INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

A. MSSD STUDENT OUTCOMES

It is our goal to provide students with an academically rigorous program so they will become self-directed, independent, resourceful learners who demonstrate essential knowledge, literacy, and the social and communication skills necessary to be effective, productive, and contributing members of society.

1. Students will acquire essential knowledge and skills, including those identified in the national standards (language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, the arts, health, physical education, technology, and deaf studies), and be able to apply them in planning and carrying out complex projects.
2. Students will achieve, to the best of their ability, a full repertoire of linguistic and communicative competencies to use at their disposal in interaction with both deaf and hearing people.
3. Students will be critical, creative, and reflective thinkers, decision makers, and problem solvers who effectively cooperate and collaborate to achieve common goals in life situations and groupings that reflect cultural, social, and academic diversity.
4. Students will display emotional intelligence through a positive attitude, respect, and a healthy pattern of behavior toward themselves and others.
5. Students will design, refine, and initiate a life plan based on self-exploration and experience that incorporates knowledge of their rights, available resources, and effective self-advocacy.

top

B. COMMUNITY BUILDING

The teachers, staff members, and students at MSSD are working together to create a learning community where individuals care about others and treat them with respect and fairness. Adults strive to model the behaviors of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and integrity so that children learn and practice these behaviors. Students also need encouragement and help to learn decision-making and problem-solving skills and how to resolve conflicts among themselves.

The goal of this “community building” approach is to create a safe, orderly school where children and adults are free to learn and develop a positive set of attitudes and values. Some of the ways teachers and staff members teach and reinforce the ideas of community building are by:

• providing opportunities for community service projects both inside and outside of the schools.
• providing opportunities for studying and experiencing the diversity of cultures and beliefs among all people.
• using a problem-solving approach to discipline. Students can be involved in developing classroom rules, school rules, and resolving conflicts. By providing structures and limits with clear consequences, adults help students to develop self-discipline.

As a community, MSSD students, teachers, staff, and parents or guardians will:

• respect others and ourselves.
• be responsible for our community.
• work together to be the best we can be

top

C. FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students and their parents or legal guardians certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy or his or her rights.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
4. The right to file a complaint concerning alleged non-compliance by the school with the requirements of FERPA.
5. The right to obtain a copy of the school's student records procedures.
6. The right to request the restriction of disclosure of directory information. MSSD has designated the following information as directory information:
   • Student's name, address, and telephone number
   • Student's date and place of birth
   • Student's participation in official school clubs and sports
   • Weight and height of student if he or she is a member of an athletic team
   • Dates of attendance at MSSD
   • Awards received during the time enrolled in MSSD

Unless you, as a parent, guardian, or eligible student, request otherwise, this information may be disclosed to the public upon request. If you wish to request this information not be disclosed, you must notify the assistant principal within five (5) days of enrollment.

To review student records, please contact the assistant principal. The complete text of FERPA can be found on the Clerc Center home page or at: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/. Copies of the Act may also be obtained from the assistant principal's office.

top

STUDENT RECORDS

Teachers, counselors, and administrative staff keep many student records. There are two types of records—directory information and confidential records.

Directory information can be given to any person or organization for non-profit making purposes when requested, unless the parents or guardians of the student restrict the information by making their wishes known in writing to the principal. Directory information includes a student's:

• name, address, and telephone number
• date and place of birth
• participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• weight and height of athletic team members
• dates of attendance
• degrees and awards received
• most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student

Confidential records contain educational and behavioral information, which has restricted access based on FERPA. This information can only be released with the written consent of the parents or guardians, the adult student, or a surrogate. The only exception to this is compliance with district or federal laws that may require release without consent.

Included in the confidential records may be test scores, psychological reports, behavioral data, disciplinary actions, and communications with the family and outside service providers. Confidential information in a student's record that originates from an outside professional or agency may be released to the parent or guardian only with the permission of the originator. Such records shall be placed in a student's file only with knowledge of the parent or guardian.

Parents or guardians may obtain such records from the originator and should maintain them in a home file. Parents or guardians may also provide the school with copies of records made by non‑school professional agencies or individuals.

Information on former students also falls into directory and confidential information categories and with availability on the same basis as enrolled students.

Students and parents or guardians have the right to review all education records generated by the school, to request amendment to these records, to insert addenda to records, and to obtain copies of such records. Copying costs may be charged to the requestor. If a review of records is desired, please contact the principal, in writing, stating the records desired. The records will be collected and an appointment will be made with the appropriate persons present to answer any questions.

An individual has the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning the alleged failure of the school to comply with FERPA.

D. EDUCATION PLANS

1. INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM

All students who attend MSSD must have an annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed by the team and designed to meet your child’s individual educational needs. The IEP is a federally mandated document that includes present levels of performance (PLOPs), goals, and objectives to address areas of need. It falls under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Support services, special accommodations, and transition services are also included in the IEP when needed. The IEP is the written document that supports Free Appropriate Public Education. Parents and guardians are an integral part of the IEP process.

2. TRIENNIAL REVIEW

In addition to the IEP, which happens annually, every three years a review will be conducted to review progress in both academics and related service areas. This triennial review determines if additional evaluations are necessary.

3. WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCIES

It is very important that MSSD work very closely with the student’s local education agencies (LEAs). LEAs should be sent copies of IEPs, as well as other important educational documents when necessary. There are also times when a close working collaborative relationship between MSSD and the LEA is necessary to insure that a student’s educational and related service needs are met. In addition, students sometimes return to their local school system, so keeping the LEAs updated and informed is an integral part of this transition.

4. STUDENT REVIEW TEAM

The Student Review Team (SRT) is a mechanism for reviewing student progress and/or issues impacting the student’s ability to succeed. The SRT is composed of school personnel (i.e., the student’s advisor, the coordinator of Residence Education, the transition counselor, and other teachers and staff, depending on the area of concern). SRT meetings may be used to monitor academic progress, emotional intelligence, transition needs, or other issues related to the student’s well being. During meetings, the areas of concern are reviewed and the team makes recommendations to address those areas.

An SRT meeting can be called at any time by the student, the student’s parents or guardians, or school personnel. Students and parents or guardians may request that an SRT meeting be scheduled when they wish to have the team address a concern by contacting family educators. Parents or guardians are informed when SRT meetings are held, and recommendations from the SRT meeting are shared with the parent or guardian.

5. NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

New students and their families participate in New Student Orientation (NSO) prior to the start of each school year. NSO begins with school registration and residence hall check-in. During registration, students can obtain their MSSD identification card, open a bank account, purchase a laundry card, and make any needed medical arrangements with Student Health Service. During NSO, families have an opportunity to meet with MSSD administrators who can provide details about school programs and answer any questions.

Students participate in a variety of activities designed to welcome them to, and familiarize them with, MSSD and the Clerc Center. Many of these activities involve peer mediators. Peer mediators welcome new students and then support all students in the residence halls throughout the year. NSO activities include a tour of MSSD and Gallaudet University, workshops to support successful student transition into MSSD, social activities, community meetings to discuss MSSD expectations, reading and math assessments, meals with peers and teachers/staff, and an orientation to Washington, D.C., during which students learn how to use local public transportation.

Families of new students receive information about NSO during the summer months. MSSD will continue to provide orientation for new students who enroll in MSSD after the school year has begun.

top

E. GRADING POLICY

1. GRADING

Report cards designate student performance with the letter grades in the left column. The grade point average (GPA) is determined using the point system in the right column:

* Incomplete grade will not be calculated as part of grade point average (GPA)

2. COURSE CREDIT

Students will not earn academic credit for classes in which they have earned a grade of 64 or less. In some classes, final examinations must be taken at the end of the semester or the year to qualify for the awarding of course credit. Students must take final exams at the designated time in order to earn course credit.

3. MID-QUARTER PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS

The mid-quarter report will be sent home to parents or guardians halfway through each quarter. These reports will share information about student progress in the areas of class work, homework, responsibility, and conduct. Questions regarding these reports should be directed to the teacher who completed the report or the department chair. In addition, the family educator assigned to students is responsible for sharing information related to student progress on a regular basis.

4. HONOR ROLL

Students at MSSD earn the distinction of being placed on the Honor Roll based on the following GPA each quarter. Students receiving an “Incomplete,” a “D,” or an “F” as a grade will not be eligible for the Honor Roll.

5. ACADEMIC PROBATION

Students who earn failing grades in two classes or have an overall GPA below 2.0 on their report cards are placed on academic probation (AP) for the subsequent quarter. The following measures are taken to provide students on AP with the support they need to improve their academic achievement:

• For the entire subsequent marking period, the student will be required to submit a grade tracking form to each of his or her teachers on a set day each week. The teachers will identify whether the student is passing or failing for the quarter. At the end of the day, the student will turn in the tracking form. Students are expected to maintain good grades throughout the marking period. They cannot earn a grade below 70 in more than one class if they wish to continue participating in after school activities other than the Academic Enrichment Opportunity study period.

• Students on AP will not be permitted to be excused from the dormitory study period for any reason, such as to participate in athletics, performing arts, after school programs, or student organizations for the first three weeks of the subsequent marking period.

• Students who maintain good grades for the first three weeks of the new marking period will be allowed to be excused from the evening study period to participate in certain school-sponsored events and activities. Those students must continue submitting weekly tracking forms showing passing grades for the rest of the nine- week marking period.

• Students who do not turn in their tracking forms or who earn two or more grades below 70 on their forms will be required to fully participate in the dormitory study periods for the full remainder of the quarter. In addition, families will be notified if their child fails to turn in the form or continues to fail two or more classes.

6. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

MSSD continually emphasizes the importance of academic honesty. Students are taught about plagiarism and how to properly document information from other sources. Students are also made aware that copying from any source—published, classmates’ work, or other sources—is not acceptable. Consequences for plagiarism include the following:

• 1^st offense: A grade of zero for the assignment
• 2^nd offense: A grade of zero for the assignment and placement in ESSP
• 3^rd offense: A grade of zero for the assignment and a five-day at-home suspension

7. HOMEWORK

Homework is considered to be a critical component in helping our students improve their academic performance. Homework can assist students in reinforcing previously taught skills, in exploring and extending knowledge, in preparing students for future lessons, in challenging and inspiring independent learning, and in exploring new talents and skills. It must be useful, responsive, engaging, varied, and challenging.

If a student is absent from school due to illness or a family emergency, homework will be provided after the third day of absence. Homework will not be provided for at-home suspensions that are one week or less in length. Students who are suspended for one week or less should collect makeup work from their teachers upon their return to school.

Additionally, students who miss classes during the school day for any reason (i.e., field trips, appointments with the speech therapist or Student Health Service) are responsible for going to see their teachers after school that same day to get homework assignments and turn them in on time the next day.

8. MAKE-UP WORK

Students are expected to make up all class work due to an absence from school. If the absence from class is excused, the student will be given credit for the make-up work. If the absence from class is unexcused, the student will not receive credit for the work, and a zero (0) will be recorded for the missing assignment. However, the make-up work will assist the students in keeping up with the class.

If a student is absent from school for three or more days due to illness, the family educator will collect work from the teachers and send it to the student to complete at home. Students who are sent home for an at-home suspension will be allowed to make up the work. Class and homework assignments will be sent home to students who are suspended for more than one week. Students who are suspended for one week or less should collect the work from their teachers upon their return to school. Make-up work will be accepted for credit within two weeks after the student’s return to school. The work must be completed within this two-week period.

top

F. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. VISITORS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

MSSD welcomes family members of MSSD students to visit the school whenever possible. Please contact the assistant principal’s office or your family educator in advance to arrange your visit. All visitors must sign in at the reception desk in the lobby to get a visitors’ badge and parking pass. The assistant principal’s office personnel will help visitors locate students and schedule classroom visits. No students may be called out of class without permission from the assistant principal’s office personnel.

2. FIELD TRIPS

Given our location in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, field trips are an important aspect of our educational program. Visits to the various museums, government offices, historic sites, and libraries are an integral part of our academic unit plans. Most trips are in the local D.C. metropolitan area. Trips not related to the curriculum will not be planned during the school day. Students are expected to follow the Code of Conduct and the dress code while on field trips. Buses will return to MSSD by 2 p.m. that day.

3. LOST BOOKS AND SCHOOL MATERIALS

The student is responsible for all books and materials that are issued by the school. If a book or material is lost, the student must pay for it before a replacement will be issued. The school will not release quarterly report cards, school records, or copies of transcripts until all fees have been paid.

4. TEXTBOOK DEPOSIT

A refundable deposit of $25 payable to the Residence Education department is required to cover lost textbooks and other school property. If there are no lost textbooks and the student returns all books, the deposit will be refunded when the student leaves MSSD. Students must maintain a $25 deposit in their accounts.

5. SCHOOL SUPPLIES

All students are expected to come to school prepared. While the department will provide you with a detailed list of supplies that your child will need to have a successful school year, there are some general supplies that all students need at each grade level.

6. TRANSFER CREDIT

Students who transfer to MSSD from another high school program must submit an official transcript to the Admissions Office. This transcript will be reviewed, and the student will be informed of the number of credits approved for transfer in the acceptance letter. MSSD will accept only transfer credits for courses with grades of “C” (70) or higher and for courses completed in grades 9 to 12.

Grades are not transferred from other programs for inclusion in the student’s GPA. The credit is the only thing transferred from other programs.

7. LOSS OF CREDIT

Any student with excessive absences may have his or her name submitted for consideration of denial of credit. A teacher may also submit the name of a student who has not made up missed work or is not meeting expected levels of performance after absences.

8. FOOD AND DRINK

No food or drink is allowed in the classrooms. Students will have an opportunity to eat and drink during lunchtime.

top

G. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

1. STANDARD DIPLOMA COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) must be 2.0 or above.

English		4
Mathematics		3
Science		3
Social Studies		3
Physical Education (including the following)		1
	Health 1/2 Complete swimming course or pass swimming test
Elective Courses (including the following)		3
	Arts 1/2 Technology 1/2 (skills/knowledge aligned with standards OR complete computer course) Deaf Studies 1/2 (skills/knowledge aligned with standards OR complete Deaf Studies course)

PLUS:

• Minimum reading and math competencies
• Reading: eighth grade (if between fifth and eighth grade, the literacy level will be indicated on the transcript)
• Math: Integrated Math I or Algebra I
• Work Experience requirements (every year) - freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior
• Community Service requirements (every year) - nine (9) hours per academic year
• Annual Portfolio (every year)
• Annual Presentation (every year)
• Senior Project

2. MERIT DIPLOMA COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) must be 3.0 or above.

English		4
Mathematics		4
Science		4
Social Studies		4
Physical Education (including the following)		1
	Health 1/2 Complete swimming course or pass swimming test
Elective Courses (including the following)		3
	Arts 1/2 Technology 1/2 (skills/knowledge aligned with standards OR complete computer course) Deaf Studies 1/2 (skills/knowledge aligned with standards OR complete Deaf Studies course)

PLUS:

• Minimum reading and math competencies
• Reading: tenth grade
• Math: Geometry and Algebra II or their equivalents
• Work Experience requirements (every year) – freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior
• Community Service requirements (every year) - nine (9) hours per academic year
• Annual Portfolio (every year)
• Annual Presentation (every year)
• Meritorious Senior Project

3. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) must be 2.0 or above.

English	4
Mathematics	3
Health	1/2

Additional academic course work

PLUS:

• Work Experience requirements (every year) - freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior
• Community Service requirements (every year) - nine (9) hours per academic year
• Annual Portfolio (every year)
• Annual Presentation (every year)
• Senior Project

4. HONORS PROGRAM

The Honors Program at MSSD is an intellectually challenging, rigorous, advanced program for students interested in pursuing higher academic challenge.

Courses available through the Honors Program are divided into two categories: Honors and AP. Honors courses provide the student with a challenging, in-depth look into the subject matter through a wide variety of higher-level assignments and readings.

Although somewhat similar in rigor, AP courses are actually college equivalent classes that provide the student with a reading and writing intensive foundation from which to gain competency in a particular discipline. At the end of the course, the student is expected to take the AP test in the particular subject, for which a passing score earns him or her college credit. Standards for the national AP programs are decided upon by the College Board. For more information about the College Board, visit their website at www.collegeboard.com.

Although national debate exists about which students to allow into an AP or honors program, MSSD believes in encouraging average as well as above average-performing children to enroll in the Honors Program. Enrollment in Honors Program classes is based on an open enrollment policy for any student who desires to accept the challenge and rigorous coursework of the Honors Program at MSSD.

5. CO-ENROLLMENT PROGRAM

MSSD students may apply to take Gallaudet University courses to either satisfy the requirements for application to a college (e.g., a college or university that requires a foreign language) or, after having completed related courses at MSSD in a content area, to take an advanced course.

MSSD students eligible for taking courses at Gallaudet University are not guaranteed enrollment.

A student must meet the following criteria to apply for Gallaudet University courses:

• Be a junior or senior during the semester he or she is taking the course.
• Be a model student with no Code of Conduct violations or class attendance problems in the last year.
• Earn a grade of “C” or better in all classes.
• Be reading at or above grade level and demonstrate average receptive and expressive language skills.
• Demonstrate the behavioral, social, and study skills needed to succeed in a college-level course.
• Complete at least one semester at MSSD.

A student taking Gallaudet University courses:

• Must be a full-time MSSD student.
• Cannot register for a course conflicting with English, math, social studies, or science classes.
• Cannot register for a course conflicting with Wednesday work experience.
• Is expected to meet all graduation requirements.
• Is not excused from any team or class requirements (including portfolio and senior project).
• Is expected to follow all department and MSSD policies and procedures.
• Must develop and follow an independent study plan for time when he or she is not enrolled in a class.

A student applying to take a Gallaudet University course should follow these procedures:

1. Obtain a Co-Enrollment application packet from the MSSD department Chair
2. Read the criteria for taking Gallaudet University courses.
3. If he or she meets the criteria, the student should complete Part I of the application and return it to the MSSD department chair. The student should not send it to his or her parent or guardian for a signature.
4. The department chair and assistant principal will review the application. If it is approved, it will be sent to the student’s parent or guardian for a signature.
5. Once the student’s parent or guardian returns the application, the assistant principal will coordinate the registration process.

6. INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Students are expected to take and pass a full load of courses every year. Some flexibility within the graduation criteria is allowed to accommodate options such as co-enrollment courses and work experiences. Such accommodations must be related to the student’s transition goals, discussed in the student’s IEP meeting, and approved by the administration.

7. PROMOTION POLICY

MSSD students are required to earn a minimum of five credit units per year, at least one of which must be in English, in order to enter the next class, as follows:

8. COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENT

All students planning to graduate from MSSD are required to complete a minimum of nine (9) hours of community service each academic year.

9. MSSD INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

All MSSD students participate in a work internship program. Research has shown that high school work internships are a key to successful employment following high school. The MSSD Internship Program is a structured learning experience that provides students with an opportunity to develop positive work habits, learn how to get along with supervisors and coworkers, gain knowledge about a variety of careers, and develop positive work attitudes and ethics. This type of career-based learning provides all students with knowledge, skills, and experiences that support their achievement during and beyond high school.

The MSSD Internship Program occurs on Wednesdays for 25 weeks during the school year. Freshmen participate in a team-based work preparation/ career exploration program. Sophomores work at the Clerc Center for a half day and earn three (3) hours a week. Juniors work on the Gallaudet University campus for a half day and also earn three (3) hours a week in a half day program. Seniors work off campus in a variety of government, private, and non-profit settings in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area for a full day and earn six (6) hours a week.

Students earn credit for their work experience. Successful completion of an internship each year a student is at MSSD is required for matriculation and graduation.

10. MSSD AWARDS

MSSD recognizes student talent, service, and achievements at the annual School/Residential Education Awards Ceremony. A list of awards will be posted at the school.

top