor. (Finance, 480-484-6128)
   
• Approved the renewal of a contract with Contact Behavioral Health, which provides an employee assistant program (EAP) at no cost to all regular full-time and part-time employees and their dependent family members. The EAP provides a full range of counseling and referral services, in addition to a 24-hour crisis line. (Human Resource Services, 480-484-6118)

Board member Tom Carey recognized this day-Sept. 17-as the anniversary for the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Constitution Commemorative Committee activities were being held at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts this evening.

The next Governing Board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Education Center.
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