Provisions in the above-described statutes and rules that are of special significance to school district administrators are addressed in this handbook with the following exceptions: those requirements which are currently being monitored by any divisions or units of the Arizona Department of Education, such as statutory or Board requirements relating to Special Education and Vocational Education; any requirement addressed in the Uniform System of Financial Records which is monitored by the Auditor General's Office; items of infrequent occurrence, such as statutes regarding changing district boundaries, forming new districts, subdivision of existing districts, annexation and consolidation of districts. State Board rules on school district procurement practices are not included, nor are Chapters 11 through 14 of Title 15 which pertain to the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind, colleges, universities, and related institutions.
The handbook should be used as a self-assessment instrument. The handbook is designed for use in Educational leadership classes as a part of the requirements for becoming a school administrator. The chief school administrator should utilize the work done by the intern and then appoint a local team to review the provisions of the handbook. Then the superintendent or chief administrator should report the results of the handbook to the local governing Board. This handbook and any other material or follow-up materials for the handbook should be kept on file for the next 2 years.The handbook is formed in compliance chapters that correspond to chapters in A.R.S. Title 15. Accurate determination of self-assessment can only come about through a systematic approach. The best method for such assessment is to have a team of individuals who can approach different sections of the handbook, seek compliance information in the policy manuals of the district, and then compare findings and results. The self-assessment process, to be effective, should generate a plan of action which will contain a description of any deficiencies found, a plan for moving forward, and the time lines for reaching compliance with the statute.
Chapter 1 of this book reviews provisions in Arizona Revised Statutes Title 15, Article 1 General Provisions, Article 4 Educational Records, Article 5 Safety Requirements, Article 6 State Prohibitions, and Article 8 Charter Schools.
Suggestions for self assessment
1. supervisor/administrator
Review each chapter title page for a synopsis of the contents of the chapter and determine the most appropriate district person or persons as respondents for questions in that chapter. The following district persons are among those who should be considered when selecting respondents: Governing Board members, the superintendent, principals, instructional staff and business office staff and administrative interns. The handbook may then be separated into individual chapters.
2. respondent/administrative intern or contacted individual
Consider each question assigned to you and determine the proper response for the district. Prior to selecting and marking the district response, collect and analyze all evidence pertaining to district compliance with the point(s) of law expressed in the question.
Space is provided for the respondent to cite evidence to show compliance and to include other comments when considering evidence of compliance: Board Policy Handbook, Teacher's Handbook, Student Handbook and Board Meeting minutes.
