2. What does intensive instruction include?
3. Does AB 347 apply to every local educational agency?
1. What is AB 347?
AB 347, sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction O’Connell, signed by Governor Schwarzenegger, and taking effect immediately, amends Education Code sections 1240, 35186, 37254, 52378, and 52380. The bill ensures that eligible students will be offered the intensive instruction and services they need to pass the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE), and allows students who have not passed the CAHSEE to receive two consecutive years of intensive instruction, or until they pass the exam, whichever comes first. AB 347 further states that the Uniform Complaint Procedure is to be used to resolve any deficiencies related to the intensive instruction and services provided to students who have not passed the CAHSEE.
2. What does intensive instruction include?
Education Code Section 37254(c)(3) defines intensive instruction and services for the purposes of AB 347. Intensive instruction and services may include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
- Individual or small group instruction.
- The hiring of additional teachers.
- Purchasing, scoring, and reviewing diagnostic assessments.
- Counseling.
- Designing instruction to meet specific needs of eligible pupils.
- Appropriate teacher training to meet the needs of eligible pupils.
- Instruction in English-language arts or mathematics, or both, that eligible pupils need to pass those parts of the high school exit examination not yet passed. A LEA may employ different intensive instruction and services strategies more aligned to the needs and circumstances of pupils who have not passed one or both parts of the high school exit examination by the end of grade twelve as compared to grade twelve pupils with similar needs in a comprehensive high school of the LEA.
Intensive instruction and services may be provided during the regular school day provided that they do not supplant the instruction of the pupil in the core curriculum areas as defined in Paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 60603, or physical education instruction (EC Section 37254(c)(2)). LEAs may also provide eligible students with intensive instruction on Saturdays, evenings, or at a time and location deemed appropriate by the LEA.
3. Does AB 347 apply to every local educational agency?
The conditions and requirements of AB 347 apply to every local educational agency (LEA) that accepts funding. However, every eligible student defined in the relevant code sections is entitled to services.
