RATIONALE/OBJECTIVE:

(A) Minimum School Day for High School Seniors

The length of the school day for Cobb County high schools shall be maintained at a minimum of six (6) instructional hours for all students with the exception of those in state-approved vocational and special education programs, released time programs for seniors as established by this policy, and block schedule based schools.

(B) The Cobb County School District recognizes the senior year of high school as a time at which many students reach a level of adult responsibility; therefore, it is appropriate that these students be afforded the opportunity to pursue mature responsibilities in addition to their senior year studies. Providing a transition from the regular high school structure to adult responsibilities is the educational objective of this policy. Additionally, it is believed that this recognition of the senior year and this opportunity will serve as a motivation for students in their early high school years to meet the standards necessary for participation in this program. The early release of seniors in the fourth year of high school shall be limited to one class period of the school day. In accordance with state policy, fifth year seniors may enroll in the course(s) needed to meet graduation requirements and be dismissed directly after attendance in the course(s). The principal or his/her designee is responsible for all aspects of the early release program.

(C) High school seniors may qualify for an early release school day according to the following provisions.

1. Students must be eligible for enrolling or being enrolled in sufficient courses to provide for their completing the requirements for high school graduation.

2. Students must have exceeded the sixteen (16) units necessary for classification as a senior according to the following.

(a) Seventeen and one-half (17.5) units must have been completed in order for a student to participate in early release during the first semester of the senior year.

(b) Nineteen and one-half (19.5) units must have been completed in order for a student to participate in early release during the second semester of the senior year.

(c) Students must have passed or be able to schedule all specified courses for high school graduation and have posted a passing score on the Georgia High School Graduation Test.

(d) Students who are enrolled in cooperative work programs and planning to take only 2 1/2 units per semester their senior year must:

(1) Have earned seventeen and one-half (17.5) units prior to fall semester participation.

(2) Have earned nineteen and one-half (19.5) units prior to spring semester participation.

(3) Must have passed or be enrolled in the specified courses for high school graduation with the exception of specific courses generally limited to seniors (American Government Principles of Economics). Co-op students not meeting these requirements must take a minimum of four (4) classes toward graduation requirements.

(e) Students must have written permission provided by their parent(s)/ guardian to participate in this program.

(D) Students may request approval of a Modified School Day for the purpose of participating in non-employment activities which have educational or community services value. Approval must be granted by the high school principal and the High School Curriculum Director.

To apply for this modification, students and parents/guardians must:

1. Make a written request for the modification each semester to the High School Executive Director of School Improvement. The request must:

(a) be received by the director within 10 school days of the new semester,

(b) state the reason for the modification, and

(c) give sufficient information for the Executive Director to evaluate.

2. An academic plan must be provided which verifies that the student will qualify for high school graduation within the remaining amount of time normally required to complete the high school diploma requirements.

The High School Executive Director of School Improvement will consult with the high school principal and notify the student and parents/guardians of the approval or rejection of the request for modification.

All provisions concerning extracurricular eligibility as specified in Policy JHE shall be applicable to students involved in opportunities available through this policy.

(E) The early released program shall be periodically evaluated. The released time program shall also be reviewed with the State Department of Education on an annual basis to ensure compliance with State Department policies and regulations.

(F) Release of Elementary Students for Parent-Teacher Conferences: The Cobb County School District shall designate one week at the end of the first six-week reporting period and one week at the end of the fourth six-week reporting period as Parent Conference Week for elementary schools. During each of the five days of this week, students shall be released approximately one hour before the end of the regular school day in order that parent conferences can be scheduled for each student in the elementary schools. A procedure shall be established to annually assess the effectiveness of parent-teacher conferences and to apply to the State Department of Education for continuing permission for early release for conferences.

(G) Release of Middle School students for Parent-Teacher Conferences: The Cobb County School District shall designate one week at the end of the first six-week reporting period as Parent Conference Week for middle schools. During this week students shall be released approximately two hours before the end of the regular school day in order to hold conferences with parents or guardians of all middle school students. A procedure shall be established to annually assess the effectiveness of parent-teacher conferences and to apply to the State Department of Education for continuing permission for early release for conferences.

RULE:

The following regulations shall be observed regarding released time for high school students:

(a) High school students may not be enrolled in cooperative vocational education programs and Mentorship simultaneously.

(b) High school seniors who are on minimum day and are also enrolled in Mentorship must carry at least 5 courses ( 3 courses on block schedule) including their enrollment in Mentorship.

(c) The fifth-year senior may be enrolled for only the course(s) needed to meet graduation requirements.

Legal Reference: OCGA  20-2-50; 20-2-57; 20-2-59

Reclassified an Administrative Rule: 9/1/04