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District of Columbia Official Code 2001 Edition. |
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Division VI. Education, Libraries, and Cultural Institutions. |
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Title 38. Educational Institutions. |
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Subtitle IV. Public Education--Charter Schools. |
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Chapter 18. District of Columbia School Reform (Public Charter Schools). |
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Subchapter III. World Class School Task Force, Core Curriculum, Content Standards, Assessments, and Promotion Gates. |
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Part A. World Class School Task Force, Core Curriculum, Content Standards, Assessments.
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(a) Grant authorized. --
(1) In general. -- The Superintendent is authorized to award a grant to a World Class Schools Task Force to enable such task force to make the recommendation described in subsection (b) of this section.
(2) Definition. -- For the purpose of this subchapter, the term "World Class Schools Task Force" means 1 nonprofit organization located in the District of Columbia that:
(A) Has a national reputation for advocating content standards;
(B) Has a national reputation for advocating a strong liberal arts curriculum;
(C) Has experience with at least 4 urban school districts for the purpose of establishing content standards;
(D) Has developed and managed professional development programs in science, mathematics, the humanities and the arts; and
(E) Is governed by an independent board of directors composed of citizens with a variety of experiences in education and public policy.
(b) Recommendation required. --
(1) In general. -- The World Class Schools Task Force shall recommend to the Superintendent, the Board of Education, and the District of Columbia Goals Panel the following:
(A) Content standards in the core academic subjects that are developed by working with the District of Columbia community, which standards shall be developed not later than 12 months after April 26, 1996.
(B) A core curriculum developed by working with the District of Columbia community, which curriculum shall include the teaching of computer skills.
(C) Districtwide assessments for measuring student achievement in accordance with content standards developed under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. Such assessments shall be developed at several grade levels, including at a minimum, the grade levels with respect to which the Superintendent establishes promotion gates under § 38-1803.21. To the extent feasible, such assessments shall, at a minimum, be designed to provide information that permits comparisons between:
(i) Individual District of Columbia public schools and public charter schools; and
(ii) Individual students attending such schools.
(D) Model professional development programs for teachers using the standards and curriculum developed under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph.
(2) Special rule. -- The World Class Schools Task Force is encouraged, to the extent practicable, to develop districtwide assessments described in paragraph (1)(C) of this subsection that permit comparisons among:
(A) Individual District of Columbia public schools and public charter schools, and individual students attending such schools; and
(B) Students of other nations.
(c) Content. -- The content standards and assessments recommended under subsection (b) of this section shall be judged by the World Class Schools Task Force to be world class, including having a level of quality and rigor, or being analogous to content standards and assessments of other States or nations (including nations whose students historically score high on international studies of student achievement).
(d) Submission to Board of Education for adoption. -- If the content standards, curriculum, assessments, and programs recommended under subsection (b) of this section are approved by the Superintendent, the Superintendent may submit such content standards, curriculum, assessments, and programs to the Board of Education for adoption.
(Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321 [254], Pub. L. 104-134, § 2231.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 31-2853.31.
The World Class Schools Task Force shall conduct its duties under this part in consultation with:
(1) The District of Columbia Goals Panel;
(2) Officials of the District of Columbia public schools who have been identified by the Superintendent as having responsibilities relevant to this part, including the Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum;
(3) The District of Columbia community, with particular attention given to educators, and parent and business organizations; and
(4) Any other persons or groups that the task force deems appropriate.
(Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321 [255], Pub. L. 104-134, § 2312.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 31-2853.32.
The World Class Schools Task Force shall ensure public access to its proceedings (other than proceedings, or portions of proceedings, relating to internal personnel and management matters) that are relevant to its duties under this subchapter and shall make available to the public, at reasonable cost, transcripts of such proceedings.
(Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321 [255], Pub. L. 104-134, § 2313.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 31-2853.33.
Upon the request of the World Class Schools Task Force, the head of any department or agency of the Federal Government may detail any of the personnel of such agency to such task force to assist such task force in carrying out such task force's duties under this subchapter.
(Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321 [255], Pub. L. 104-134, § 2314.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 31-2853.34.
There are authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1997 to carry out this part. Such funds shall remain available until expended.
(Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321 [256], Pub. L. 104-134, § 2315.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 31-2853.35.
