Model Student Handbook 2015-16(Annotated)

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

general public must be used to
disseminate the CTE nondiscrimination
notice; however, the federal guidelines
list these methods as discretionary. As
the key is ultimately an informed
public, take into account your local
community to determine the best
method for notification.

CELEBRATIONS (All Grade Levels) Education Code 28.002(l-3);
CO(LEGAL)
Although a parent or grandparent is not prohibited from providing food for a
school-designated function or for children in the child’s or grandchild’s classroom Remember that the Education Code
for his or her birthday, please be aware that children in the school may have allows a parent or grandparent to
severe allergies to certain food products. Therefore, it is imperative to discuss this provide a food product of his or her
with the child’s teacher prior to bringing any food in this circumstance. choice to children in the classroom of
Occasionally, the school or a class may host certain functions or celebrations tied the child for the child’s birthday or for
to the curriculum that will involve food. The school or teacher will notify students children at a school-designated
and parents of any known food allergies when soliciting potential volunteers for function. Included is a caveat that it is
bringing food products. crucial to inquire about any known
food allergies of children prior to doing
[Also see Food Allergies on page ____.] this. Adjust the text according to your
local standards.

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND OTHER MALTREATMENT OF The district is required to include a Education Code 38.0041; BQ(LEGAL);
CHILDREN (All Grade Levels) plan for addressing sexual abuse and District Improvement Plan;
other maltreatment of children in both http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/
The district has established a plan for addressing child sexual abuse and other the district improvement plan and in News_and_Multimedia/
maltreatment of children, which may be accessed at ____________. As a parent, it is handbooks given to parents and Correspondence/TAA_Letters/2014-
important for you to be aware of warning signs that could indicate a child may students. Other maltreatment includes 15_Child_Sexual_Abuse_Prevention/
have been or is being sexually abused. Sexual abuse in the Texas Family Code is abuse and neglect, as defined by
defined as any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical Section 261 of the Family Code. Insert
welfare as well as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct information regarding how a parent
with a child. A person who compels or encourages a child to engage in sexual can access the child abuse plan
conduct commits abuse. It is illegal to make or possess child pornography or to included in the district improvement
display such material to a child. Anyone who suspects that a child has been or plan. You should coordinate the
may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility, under state law, for information here with the district’s
reporting the suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or to Child plan, and you may need to adjust this
Protective Services (CPS).

Possible physical warning signs of sexual abuse could be difficulty sitting or
walking, pain in the genital areas, and claims of stomachaches and headaches.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 40

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Behavioral indicators may include verbal references or pretend games of sexual text depending on the grade levels for
activity between adults and children, fear of being alone with adults of a which the handbook is intended.
particular gender, or sexually suggestive behavior. Emotional warning signs to be
aware of include withdrawal, depression, sleeping and eating disorders, and The district must include methods for
problems in school. increasing awareness of issues
regarding sexual abuse of children,
A child who has experienced sexual abuse or any other type of abuse or neglect including prevention techniques and
should be encouraged to seek out a trusted adult. Be aware as a parent or other possible warning signs; actions that a
trusted adult that disclosures of sexual abuse may be more indirect than child should take to obtain assistance
disclosures of physical abuse and neglect, and it is important to be calm and and intervention; and available
comforting if your child, or another child, confides in you. Reassure the child that counseling options for students
he or she did the right thing by telling you. affected by sexual abuse or other
maltreatment. The text used here has
As a parent, if your child is a victim of sexual abuse or other maltreatment, the been gathered from the adjacent list of
school counselor or principal will provide information regarding counseling websites and from the resource guide
options for you and your child available in your area. The Texas Department of created by the Attorney General of
Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) also manages early intervention Texas, which can be reviewed here:
counseling programs. To find out what services may be available in your county, https://www.oag.state.tx.us/
see http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Prevention_and_Early_Intervention/ ag_publications/pdfs/child_abuse.pdf.
Programs_Available_In_Your_County/default.asp.

The following websites might help you become more aware of child abuse and State law requires that all district
neglect: employees receive training to increase
awareness regarding child sexual
■ https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.pdf abuse. The district must provide this
training at each new-employee
■ http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/child_abuse.html orientation every year. TEA has
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/commonproblems/child_abuse. provided a list of agencies to help you
html meet this requirement (see the link
provided in the References column).
■ http://taasa.org/resources-2/
http://www.taasa.org/member/materials2.php You may also want to include in the text
available counselors or counseling
■ http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse1.shtml agencies in your area.

■ http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse2.shtml

Reports of abuse or neglect may be made to: Every school is required by state law to Education Code 38.0042; 19 TAC
post in a clearly visible location in a 61.1051; FFG(LEGAL)
The CPS division of the TDFPS (1-800-252-5400 or on the web at public area of the school that is readily
http://www.txabusehotline.org). accessible to students a sign in English
and Spanish that contains the toll-free
TDFPS phone number to receive
reports of abuse and neglect.
Commissioner rules also dictate that it
must be posted in a high traffic area
and be at least 11x17 inches in size.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 41

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Visit http://www.onewithcourage.org/
take-action/for-educators/ for a poster
designed to meet this requirement.

CLASS RANK / HIGHEST RANKING STUDENT (Secondary How the district will calculate rank in Education Code 54.301; EIC(LEGAL)
Grade Levels Only) class should be a board-authorized and (LOCAL); http://tea.texas.gov/
action and noted at EIC(LOCAL); be About_TEA/News_and_Multimedia/
[Insert your local provisions from EIC(LOCAL) to document the following class sure to coordinate the adjacent text Correspondence/TAA_Letters/
rank practices: with that policy. Consider that the Honor_Graduate_Certificate_2014/
highest ranking graduate may not
■ Courses that are included in class rank calculations and any course always be the district-declared
exclusions, whether courses taken in middle/junior high school are included valedictorian, depending on whether
in the calculation, and whether grades earned by alternative means (summer the district requires the completion or
school, distance learning, credit by exam, dual credit off campus vs. on achievement of certain criteria to be
campus, etc.) are counted; eligible for such recognition. TASB
Policy Service recommends including
■ The weighted grade system used in the district to calculate class rank [i.e., at EIC(LOCAL) a statement to address
weighted numerical average or weighted grade point average (GPA)]; the topic of the honor certificate
awarded by the state to the highest
■ Whether and when transferred grades will be weighted; ranking graduate. See the link in the
References column for information
■ When class rank will be calculated for purposes of determining local honors; from TEA on this topic.

■ Criteria a student must meet to be declared valedictorian, salutatorian, and Consider adding to your handbook the
any other local honor designations, including how the district will attempt to letter grade conversion scale used by
resolve ties in these positions; the district for transfer students or
college grades. This scale is not
■ Whether the district will award the highest ranking graduate scholarship necessary to include in board policy
provided by the state to the district-declared valedictorian or the true highest but is nevertheless important for
ranking graduate; students and parents to know. This
information should also be included in
■ If appropriate for your handbook, the list of courses that meet each category the district’s grading guidelines.
within your weighted grade system; and
Keep in mind that board policy prevails
■ Any other information related to class rank appropriate for this document.] over administrative procedures
included in the Student Handbook, so it
[For further information, see policy EIC.] is essential that your policy remain
reflective of current district practice.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 42

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Beginning with Sstudents who enteredentering grade 9 in the 2014–15 school You should have already communicated
year, a new graduation program is in effect. will be under a different graduation any changes to the district’s class
program than previous school years. Therefore, class ranking procedures may be ranking practices based on the
adjusted by the district based on the new graduation plan. As these decisions are foundation program. If not, please
made, the district will make the information available to the students affected by contact your TASB policy consultant to
these changes. determine if your EIC(LOCAL) needs to
be revised.

CLASS SCHEDULES (Secondary Grade Levels Only) EED(LOCAL), if the district has this
policy
All students are expected to attend school for the entire school day and maintain
a class/course schedule to fulfill each period of the day. Exceptions may be made The adjacent text clarifies that an
occasionally by the campus principal for students in grades 9–12 who meet abbreviated schedule may be approved
specific criteria and receive parental consent to enroll in less than a full-day’s for certain students. A student who has
schedule. already met the state testing
requirements and is on track to
[See Schedule Changes on page ____ for information related to student requests graduate, a student who is employed,
to revise their course schedule.] or a student who is enrolled in post-
secondary courses are a few examples
for which a principal might approve an
exception to enrollment in a full-day
schedule. If you will require every
student to enroll in a full-day schedule
in every circumstance, delete the
adjacent statement or revise it
accordingly.

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS (Secondary Grade Education Code 28.026, 51.803; 19 TAC
Levels Only) 5.5; 19 TAC 61.1201; EIC(LEGAL)

For two school years following his or her graduation, a district student who Texas Higher Education Coordinating http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/
graduates in the top ten percent and, in some cases, the top 25 percent, of his or Board rules expand the automatic News_and_Multimedia/
her class is eligible for automatic admission into four-year public universities and admission guidelines to the top 25 Correspondence/TAA_Letters/
colleges in Texas if the student: percent of a graduating class if the The_University_of_Texas_at_Austin_
particular college or university allows Automatic_Admission_Policy(1)/
■ Completes the Recommended or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement for this type of automatic admission (TEA’s September 2014 letter
Program*; or criteria. regarding UT Austin admissions);
http://tea.texas.gov/Curriculum_and_
■ Satisfies the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks or earns at least a 1500 out TEA released a “To the Administrator Instructional_Programs/Graduation_
of 2400 on the SAT. Addressed” letter in September 2014 Information/Automatic_College_
regarding UT Austin’s decisions Admission/ (Required automatic
*Beginning with ninth graders in the 2014–15 school year, to be eligible for regarding its automatic admissions admission forms)
automatic admission to a Texas four-year college or university, a student must be
43
TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved.

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

on track to graduate with the distinguished level of achievement under the “cap” for incoming freshmen for the
foundation graduation program. This means that a student must graduate with at summer and fall semesters of 2016.
least one endorsement and must have taken Algebra II as one of the four required Refer to the link in the References
math courses. column.

In addition, the student must submit a completed application for admission in Eligibility criteria (such as residency)
accordance with the deadline established by the college or university. The student that fall within district discretion for
is ultimately responsible for ensuring that he or she meets the admission local honors cannot be applied to the
requirements of the university or college to which the student submits an procedure for calculating class rank
application. standings for purposes of automatic
admission.
The University of Texas at Austin may limit the number of students automatically
admitted to 75 percent of the University’s enrollment capacity for incoming State law also requires school officials
resident freshmen. For students who are eligible to enroll in the University of to post information about the
Texas at Austin during the summer or fall 2015 2016 term, the University will be automatic admission standards, and
admitting the top seven eight percent of the high school’s graduating class who school counselors and class advisors
meet the above requirements. Additional applicants will be considered by the must explain the automatic admission
University through a holistic review process. provisions and requirements of
financial aid to eligible students. See
Should a college or university adopt an admissions policy that automatically the link in the References column for
accepts the top 25 percent of a graduating class, the provisions above will also forms that must be used by the district
apply to a student ranked in the top 25 percent of his or her class. for this purpose. Note, however, that
these forms do not yet reflect the
Students and parents should contact the school counselor for further information foundation graduation program and
about automatic admissions, the application process, and deadlines. reference former rules at 19 TAC
5.5(b).
[See also Class Rank/Highest Ranking Student on page ____ for information
specifically related to how the district calculates a student’s rank in class and
Graduation Requirements on page ____ for information associated with the
foundation graduation program].

COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES (Secondary Grade Levels Only) The district is required to implement a Education Code 28.009, .010,
program under which students may 130.008(f); 19 TAC 4.85;
Students in grades 9–12 have opportunities to earn college credit through the earn the equivalent of 12 semester EHDD(LEGAL) and (LOCAL),
following methods: credit hours of college credit in high EHDE(LEGAL) and (LOCAL); EHDD and
school and to notify the parents of each EHDE in the TASB Regulations Resource
■ Certain courses taught at the high school campus, which may include courses student in grades 9–12 about Manual; relevant district/college
termed dual credit, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate opportunities to earn college credit. partnership agreements
(IB), or college preparatory; Please add the information associated
with the colleges/universities with
■ Enrollment in an AP or dual credit course through the Texas Virtual School which the district has partnered to
Network; offer dual credit opportunities. With

■ Enrollment in courses taught in conjunction and in partnership with
___________________________________________________________________, which may be
offered on or off campus;

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 44

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

■ Enrollment in courses taught at the following institutions in the district: [list the exception of early college high
entities/institutions in the district at which a student can earn college credit]; schools, a student typically must be at a
and junior standing to enroll in dual credit
courses or meet exceptions as allowed
■ Certain CTE courses. by Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board rules.
Note that if a student wishes to enroll in a community college course that also
results in the award of high school course credit at a college that does not include The district is not required to pay a
the high school within its service area, the student is limited by state law to enroll student’s tuition or other associated
in no more than three courses at that particular college. costs.

A student is only able to enroll in up to
three courses at a community college
whose service area does not include
the student’s high school, with the
exception of a student enrolled in an
early college high school.

The district must also provide the
name and contact information of any
other private or public entities in the
district that offer students an
opportunity to earn college credit
through any of the following:

1. Advanced Placement programs;

2. Dual-credit programs;

3. Joint high school and college
programs; or

4. International Baccalaureate
programs.

With the opportunity for a student to
gain college credit through articulated
postsecondary courses or articulated
postsecondary advanced technical
credit courses, any entities in the
district offering these articulated
courses should also be listed.

While the law permits notification via
the district’s website, the district might
also consider including that
information in the Student Handbook.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 45

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

All of these methods have eligibility requirements and must be approved prior to The Texas Virtual School Network
enrollment in the course. Please see the school counselor for more information. (TxVSN) also offers dual credit courses.
Depending on the student’s grade level and the course, a state-mandated end-of-
course assessment may be required for graduation.
It is important to keep in mind that not all colleges and universities accept credit
earned in all dual credit or AP courses taken in high school for college credit.
Students and parents should check with the prospective college or university to
determine if a particular course will count toward the student’s desired degree
plan.

COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS (All Grade Levels) Review your policy at FNG(LOCAL) to Education Code 26.011; FNG(LEGAL)
ensure that this section reflects the and (LOCAL); FNG in the TASB
Usually student or parent complaints or concerns can be addressed informally by procedure and complaint and appeal Regulations Resource Manual for
a phone call or a conference with the teacher or principal. For those complaints levels established by the board. complaint forms
and concerns that cannot be handled so easily, the boarddistrict has adopted a
standard complaint policy at FNG(LOCAL) in the district’s policy manual. A copy If your district subscribes to Policy On
of this policy may be obtained in the principal’s or superintendent’s office [or on Line, add the URL here. Also, adjust the
the district’s website at ____________________]. text if necessary to address where a
parent or student can request a formal
Should a parent or student feel a need to file a formal complaint, the parent or complaint form.
student should file a district complaint form within the timelines established in
policy FNG(LOCAL). In general, the student or parent should submit a the written
complaint form toand request a conference with the campus principal. If the
concern is not resolved, a request for a conference should be sent to the
superintendent. If still unresolved, the district provides for the complaint to be
presented to the board of trustees.

CONDUCT (All Grade Levels) Student Code of Conduct

Coordinate this section with your
Student Code of Conduct.

Applicability of School Rules Education Code 37.001; FO(LEGAL),
FN(LOCAL)

As required by law, the board has adopted a Student Code of Conduct that Because the statutorily driven Student
prohibits certain behaviors and defines standards of acceptable behavior—both Code of Conduct is board-adopted
on and off campus as well as on district vehicles—and consequences for violation policy [see FO(LEGAL)] and is distinct

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 46

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

of these standards. The district has disciplinary authority over a student in in nature from the Student Handbook
accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Students and parents should be [see FN(LOCAL)], the provisions found
familiar with the standards set out in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as in the Student Code of Conduct should
campus and classroom rules. During any periods of instruction during the not be repeated nor commingled in the
summer months, the Student Handbook and Student Code of Conduct in place for Student Handbook. The two documents
the year immediately preceding the summer period shall apply, unless the district may be bound together, with one in
amends either or both documents for the purposes of summer instruction. front of the other. If this is the method
used to distribute the two documents,
you might consider including a
statement pointing students and
parents to the beginning or end of the
handbook for the Student Code of
Conduct.

Disruptions of School Operations

Disruptions of school operations are not tolerated and may constitute a Note that the first six bullets in the Education Code 37.123; FNCI(LEGAL),
misdemeanor offense. As identified by law, disruptions include the following: adjacent list reflect the definition of GKA(LEGAL)
disruptive activities, as defined by state
■ Interference with the movement of people at an exit, entrance, or hallway of a law.
district building without authorization from an administrator.

■ Interference with an authorized activity by seizing control of all or part of a
building.

■ Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent participation in an
authorized assembly.

■ Use of force, violence, or threats to cause disruption during an assembly.

■ Interference with the movement of people at an exit or an entrance to district
property.

■ Use of force, violence, or threats in an attempt to prevent people from
entering or leaving district property without authorization from an
administrator.

■ Disruption of classes or other school activities while on district property or Primary and secondary grade students Education Code 37.124, .126

on public property that is within 500 feet of district property. Class enrolled in the school are excluded

disruption includes making loud noises; trying to entice a student away from, from the offense of disruption of

or to prevent a student from attending, a required class or activity; and classes described in Education Code

entering a classroom without authorization and disrupting the activity with 37.124, as identified in the second-to-

loud or profane language or any misconduct. last bullet in the adjacent list, and

■ Interference with the transportation of students in vehicles owned or primary and secondary students are
operated by the district. excluded from the offense of disruption
of transportation described in

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 47

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Education Code 37.126, as identified in
the last bullet of the adjacent list.
Enrolled students, however, continue to
be subject to any disciplinary
consequences imposed by the district
for this behavior.

Social Events

School rules apply to all school social events. Guests attending these events are Coordinate with any local regulations
expected to observe the same rules as students, and a student inviting a guest will developed and implemented by the
share responsibility for the conduct of his or her guest. principal in conjunction with parents
and/or student leaders.

A student attending a social event will be asked to sign out when leaving before
the end of the event; anyone leaving before the official end of the event will not be
readmitted.

Please contact the campus principal if you are interested in serving as a
chaperone for any school social events.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES / CONDITIONS

[See Student Illness under Health-Related Matters on page _____.]

COUNSELING

Academic Counseling

Elementary and Middle/Junior High School Grade Levels Education Code 33.007; EJ(LEGAL)

The school counselor is available to students and parents to talk about the State law requires that each school
importance of postsecondary education and how best to plan for postsecondary counselor in an elementary, middle, or
education, including appropriate courses to consider and financial aid availability junior high school advise students and
and requirements. their parents regarding the importance
of postsecondary education,
coursework designed to prepare
students for postsecondary education,
and financial aid availability and
requirements.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 48

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

High School Grade Levels Education Code 33.007; EIC(LEGAL),
EJ(LEGAL)
High school Sstudents and their parents are encouraged to talk with a school
counselor, teacher, or principal to learn more about course offerings, graduation School counselors must also annually
requirements, and early graduation procedures. Each year, high school students provide to both high school students
will be provided information on anticipated course offerings for the next school and their parents detailed information
year and other information that will help them make the most of academic and about the importance of postsecondary
CTE opportunities, as well as information on the importance of postsecondary education.
education.

The school counselor can also provide information about entrance exams and
application deadlines, as well as information about automatic admission, financial
aid, housing, and scholarships as these relate to state colleges and universities.
The school counselor can also provide information about workforce
opportunities after graduation or technical and trade school opportunities,
including opportunities to earn industry-recognized certificates and licenses.

Personal Counseling (All Grade Levels)

The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal If appropriate, a list of telephone
concerns, including such areas as social, family, emotional or mental health issues, numbers for community programs may
or substance abuse. A student who wishes to meet with the school counselor be included. Indicate whether the
should ___________________________________. As a parent, if you are concerned about school counselor takes appointments,
your child’s mental or emotional health, please speak with the school counselor “walk-ins,” or both.
for a list of resources that may be of assistance.
Include the page number for the
[Also see Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention on page ____ and Substance Abuse Prevention and
Suicide Awareness on page ____.] Intervention and Suicide Awareness
sections and also review the Editorial
Notes in those sections.

Psychological Exams, Tests, or Treatment

The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment
without first obtaining the parent’s written consent. Parental consent is not
necessary when a psychological examination, test, or treatment is required by
state or federal law for special education purposes or by the Texas Education
Agency for child abuse investigations and reports.

[For more information, refer to policies EHBAA(LEGAL), FFE(LEGAL), and
FFG(EXHIBIT).]

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 49

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

COURSE CREDIT (Secondary Grade Levels Only)

A student in grades 9–12, or in a lower grade when a student is enrolled in a high The adjacent text reflects that the 19 TAC Chapter 74; EI(LEGAL) and
school credit-bearing course, will earn credit for a course only if the final grade is district will average semester scores to (LOCAL)
70 or above. For a two-semester (1 credit) course, the student’s grades from both determine if credit will be awarded.
semesters will be averaged and credit will be awarded if the combined average is The text also references that the
70 or above. Should the student’s combined average be less than 70, the student district will offer partial credit and
will be required to retake the semester in which he or she failed. therefore will only require the student
to retake the semester in which he or
she failed. If the district has specific
rules regarding whether you will award
full or partial credit based on the actual
semester failed, or if you will always
require the student to retake the entire
course, e.g., not award partial credit,
please revise the text accordingly.

CREDIT BY EXAM—If a Student Has Taken the 19 TAC 74.24(c)(9); EHDB(LEGAL) and
Course/Subject (All Grade Levels) (LOCAL); EHDB in the TASB
Regulations Resource Manual

A student who has previously taken a course or subject—but did not receive Districts often use these exams to
credit or a final grade for it—may, in circumstances determined by the principal verify mastery of course content by a
or attendance committee, be permitted to earn credit by passing an exam student enrolling in the district after
approved by the district’s board of trustees on the essential knowledge and skills having attended a nonaccredited
defined for that course or subject. Prior instruction may include, for example, school, in accordance with FD(LOCAL),
incomplete coursework due to a failed course or excessive absences, or for a student who has failed to
homeschooling, or coursework by a student transferring from a nonaccredited receive credit due to excessive
school. The opportunity to take an examination to earn credit for a course or to be absences. The exams may be purchased
awarded a final grade in a subject after the student has had prior instruction is from UT or Texas Tech or may be
sometimes referred to as “credit recovery.” district-developed exams or released
state assessments, as appropriate, but
The school counselor or principal would determine if the student could take an must be approved by the board.
exam for this purpose. If approval is granted, the student must score at least 70
on the exam to receive credit for the course or subject.

The attendance review committee may also offer a student with excessive Modify this section as needed to reflect
absences an opportunity to earn credit for a course by passing an exam. your practice and local policy EHDB.
The district is not permitted to charge
[For further information, see the school counselor and policy EHDB(LOCAL).] a fee for this type of testing
opportunity [see policies FEC and FP] if
the district requires the test, for

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 50

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

example, for placement of a home
school student, or if the district has not
offered a cost-free alternative for a
student taking this exam to regain
credit lost because of excessive
absences.

If you require a student to have a
minimum grade in the course failed
(i.e., no lower than a 60) to be eligible
to gain credit through this method,
consider adding this information here
as well.

CREDIT BY EXAM FOR ADVANCEMENT/ACCELERATION—If a Education Code 28.023; 19 TAC 74.24;
Student Has Not Taken the Course/Subject EHDC(LEGAL) and (LOCAL); EHDC in
the TASB Regulations Resource Manual

A student will be permitted to take an exam to earn credit for an academic course State Board rules and the Education
or subject area for which the student has had no prior instruction, i.e., for Code dictate credit by exam for
advancement, or to accelerate to the next grade level. The exams offered by the acceleration and advancement.
district are approved by the district’s board of trustees, and state law requires the Districts are required to offer a testing
use of certain exams, such as College Board Advanced Placement (AP) and College window on at least a quarterly basis.
Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, when applicable. The dates on which Local boards must approve at least four
exams are scheduled during the 2014–152015–16 school year will be published examinations, to the extent available,
in appropriate district publications and on the district’s website. The only for each subject area that satisfy SBOE
exceptions to the published dates will be for any exams administered by another guidelines. Refer to the TASB
entity besides the district. In this case, a student and the district must comply Regulations Resource Manual for a
with the testing schedule of the other entity. During each testing window sample resolution to document the
provided by the district, a student may attempt a specific exam only once. board’s approval of these tests.

A student in grade 6 or above will earn course credit with a passing score of at
least 80 on the exam, a scaled score of 60 or higher on an exam administered
through the CLEP, or a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam, as applicable. A
student may take an exam to earn high school course credit no more than twice. If
a student fails to achieve the designated score on the applicable exam before the
beginning of the school year in which the student would need to enroll in the
course according to the school’s high school course sequence, the student must
complete the course.

A student in elementary school will be eligible to accelerate to the next grade
level if the student scores at least 80 on each exam in the subject areas of
language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, a district administrator
recommends that the student be accelerated, and the student’s parent gives

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 51

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

written approval of the grade advancement.

If a student plans to take an exam, the student (or parent) must register with the
school counselor no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled testing date. [For
further information, see policy EHDC.]

Kindergarten Acceleration

If the district prepares a handbook for
the elementary schools with
kindergarten classes, include the
criteria for acceleration of a student
who is five years old at the beginning of
the school year [see KINDERGARTEN
ACCELERATION in EHDC(LOCAL)]. The
superintendent will need to develop
procedures for this purpose and have
them approved by the board.

Students in Grades 1–5 Exams used for students in grades 1–5
must also be approved by the local
A student in elementary school will be eligible to accelerate to the next grade board in accordance with state law.
level if the student scores at least 80 on each exam in the subject areas of
language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, a district administrator
recommends that the student be accelerated, and the student’s parent gives
written approval of the grade advancement.

Students in Grades 6–12

A student in grade 6 or above will earn course credit with a passing score of at The exams approved by the board must
least 80 on the exam, a scaled score of 60 or higher on an exam administered include AP exams as well as CLEP
through the CLEP, or a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam, as applicable. A exams. Acceleration and credit must be
student may take an exam to earn high school course credit no more than twice. If awarded if the student scores in the
a student fails to achieve the designated score on the applicable exam before the 80th percentile, a 3 or higher on an AP
beginning of the school year in which the student would need to enroll in the exam, or a scaled score of 60 or higher
course according to the school’s high school course sequence, the student must on a CLEP exam. For a course in which
complete the course. an EOC assessment is required, an
exam used for this purpose must meet
specific requirements, including
receiving external validation; be
administered in a secure testing
environment; and be at least as

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 52

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

rigorous as an EOC assessment.
Beginning in the 2018–19 school year,
all high school examinations must meet
the established criteria. Note that
exams developed by UT and Texas Tech
do not meet the standards identified in
State Board rule for courses that
require an EOC assessment; these
exams therefore may only be used for
non-EOC courses or for credit recovery
at this time.

DATING VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND Education Code 37.083, .0831;
RETALIATION (All Grade Levels) FFH(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)

The district believes that all students learn best in an environment free from Coordinate with policy FFH.
dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and that their welfare
is best served when they are free from this prohibited conduct while attending
school. Students are expected to treat other students and district employees with
courtesy and respect, to avoid behaviors known to be offensive, and to stop those
behaviors when asked or told to stop. District employees are expected to treat
students with courtesy and respect.

The board has established policies and procedures to prohibit and promptly Copies of FFH(LEGAL) and
respond to inappropriate and offensive behaviors that are based on a person’s FFH(LOCAL) should be available at
race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis each campus and in the
prohibited by law. A copy of the district’s policy is available in the principal’s superintendent’s office. If the district’s
office and in the superintendent’s office [or on the district’s website]. [See policy policies are online, include the URL
FFH.] here.

Dating Violence

Dating violence occurs when a person in a current or past dating relationship This section highlights the district’s
uses physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to harm, threaten, intimidate, or efforts to identify and combat dating
control the other person in the relationship. Dating violence also occurs when a violence. Districts are required to
person commits these acts against a person in a marriage or dating relationship develop and include in the district
with the individual who is or was once in a marriage or dating relationship with improvement plan provisions to
the person committing the offense. This type of conduct is considered harassment address dating violence and should
if the conduct is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it affects the student’s also address dating violence in policy
ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; FFH(LOCAL).
creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 53

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic
performance.

Examples of dating violence against a student may include, but are not limited to,
physical or sexual assaults; name-calling; put-downs; threats to hurt the student,
the student’s family members, or members of the student’s household; destroying
property belonging to the student; threats to commit suicide or homicide if the
student ends the relationship; threats to harm a student’s current dating partner;
attempts to isolate the student from friends and family; stalking; or encouraging
others to engage in these behaviors.

Discrimination

Discrimination is defined as any conduct directed at a student on the basis of race,
color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by
law, that negatively affects the student.

Harassment

Harassment, in general terms, is conduct so severe, persistent, or pervasive that
it affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational
program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive
educational environment; or substantially interferes with the student’s academic
performance.

Examples of harassment may include, but are not limited to, offensive or
derogatory language directed at a person’s religious beliefs or practices, accent,
skin color, or need for accommodation; threatening, intimidating, or humiliating
conduct; offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or rumors; physical aggression or
assault; graffiti or printed material promoting racial, ethnic, or other negative
stereotypes; or other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to
property.

In addition to dating violence as described above, two other types of prohibited
harassment are described below.

Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Harassment

Sexual harassment and gender-based harassment of a student by an employee,
volunteer, or another student are prohibited.

Examples of sexual harassment may include, but not be limited to, touching
private body parts or coercing physical contact that is sexual in nature; sexual
advances; jokes or conversations of a sexual nature; and other sexually motivated
conduct, communications, or contact.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 54

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Sexual harassment of a student by an employee or volunteer does not include
necessary or permissible physical contact not reasonably construed as sexual in
nature, such as comforting a child with a hug or taking the child’s hand. However,
romantic and other inappropriate social relationships, as well as all sexual
relationships, between students and district employees are prohibited, even if
consensual.

Gender-based harassment includes harassment based on a student’s gender,
expression by the student of stereotypical characteristics associated with the
student’s gender, or the student’s failure to conform to stereotypical behavior
related to gender.

Examples of gender-based harassment directed against a student, regardless of
the student’s or the harasser’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender
identity, may include, but not be limited to, offensive jokes, name-calling, slurs, or
rumors; physical aggression or assault; threatening or intimidating conduct; or
other kinds of aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property.

Retaliation

Retaliation against a person who makes a good faith report of discrimination or This text describes retaliation against a
harassment, including dating violence, is prohibited. Retaliation against a person student by an employee or another
who is participating in an investigation of alleged discrimination or harassment is student.
also prohibited. A person who makes a false claim or offers false statements or
refuses to cooperate with a district investigation, however, may be subject to
appropriate discipline.

Examples of retaliation may include threats, rumor spreading, ostracism, assault,
destruction of property, unjustified punishments, or unwarranted grade
reductions. Unlawful retaliation does not include petty slights or annoyances.

Reporting Procedures

Any student who believes that he or she has experienced dating violence, Because of the interrelationship of
discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should immediately report the problem prohibited conduct as described in FFH
to a teacher, school counselor, principal, or other district employee. The report and the statutory requirements for
may be made by the student’s parent. [See policy FFH(LOCAL) for the other bullying listed in FFI, it is important for
appropriate district officials to whom to make a report.] the district official or investigator to
recognize when prohibited conduct
Upon receiving a report of prohibited conduct as defined by policy FFH, the might also constitute bullying, as
district will determine whether the allegations, if proven, would constitute defined by law, and vice versa.
prohibited conduct as defined by that policy. If not, the district will refer to policy
FFI to determine if the allegations, if proven, would constitute bullying, as defined
by law and that policy. If the alleged prohibited conduct, if proven, would

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 55

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

constitute prohibited conduct and would also be considered bullying as defined
by law and policy FFI, an investigation of bullying will also be conducted.

The district will promptly notify the parents of any student alleged to have
experienced prohibited conduct involving an adult associated with the district. In
the event alleged prohibited conduct involves another student, the district will
notify the parents of the student alleged to have experienced the prohibited
conduct when the allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation as defined by
policy FFH.

Investigation of Report 56

To the extent possible, the district will respect the privacy of the student;
however, limited disclosures may be necessary to conduct a thorough
investigation and to comply with law. Allegations of prohibited conduct, which
includes dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, will be
promptly investigated.

If a law enforcement or other regulatory agency notifies the district that it is
investigating the matter and requests that the district delay its investigation, the
district will resume the investigation at the conclusion of the agency’s
investigation.

During the course of an investigation and when appropriate, the district will take
interim action to address the alleged prohibited conduct.

If the district’s investigation indicates that prohibited conduct occurred,
appropriate disciplinary action, and, in some cases, corrective action, will be
taken to address the conduct. The district may take disciplinary and corrective
action even if the conduct that is the subject of the complaint was not unlawful.

All involved parties will be notified of the outcome of the district investigation
within the parameters and limits allowed under the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act (FERPA).

A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation may
appeal in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL).

DISCRIMINATION

[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page
____.]

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved.

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

DISTANCE LEARNING

All Grade Levels EHDE(LOCAL)

Distance learning and correspondence courses include courses that encompass If the district participates in other
the state-required essential knowledge and skills but are taught through multiple distance learning programs besides the
technologies and alternative methodologies such as mail, satellite, Internet, video- TxVSN, explained below, include any
conferencing, and instructional television. guidelines in this section.

The Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) has been established as one method of If the district applies certain
distance learning. A student has the option, with certain limitations, to enroll in a limitations to distance learning courses
course offered through the TxVSN to earn course credit for graduation. not provided through the TxVSN, i.e.,
correspondence courses, add those
Depending on the TxVSN course in which a student enrolls, the course may be limitations here. For example, some
subject to the “no pass, no play” rules. [Also see Extracurricular Activities, districts establish limitations regarding
Clubs, and Organizations on page _____.] In addition, for a student who enrolls in how many credits the district will
a TxVSN course for which an end-of-course (EOC) assessment is required, the recognize for these types of courses,
student must still take the corresponding EOC assessment. what grade levels are eligible to take
these types of courses, and how many
If you have questions or wish to make a request that your child be enrolled in a of these types of courses a student may
TxVSN course, please contact the school counselor. Unless an exception is made take at one time. Alternatively, some
by the ________________, a student will not be allowed to enroll in a TxVSN course if districts choose to consider these on a
the school offers the same or a similar course. case-by-case basis based on the
individual student’s request.
A copy of policy EHDE will be distributed to parents of middle and high school
students at least once each year. If you do not receive a copy or have questions The district may also offer distance
about this policy, please contact the ____________________. learning, including correspondence
courses, to those students who were
The additional distance learning opportunities that the district makes available to assigned to DAEP or ISS as an
district students are ________________. opportunity for completing
coursework before the beginning of the
If a student wishes to enroll in a correspondence course or a distance learning next school year. See DAEP Makeup
course that is not provided through the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN), as Work and In-School Suspension
described below, in order to earn credit in a course or subject, the student must Makeup Work on page 102.
receive permission from the principal prior to enrolling in the course or subject. If
the student does not receive prior approval, the district may not recognize and
apply the course or subject toward graduation requirements or subject mastery.

Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) (Secondary Grade Levels) The district’s policy that provides Education Code 26.0031, Education
students with the opportunity to enroll Code Chapter 30A; 19 TAC Chapter 70
The Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) has been established by the state as in TxVSN courses must be sent to each Subchapter AA; EHDE(LEGAL) and
one method of distance learning. A student has the option, with certain parent of a middle or high school (LOCAL); EHDE in the TASB Regulations
limitations, to enroll in a course offered through the TxVSN to earn course credit Resource Manual
for graduation.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 57

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Depending on the TxVSN course in which a student enrolls, the course may be student at least once per school year.
subject to the “no pass, no play” rules. [Also see Extracurricular Activities, EHDE(LEGAL) and (LOCAL), as well as
Clubs, and Organizations on page ____.] In addition, for a student who enrolls in the adjacent text, reference the
a TxVSN course for which an end-of-course (EOC) assessment is required, the requirement of Education Code
student must still take the corresponding EOC assessment. 26.0031 that a district inform students
and parents of the opportunity to
If you have questions or wish to make a request that your child be enrolled in a enroll in electronic courses provided
TxVSN course, please contact the school counselor. Unless an exception is made by the TxVSN at the same time and
by the ________________, a student will not be allowed to enroll in a TxVSN course if manner that the district informs them
the school offers the same or a similar course. about courses that are provided in the
traditional classroom setting. If the
A copy of policy EHDE will be distributed to parents of middle and high school district maintains a separate course
students at least once each year. If you do not receive a copy or have questions catalog or bulletin in which this
about this policy, please contact the ____________________. information is communicated, include
the information about courses offered
through the TxVSN in that document as
well. Because a district can deny
enrollment if the district offers a
substantially similar course, the
adjacent text reflects the decision to
not allow a student to enroll in a TxVSN
course if the school offers the same or a
similar course unless an exception is
made. However, as of the publication
date of this Model, there were pending
Commissioner rules that defined a
“substantially similar” course provided
by the district as a course that is also
provided via distance learning (i.e., an
electronic course). Make sure to watch
for publication of these rules.

DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE, PUBLISHED MATERIALS, OR
OTHER DOCUMENTS (All Grade Levels)

School Materials

Publications prepared by and for the school may be posted or distributed, with The first section is needed only if
the prior approval of the principal, sponsor, or teacher. Such items may include school publications are part of the
school posters, brochures, flyers, etc. campus program. If so, list official
campus publications, such as the
school newspaper or yearbook.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 58

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

The school newspaper, ____________________, and the yearbook, ____________________, are Complete this section with the name of
available to students. the school newspaper and/or
yearbook, if applicable, and any other
campus publications.

All school publications are under the supervision of a teacher, sponsor, and the
principal.

[See Directory Information for School-Sponsored Purposes on page ____.]

Nonschool Materials...from students FNAA(LOCAL)

From Students

Students must obtain prior approval from the ______________ before selling, posting, Coordinate this section with
circulating, or distributing more than [number listed at FNAA(LOCAL) that FNAA(LOCAL) regarding the number of
defines distribution] copies of written or printed materials, handbills, copies that trigger prior approval, to
photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or other visual or auditory materials that whom the materials must be submitted
were not developed under the oversight of the school. To be considered, any for approval, and who will determine
nonschool material must include the name of the sponsoring person or the location to access these materials.
organization. The decision regarding approval will be made within two school Be sure your district has revised your
days. First Amendment policies using the
Starting Points documents available in
The ________________ has designated ____________________ as the location for approved the Policy Service Resource Library on
nonschool materials to be placed for voluntary viewing or collection by students. the myTASB website. These policies
[See policy FNAA.] include FNAA, FNAB, GKD, and GKDA.

A student may appeal a decision in accordance with policy FNG(LOCAL). Any See FNG(LOCAL) for student complaint
student who sells, posts, circulates, or distributes nonschool material without procedures. Also coordinate with the
prior approval will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct if disciplinary
Student Code of Conduct. Materials displayed without approval will be removed. measures for unauthorized posting of
materials are addressed.

Add any administrative regulations
that students need to know, e.g. limits
on the size of posted flyers.

Nonschool Materials...from From Othersothers GKDA(LOCAL)

Written or printed materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, films, tapes, or Coordinate with GKDA(LOCAL)
other visual or auditory materials not sponsored by the district or by a district- regarding to whom these materials
affiliated school-support organization will not be sold, circulated, distributed, or must be submitted for approval and
posted on any district premises by any district employee or by persons or groups who determines the location to access

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 59

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

not associated with the district, except as permitted by policy GKDA. To be these materials. If the district does not
considered for distribution, any nonschool material must meet the limitations on currently have a GKDA(LOCAL), see the
content established in the policy, include the name of the sponsoring person or First Amendment Starting Points in the
organization, and be submitted to the ______________ for prior review. The ________ Policy Service Resource Library on the
will approve or reject the materials within two school days of the time the myTASB website.
materials are received. The requestor may appeal a rejection in accordance with
the appropriate district complaint policy. [See policies at DGBA or GF.]

The __________________ has designated ____________________ as the location for approved
nonschool materials to be placed for voluntary viewing or collection.

Prior review will not be required for:

■ Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a school-
sponsored meeting intended for adults and held after school hours.

■ Distribution of materials by an attendee to other attendees of a community
group meeting held after school hours in accordance with policy
GKD(LOCAL) or a noncurriculum-related student group meeting held in
accordance with FNAB(LOCAL).

■ Distribution for electioneering purposes during the time a school facility is
being used as a polling place, in accordance with state law.

All nonschool materials distributed under these circumstances must be removed
from district property immediately following the event at which the materials are
distributed.

DRESS AND GROOMING (All Grade Levels) FNCA(LOCAL), FNCC(LEGAL)

The district’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent Please note: Specifics regarding
disruption, and minimize safety hazards. Students and parents may determine a student dress are best addressed at
student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they comply with this section in the Student Handbook.
the following:
Districts should be cautious about
■ [rule] generalized provisions regarding gang-
related apparel. At least one federal
■ [rule] court in Texas has invalidated a school
district’s policy prohibiting gang-
■ [rule] related clothing because the provisions
were too vague. If you include such
provisions, be sure to set them out in
specific detail and keep current the list
of clothing or other apparel that is
prohibited so that students and parents
have clear notice.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 60

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

If the principal determines that a student’s grooming or clothing violates the Adjust this text accordingly to state the
school’s dress code, the student will be given an opportunity to correct the consequences for failure to abide by
problem at school. If not corrected, the student may be assigned to in-school the district’s dress code and grooming
suspension for the remainder of the day, until the problem is corrected, or until a standards.
parent or designee brings an acceptable change of clothing to the school.
Repeated offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action in accordance
with the Student Code of Conduct.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES (All This section incorporates personal Education 37.082; FNCE(LEGAL) and
Grade Levels) telecommunications and other (LOCAL), FNF(LEGAL); CQ in the TASB
personal electronic devices as well as Regulations Resource Manual
district-owned and -issued equipment.
Because many districts are permitting
instructional use of these devices and
equipment, the following subsections
provide for such use if approved.

Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices,
Including Mobile Telephones

For safety purposes, the district permits students to possess personal mobile A district is permitted by law to charge
telephones; however, these devices must remain turned off during the an administrative fee for the retrieval
instructional day, including during all testing, unless they are being used for of a confiscated telecommunications
approved instructional purposes. A student must have approval to possess other device, and this fee can be no more
telecommunications devices such as netbooks, laptops, tablets, or other portable than $15. If the district has a hierarchy
computers. of consequences based on first, second,
or third offenses, include those details
The use of mobile telephones or any device capable of capturing images is strictly here as well. If your district does not
prohibited in locker rooms or restroom areas while at school or at a school- charge a fee for the retrieval of
related or school-sponsored event. confiscated telecommunications
devices, or if the district does not
If a student uses a telecommunications device without authorization during the dispose of such devices, please adjust
school day, the device will be confiscated. The [student/parent] may pick up the the text accordingly. Coordinate the
confiscated telecommunications device from the principal’s office for a fee of $15. text with policy FNCE(LOCAL).

Confiscated telecommunications devices that are not retrieved by the student or The text offered in this section allows
the student’s parents will be disposed of after the notice required by law. [See possession of cell phones but requires
policy FNCE.] that they remain turned off during the
instructional day unless they are being
In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal used for a specific instructional
telecommunications device may be searched by authorized personnel. [See purpose. Because devices such as
Searches on page ____ and policy FNF.] netbooks, laptops, tablets, or other

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 61

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. portable computers could be
The district is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications considered telecommunications
devices. devices, a statement is included that
approval must be granted for a student
to possess these types of devices.

To address privacy concerns of other
students, the text prohibits the use of
these devices in locker rooms or
restroom areas at any time while on
campus or at any school-related event.

TEA prohibits having cell phones on
during administration of any state-
mandated assessment, and a student’s
assessment would be marked invalid if
use of a phone is discovered. The
suggested language offered in this
Model is broader and would apply to all
testing, including locally developed
exams.

Possession and Use of Other Personal Electronic Devices

Except as described below, students are not permitted to possess or use personal The district may not charge a fee for
electronic devices such as MP3 players, video or audio recorders, DVD players, the retrieval of a confiscated electronic
cameras, games, e-readers, or other electronic devices at school, unless prior device unless it is also considered a
permission has been obtained. Without such permission, teachers will collect the telecommunications device.
items and turn them in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine
whether to return items to students at the end of the day or to contact parents to
pick up the items.

In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal
electronic device may be searched by authorized personnel. [See Searches on
page ____ and policy FNF.]

Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
The district is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic device.

Instructional Use of Personal Telecommunications and Other To coincide with the increasing
Electronic Devices demand for districts to incorporate

In some cases, students may find it beneficial or might be encouraged to use
personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 62

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

instructional purposes while on campus. Students must obtain prior approval technology into the classroom, many
before using personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices districts are allowing students to
for instructional use. Students must also sign a user agreement that contains access the district’s network systems
applicable rules for use (separate from this handbook). When students are not with personally owned
using the devices for approved instructional purposes, all devices must be turned telecommunications and electronic
off during the instructional day. Violations of the user agreement may result in devices for use related to instruction.
withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.
Similar to most districts’ FNCE(LOCAL)
policies, the adjacent text requires
students to obtain prior permission
before they use personal electronic
devices for on-campus instructional
use. Sample user agreements included
in the TASB Regulations Resource
Manual at CQ also address this topic.

Acceptable Use of District Technology Resources

To prepare students for an increasingly technological society, the district has Many districts currently issue
made an investment in the use of district-owned technology resources for computers or other electronic devices
instructional purposes; specific resources may be issued individually to students. to students. Make sure that you include
Use of these technological resources, which include the district’s network systems here or in other publications the
and use of district equipment, is restricted to approved purposes only. Students district’s rules and expectations of
and parents will be asked to sign a user agreement (separate from this handbook) approved uses of district-issued
regarding use of these district resources. Violations of the user agreement may equipment when the student is not on
result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action. district premises.

As mentioned above, the sample user
agreements provided by TASB Policy
Service can be found at CQ in the TASB
Regulations Resource Manual.

Unacceptable and Inappropriate Use of Technology Resources

Students are prohibited from possessing, sending, forwarding, posting, accessing, This provision connects text in the Student Code of Conduct;
or displaying electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, TASB Model Student Code of Conduct http://beforeyoutext.com
threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal. This
prohibition also applies to conduct off school property, whether the equipment
used to send such messages is district-owned or personally owned, if it results in
a substantial disruption to the educational environment.

Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, possessing, or sharing obscene,
sexually oriented, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or other content, commonly

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 63

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

referred to as “sexting,” will be disciplined according to the Student Code of with practices commonly known as
Conduct, may be required to complete an educational program related to the “sexting,” and also reinforces that
dangers of this type of behavior, and, in certain circumstances, may be reported to posting or sharing such images may
law enforcement. Because engaging in this type of behavior can lead to bullying or constitute a crime. It can be a
harassment, as well as possibly impede future endeavors of a student, we misdemeanor offense for a minor to
encourage you to review with your child http://beforeyoutext.com, a state- possess or share visual material
developed program that addresses the consequences of engaging in inappropriate depicting a minor engaged in sexual
behavior using technology. conduct.

Districts are required to provide or
make available, in a grade level and by
means the district considers
appropriate, information on programs
developed by the Texas School Safety
Center and the Attorney General’s
office, that address the consequences
of this type of behavior and its relation
to bullying, cyberbullying, and
harassment. The resulting Sexting
Prevention Educational Program for
Texas includes the educational tool,
http://beforeyoutext.com, which may
be used in its entirety or by individual
module. A reference to the program is
also included in the adjacent text.

In addition, any student who engages in conduct that results in a breach of the A breach of computer security is an
district’s computer security will be disciplined in accordance with the Student expellable offense.
Code of Conduct, and, in some cases, the consequence may rise to the level of
expulsion.

END-OF-COURSE (EOC) ASSESSMENTS

[See Graduation on page ____ and Standardized Testing on page ____.]

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND
ORGANIZATIONS (All Grade Levels)

Participation in school-sponsored activities is an excellent way for a student to You may wish to include your list of FEB in the TASB Regulations Resource
develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with approved organizations other than UIL. Manual
other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right. Remember, neither the Commissioner
of Education nor the SBOE maintains a

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 64

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

list of approved activities other than
those governed by the UIL; approval is
at the discretion of the local board of
trustees. A sample resolution to assist
in documenting approved activities can
be found in the TASB Regulations
Resource Manual.

Participation in some of these activities may result in events that occur off- A note is included to remind students
campus. When the district arranges transportation for these events, students are and parents involved in extracurricular
required to use the transportation provided by the district to and from the events. activities that students must use any
Exceptions to this may only be made with the approval of the activity’s coach or district-provided transportation. We
sponsor. [Also see Transportation on page ____.] recommend the principal approve all
procedures developed by each
activity’s sponsor or coach related to
allowing exceptions to this rule.

Eligibility for initial and continuing participation in many of these activities is A specific statement referring to Education Code 33.081(b), .208;
governed by state law and the rules of the University Interscholastic League mandatory compliance with UIL rules FM(LEGAL)
(UIL)—a statewide association overseeing interdistrict competition. If a student is included to remind parents and
is involved in an academic, athletic, or music activity governed by UIL, the student students of these requirements and
and parent are expected to know and follow all rules of the UIL organization. their responsibilities. Schools are
Students involved in UIL athletic activities and their parents can access the UIL required by law to provide each
Parent Information Manual at https://www.uiltexas.org/athletics/manuals; a student participating in a UIL athletic
hard copy can be provided by the coach or sponsor of the activity on request. To activity with notice of compliance with
report a complaint of alleged noncompliance with required safety training or an the required safety training and with
alleged violation of safety rules required by law and the UIL, please contact the the UIL parent manual. Districts are
curriculum division of TEAthe Texas Education Agency at (512) 463-9581 or also required to post prominently at
curriculum@tea.state.tx.us. the administrative offices the
telephone number and e-mail address
[See http://www.uiltexas.org for additional information on all UIL-governed designated by TEA to report a violation
activities.] of the safety training requirements.
This information has also been added
to the adjacent text.

Please note: The district must have a
concussion oversight team (Education
Code Chapter 38, Subchapter D) for any
interscholastic athletic activity,
whether sponsored by the school
district or UIL. The oversight team
must develop a return-to-play protocol
and must include at least one
physician. See

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 65

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Choose if the district will use the handbook to provide information to parents about http://www.uiltexas.org/health/info/c
football helmets: Student safety in extracurricular activities is a priority of the oncussions for the UIL’s concussion
district. The equipment used in football is no exception. As a parent, you are guidelines, which include the return-
entitled to review the district’s records regarding the age of each football helmet to-play form that is required after a
used by the campus, including when a helmet has been reconditioned. student’s completion of the district’s
return-to-play protocol.

Additionally, you must maintain and Education Code 33.094; FM(LEGAL);
make available to parents FM in the TASB Regulations Resource
documentation indicating the age of Manual.
football helmets used by the district
and the dates on which each helmet
has been reconditioned. If you will not
be providing this notice to parents in
any other publication or document,
consider adding the adjacent statement
highlighted in turquoise shading.

In addition, the following provisions apply to all extracurricular activities: State law specifies the courses that are Education Code 33.081; FM(LEGAL)
not subject to the “no pass, no play”
■ A student who receives at the end of a grading period a grade below 70 in any requirements and that should not be
academic class—other than an Advanced Placement or International considered when determining a
Baccalaureate course; or an honors or dual credit course in English language student’s eligibility to participate in
arts, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, or language other than extracurricular activities.
English—may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three
school weeks. While the law exempts the courses
listed in this section, the district can
establish a stricter standard by
requiring students to pass any or all of
these courses. If the district wishes to
provide for stricter standards, please
contact your policy consultant for
appropriate policy language for
FM(LOCAL) and adjust the text in this
section to reflect that practice.

Keep in mind that these rules and
exemptions also apply to courses taken
through the Texas Virtual School
Network.

■ A student with disabilities who receives special education services and who
fails to meet the standards in the individualized education program (IEP)

may not participate for at least three school weeks.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 66

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

■ An ineligible student may practice or rehearse but may not participate in any State law authorizes the board to adopt Education Code 33.0811; FM(LEGAL)
competitive activity. a policy establishing the number of and (LOCAL)
times an eligible student may be absent
■ A student is allowed in a school year up to _____ absences not related to post- to participate in extracurricular
district competition, a maximum of ______ absences for post-district activities sponsored or sanctioned by
competition prior to state, and a maximum of ______ absences for state (1) the district, (2) UIL, or (3) an
competition. All extracurricular activities and public performances, whether organization sanctioned by resolution
UIL activities or other activities approved by the board, are subject to these of the board. The policy must permit a
restrictions. student to be absent at least ten times
during the school year. Coordinate the
■ An absence for participation in an activity that has not been approved will permitted number of extracurricular
receive an unexcused absence. absences with your policy FM(LOCAL).

Standards of Behavior FNF(LOCAL), FO(LOCAL)

Sponsors of student clubs and performing groups such as the band, choir, and If you have stricter standards of
drill and athletic teams may establish standards of behavior—including behavior as a condition of participation
consequences for misbehavior—that are stricter than those for students in in clubs and performing groups and
general. If a violation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences require student/parent
specified by the Student Code of Conduct or by board policy will apply in addition acknowledgment, include that
to any consequences specified by the organization’s standards of behavior. information here.

[For further information, see policies at FM and FO. For student-organized, If any of the extracurricular standards
student-led groups, see Meetings of Noncurriculum-Related Groups on page of behavior implicate constitutional
____.] rights (such as a requirement for drug
testing [see FNF(LOCAL)]), apply to off-
campus behaviors that are not school-
related, or could result in more than
suspension from the extracurricular
activity, TASB attorneys advise that
these standards be authorized by
board policy and reviewed by the
district’s attorney.

For other standards of behavior, such
standards should be in writing and
approved by the superintendent and
principal.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 67

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Offices and Elections Include information here about officer
positions, as well as the election
Certain clubs, organizations, and performing groups will hold elections for information, held by students who are
student officers. These groups include: involved in school-sponsored activities.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

FEES (All Grade Levels) Education Code 11.158; FP(LEGAL)
and (LOCAL)
Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state
and local funds at no charge to a student. A student, however, is expected to Delete any of the items that are not
provide his or her own pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks and may be applicable to your district or campus.
required to pay certain other fees or deposits, including:
Please note: Fees authorized for
■ Costs for materials for a class project that the student will keep. optional courses are not permitted if
the course is one requested by parents
■ Membership dues in voluntary clubs or student organizations and admission in accordance with Education Code
fees to extracurricular activities. 28.003. See Graduation Programs on
page 73.
■ Security deposits.

■ Personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel.

■ Voluntarily purchased pictures, publications, class rings, yearbooks,
graduation announcements, etc.

■ Voluntarily purchased student accident insurance.

■ Musical instrument rental and uniform maintenance, when uniforms are
provided by the district.

■ Personal apparel used in extracurricular activities that becomes the property
of the student.

■ Parking fees and student identification cards.

■ Fees for lost, damaged, or overdue library books.

■ Fees for driver training courses, if offered.

■ Fees for optional courses offered for credit that require use of facilities not
available on district premises.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 68

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

■ Summer school for courses that are offered tuition-free during the regular
school year.

■ A reasonable fee for providing transportation to a student who lives within
two miles of the school. [See Buses and Other School Vehicles on page ____.]

■ A fee not to exceed $50 for costs of providing an educational program outside
of regular school hours for a student who has lost credit or has not been
awarded a final grade because of absences and whose parent chooses the
program in order for the student to meet the 90 percent attendance
requirement. The fee will be charged only if the parent or guardian signs a
district-provided request form.

■ In some cases, a fee for a course taken through the Texas Virtual School
Network (TxVSN).

Any required fee or deposit may be waived if the student and parent are unable to
pay. Application for such a waiver may be made to the ____________________. [For
further information, see policy FP.]

FUND-RAISING (All Grade Levels) FJ(LOCAL), GE(LOCAL)

Student groups or classes and/or parent groups may be permitted to conduct Include any local requirements or
fund-raising drives for approved school purposes. An application for permission prohibitions. Coordinate with
must be made to the ____________________ at least ____ days before the event. [For FJ(LOCAL) and GE(LOCAL).
further information, see policies at FJ and GE.]

GANG-FREE ZONES (All Grade Levels) Education Code 37.110, .121(a), (c);
FNCC(LEGAL)
Certain criminal offenses, including those involving organized criminal activity
such as gang-related crimes, will be enhanced to the next highest category of State law mandates that each district
offense if they are committed in a gang-free zone. For purposes of the district, a include in its student handbook, for
gang-free zone includes a school bus and a location in, on, or within 1,000 feet of each campus, information about gang-
any district-owned or leased property or campus playground. free zones and the consequences of
engaging in criminal activity within
those zones. The increased punishment
applies only if the person committing
the crime is 17 or older.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 69

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

GENDER-BASED HARASSMENT

[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page
____.]

GRADE LEVEL CLASSIFICATION (Grades 9–12 Only)

After the ninth grade, students are classified according to the number of credits Many districts, especially those with
earned toward graduation. block scheduling, have a high school
grade classification system that differs
Credits Earned Classification from the system required by UIL, which
relies on the student’s standing as of
___ Grade 10 (Sophomore) the first six weeks of a school year and
that classifies a student with at least
___ Grade 11 (Junior) five credits as grade 10, a student with
at least ten credits as grade 11, and a
___ Grade 12 (Senior) student with at least 15 credits as
grade 12. Modify this section to reflect
your practice.

GRADING GUIDELINES (All Grade Levels)

Grading guidelines for each grade level or course will be communicated and Grading guidelines must be reviewed Education Code 28.0216; EIA in the
distributed to students and their parents by the classroom teacher. These and approved each year. The adjacent TASB Regulations Resource Manual
guidelines have been reviewed by each applicable curriculum department and text gives a general description of what
have been approved by the campus principal. These guidelines establish the the guidelines might include. We
minimum number of assignments, projects, and examinations required for each recommend addressing makeup work
grading period. In addition, these guidelines establish how the student’s mastery procedures, along with any grade
of concepts and achievement will be communicated (i.e., letter grades, numerical penalties associated with unexcused
averages, checklist of required skills, etc.). Grading guidelines also outline in what absences, in grading guidelines.
circumstances a student will be allowed to redo an assignment or retake an However, see Makeup Work Because
examination for which the student originally made a failing grade. Procedures for of an Absence on page 101 to review
a student to follow after an absence will also be addressed. how some districts have made the
decision to separate grading penalties
from disciplinary penalties after
student absences.

When practical, you may wish to
include a copy of your grading
guidelines in the Student Handbook,

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 70

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

[Also see Report Cards/Progress Reports and Conferences on page ____ for for example, if the elementary school
additional information on grading guidelines.] has the same guidelines regardless of
grade level. Included in the TASB
Regulations Resource Manual is an
outline to assist in developing grading
guidelines.

If you require semester exams or finals
but allow for exemptions in certain
circumstances, you may wish to add
the criteria a student must meet to
qualify in your grading guidelines. If
one of the criteria is student
attendance, be sure you provide
exceptions for absences that are
exempted under the state compulsory
attendance law.

GRADUATION (Secondary Grade Levels Only)

Requirements for a Diploma for a Student Enrolled in High School Education Code 28.0023, .025; 19 TAC
Prior to the 2014–15 School Year Chapter 74; EIF(LEGAL), EKB(LEGAL)

To receive a high school diploma from the district, a student who was enrolled in Keep in mind that students who
high school prior to the 2014–15 school year must successfully: entered grade 7 in the 2010–11 school
year (2015–16 12th graders if
■ Complete the required number of credits established by the state and any following a traditional four-year plan)
additional credits required by the district; and each student thereafter must
receive instruction in CPR at least once
■ Complete any locally required courses in addition to the courses mandated by in grades 7–12 before graduation. The
the state; and instruction can be provided as part of
any course and is not required to result
■ Achieve passing scores on certain end-of-course (EOC) assessments or in CPR certification. At this time, there
approved substitute assessments, unless specifically waived as permitted by is no designated method on how
state law. districts should document that each
student to which this requirement
applies received the instruction.

[Also see Standardized Testing on page ____ for more information.]

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 71

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Requirements for a Diploma Beginning with the 2014–15 School Year Education Code 28.0023, .025; 19 TAC
Chapter 74; EIF(LEGAL), EKB(LEGAL)
Beginning with students who entered grade 9 in the 2014–15 school year, as well
as any currently enrolled high school student who decides to graduate under the In addition to the credit and course
new foundation graduation program, a student must meet the following requirements, SBOE rule at TAC
requirements to receive a high school diploma from the district: 74.11(a)(3) requires that a student
demonstrate proficiency in delivering
■ Complete the required number of credits established by the state and any clear verbal messages; choosing
additional credits required by the district; effective nonverbal behaviors; listening
for desired results; applying valid
■ Complete any locally required courses in addition to the courses mandated by critical-thinking and problem-solving
the state; processes; and identifying, analyzing,
developing, and evaluating
■ Achieve passing scores on certain end-of-course (EOC) assessments or communication skills needed for
approved substitute assessments, unless specifically waived as permitted by professional and social success in
state law; and interpersonal situations, group
interactions, and personal and
■ Demonstrate proficiency, as determined by the district, in the specific professional presentations. Proficiency
communication skills required by the State Board of Education. will be determined by the district.

As mentioned above, students who
entered grade 7 in the 2010–11 school
year (2015–16 12th graders if
following a traditional four-year plan)
and each student thereafter must
receive instruction in CPR at least once
in grades 7–12 before graduation. The
instruction can be provided as part of
any course and is not required to result
in CPR certification. At this time, there
is no designated method on how
districts should document that each
student to which this requirement
applies received the instruction.

Testing Requirements for Graduation Education Code 39.023(c), .025(g); 19
TAC 101.3012(a), .4002, .4005;
Students are required, with limited exceptions and regardless of graduation The superintendent is charged with EIF(LEGAL), EKB(LEGAL)
program, to perform satisfactorily on the following EOC assessments: English I, notifying each student and his or her
English II, Algebra I, Biology, and United States History. A student who has not parent in writing no later than the
achieved sufficient scores on the EOC assessments to graduate will have beginning of the student’s seventh
opportunities to retake the assessments. State law and state rules also provide for grade year of the testing requirements

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 72

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

certain scores on norm-referenced national standardized assessments to for graduation; therefore, you should
substitute for the requirement to meet satisfactory performance on an applicable consider retaining the graduation
EOC assessment should a student choose this option. See the school counselor for sections within this Model even if your
more information on the state testing requirements for graduation. handbook is solely serving a middle or
junior high campus. The
superintendent must also notify each
new student in grades 7–12 of these
requirements. The dates, times, and
locations of testing must also be
communicated to students to whom
the requirements apply.

If a student fails to perform satisfactorily on an EOC assessment, the district will Districts must separately budget funds, Education Code 29.081(b), (b-1)–(b-3),
provide remediation to the student in the content area for which the performance including compensatory education (c); CE(LEGAL), EHBC(LEGAL),
standard was not met. This may require participation of the student before or funds, to be used for EOC accelerated EIF(LEGAL), EKB(LEGAL)
after normal school hours or at times of the year outside normal school instruction. Districts are prohibited
operations. from budgeting compensatory
education funds for any other purpose
[Also see Standardized Testing on page ____ for more information.] until this has been done. Districts must
also evaluate the effectiveness of their
EOC accelerated instruction programs
with an annual public hearing.
Although the Education Code requires
student participation if the EOC
accelerated instruction is provided
outside of normal school hours, the
compulsory attendance requirements
for failure to attend are not extended to
this participation. See
Absences/Attendance on page 27 for
more information.

Minimum, Recommended, and Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Education Code 28.025; 19 TAC
Graduation Programs Chapter 74; EIF(LEGAL);
http://tea.texas.gov/Curriculum_and_
For students who were enrolled in high school prior to the 2014–15 school year, There must be a written agreement Instructional_Programs/Graduation_
the district offers the graduation programs listed in this section. Students signed by the necessary parties for a Information/Requirements_for_
enrolled in high school prior to the 2014–15 school year also have the option to student to enroll in the Minimum Minimum_High_School_Program/
pursue the foundation graduation program as described below. Note that Program, except when an ARD
permission to enroll in the Minimum Program as described in this section will be committee places a student on a 73
granted only if a written agreement is reached among the student, the student’s modified curriculum in a particular
parent or person standing in parental relation, and the school counselor or subject area (also see note below). In
appropriate administrator. In order for a student to take courses under the addition, the student and parent must

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved.

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Minimum Program, the student must be at least 16 years of age; have completed affirm in writing that they have
at least two credits each in English language arts, math, science, and social studies received a written notice from TEA that
courses that are required for graduation; or have failed grade 9 one or more explains the benefits of the
times. [See policy EIF(LEGAL).] Recommended Program. See the link in
the References column for the notice
regarding the benefits of the
Recommended Program and the
written opt-in agreement form.

All students who were enrolled in high school prior to the 2014–15 school year The table is included for the district to 19 TAC Chapter 74; EIF(LEGAL) and
must meet the following credit and course requirements for graduation under the provide additional information to (LOCAL); http://tea.texas.gov/
programs listed or may choose to pursue the foundation graduation program as students and parents regarding the graduation.aspx
described on page ____: required courses and credits for
graduation. Make sure to complete the
Courses Number of Number of Number of missing information and revise the
credits credits credits number of credits if necessary. You will
notice that the credit requirements are
Minimum Recommended Advanced/ highlighted for the Minimum Program
Program Program Distinguished at science and social studies in order
Achievement for you to choose whether you always
require one of these areas to count for
Program the “academic elective” required of
students under this program.
English/Language 4 4 4
Please also complete the “locally
Arts required courses” row, if applicable,
which will then affect the number of
Mathematics 344 electives. If the district will continue to
require health and/or technology
Science 2 or 3 4 4 applications for graduation under each
program, for example, these would be
Social Studies, 3 or 4 4 4 included under the category of locally
including Economics required courses. Keep in mind that the
district is required to offer technology
Physical Education* 1 1 1 applications in the form of Computer
Science I and II (or AP Computer
Speech 0.5 0.5 0.5 Science) and at least two other courses
selected from the list at 19 TAC 74.3;
Language other than 23 however, the course itself is not
English required by the state for graduation. In
addition, the district is required by 19
Fine Arts 111 TAC 74.3 to offer Communication
Applications, but the course is not
Locally required ___ credit in ___ credit in ___ credit in required for graduation. Further, the
courses _________ _________ _________

___ credit in ___ credit in ___ credit in
_________ _________ _________

Electives** 6.5 credits 5.5 credits 4.5 credits

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 74

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Miscellaneous 22 credits 26 credits Completion of 4 district is required to provide
TOTAL Advanced instruction in the TEKS for health, but
the district is not required to offer the
Measures*** course nor is it required by the state
for graduation.
26 credits
The elective credits listed in the table
would be accurate only if the district
does not require any additional local
courses for graduation. If your district
requires the completion of an
additional number credits beyond the
number mandated by the state, be sure
to revise the total number listed and
make sure the additional number of
credits required is listed accurately in
EIF(LOCAL).

* A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to a disability or As allowed by state law, a reference is
illness may be able to substitute a course in English language arts, mathematics, included to reflect that a student who is
science, or social studies for the required credit of physical education. This unable to participate in physical
determination will be made by the student’s ARD committee, Section 504 activity may substitute an academic
committee, or other campus committee, as applicable. course for the credit required for PE.
Keep in mind, though, that this does
** State rules prohibit a student from combining a half-credit of a course for not remove your obligation to consider
which there is an EOC assessment with another half-credit of an elective credit adaptive PE for a student who receives
course to satisfy an elective credit requirement. However, the district will allow a special education services.
student to satisfy a graduation requirement for which there are multiple options
with one-half credit of one allowable option and one-half credit of another In response to State Board rules 19 TAC
allowable option, if neither course has an EOC assessment. 74.72(c), 19 TAC 74.73(c), and 19 TAC
74.74(c) that prohibit a student from
combining half-credits to earn an
elective credit if a half-credit is earned
in a course for which an EOC
assessment is required, TEA issued, in
a May 31, 2012, “To the Administrator
Addressed” (TAA) letter, the following
statement: “In accordance with local
district policy, a student may satisfy a
graduation requirement for which
there are multiple options with one-
half credit of one allowable option and
one-half credit of a second allowable
option if neither course has an end-of-

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 75

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

course assessment.” If you will not
allow a student to combine half-credits
in these circumstances, please revise
the adjacent text according to your
practice.

You can review the TAA letter here:
http://tea.texas.gov/index4.aspx?id=2
147506946.

*** A student graduating under the Advanced/Distinguished Achievement
Program must also achieve a combination of four of the following advanced
measures:

1. An original research project or other project that is related to the required
curriculum. These projects must be judged by a panel of professionals or
conducted under the direction of a mentor and reported to an appropriate
audience. Please note that no more than two of the four advanced measures
may be received from this option.

2. Test data where a student receives:

a. A score of three or above on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam;

b. A score of four or above on an International Baccalaureate (IB) exam; or

c. A score on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying
Test (PSAT/NMSQT) that qualifies the student for recognition as a
commended scholar or higher by the College Board and National Merit
Scholarship Corporation, as part of the National Hispanic Recognition
Program (NHRP) of the College Board, or as part of the National
Achievement Scholarship Program of the National Merit Scholarship
Corporation. The PSAT/NMSQT score will count as only one advanced
measure regardless of the number of honors received by the student.

3. College academic courses, including those taken for dual credit, and advanced
technical courses, including locally articulated courses, provided the student
scores the equivalent of a 3.0 or higher.

Foundation Graduation Program Education Code 28.025; 19 TAC
Chapter 74; EIF(LEGAL), EKB(LEGAL);
Every student in a Texas public school who enters entered grade 9 in the 2014–15 The adjacent text gives a general http://tea.texas.gov/Curriculum_and_
school year and thereafter will graduate under a new program called the description of the new foundation Instructional_Programs/Graduation_
“foundation graduation program.” Within the foundation graduation program are graduation program, effective for Information/House_Bill_5__
“endorsements,” which are paths of interest that include Science, Technology, students who entered grade 9 in the Foundation_High_School_Program/
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Business and Industry; Public Services; 2014–15 school year. Keep in mind,
Arts and Humanities; and Multidisciplinary Studies. Endorsements earned by a however, that statute and

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 76

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

student will be noted on the student’s transcript and diploma. The foundation Commissioner rules allow for a student
graduation program also involves the term “distinguished level of achievement,” enrolled in high school prior to this
which reflects the completion of at least one endorsement and Algebra II as one of school year to choose to pursue the
the required advanced mathematics credits. A personal graduation plan will be foundation graduation program. The
completed for each high school student, as described on page ____. State law and opt-out agreement for the pursuit of
rules prohibit a student from graduating solely under the foundation graduation graduation without an endorsement
program without an endorsement unless, after the student’s sophomore year, the may be found at the link in the
student and student’s parent are advised of the specific benefits of graduating References column.
with an endorsement and submit written permission to the school counselor for
the student to graduate without an endorsement. A student who anticipates
graduating under the foundation graduation program without an endorsement
and who wishes to attend a four-year university or college after graduation must
carefully consider whether this will satisfy the admission requirements of the
student’s desired college or university.

Graduating under the foundation graduation program will also provide
opportunities to earn “performance acknowledgments” that will be
acknowledged on a student’s diploma and transcript. Performance
acknowledgments are available for outstanding performance in bilingualism and
biliteracy; in a dual credit course; on an AP or IB exam; on the PSAT, ACT-
PlanAspire, SAT, or ACT exam, which are national exams; or for earning a
nationally or internationally recognized license or certificate. The criteria for
earning these performance acknowledgments are prescribed by state rules, and
the school counselor can provide more information about these
acknowledgments.

A student enrolled in high school prior to the 2014–15 school year has the option
of graduating under the foundation graduation program rather than the programs
identified above that would otherwise be applicable to that student. See the
school counselor for additional information.

The foundation graduation program requires completion of the following credits: The district will need to complete the
table in the adjacent section depending
Course Area Number of credits Number of credits on your local credit and course
Foundation Foundation requirements for the foundation
graduation program, including the
Graduation Program Graduation Program endorsements that the district will
with an Endorsement offer. Note that Algebra II is no longer
required for graduation in most cases;
English/Language Arts 4 4 however, a district is required by
Education Code 28.002(c) to make this
Mathematics 3 4* course available to each high school
student.
Science 34

Social Studies, including 3 3
Economics

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 77

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Physical Education** 11
Language other than 22
English***
Fine Arts 1 1
Locally required courses ___ credit in _________
Electives ___ credit in _________ ___ credit in _________
Miscellaneous ___ credit in _________
5
TOTAL 7
22 credits
Available
Endorsements****:
Science, Technology,
Engineering, and

Math
Business and

Industry
Public Services
Arts and Humanities
Multidisciplinary

26 credits

* In order to obtain the distinguished level of achievement under the foundation
graduation program, which will be denoted on a student’s transcript and diploma
and is a requirement to be considered for automatic admission purposes to a
Texas four-year college or university, a student must complete an endorsement
and take Algebra II as one of the four mathematics credits.

** A student who is unable to participate in physical activity due to a disability or
illness may be able to substitute a course in English language arts, mathematics,
science, social studies, or another locally determined credit-bearing course for
the required credit of physical education. This determination will be made by the
student’s ARD committee, Section 504 committee, or other campus committee, as
applicable.

*** Students are required to earn two credits in the same language other than Current SBOE rules clarify that
English to graduate. Any student may substitute computer programming Computer Science I, II, and III are
languages for these credits. In limited circumstances, a student may be able to considered computer programming
substitute this requirement with other courses, as determined by a district languages for this purpose.
committee authorized by law to make these decisions for the student.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 78

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

**** A student must specify upon entering grade 9 the endorsement he or she Note that statute refers to the student
wishes to pursue. making the choice of endorsement
upon entering grade 9 and signing off
on a personal graduation plan by the
end of grade 9.

Personal Graduation Plans for Students Under The Foundation Graduation Education Code 28.02121; EIF(LEGAL);
Program http://tea.texas.gov/communications/
brochures.aspx
A personal graduation plan will be developed for each high school student who is
subject to the requirements of the foundation graduation program. The district Districts are required to post the link to
encourages all students to pursue a personal graduation plan that includes the TEA’s Graduation Toolkit on their
completion of at least one endorsement and to graduate with the distinguished websites and make the information
level of achievement. Attainment of the distinguished level of achievement available to students and parents.
entitles a student to be considered for automatic admission to a public four year
college or university in Texas, depending on his or her rank in class. The school
will review personal graduation plan options with each student entering grade 9
and his or her parent. Before the end of grade 9, a student and his or her parent
will be required to sign off on a personal graduation plan that includes a course of
study that promotes college and workforce readiness and career placement and
advancement, as well as facilitates the transition from secondary to
postsecondary education. The student’s personal graduation plan will denote an
appropriate course sequence based on the student’s choice of endorsement.

Please also review TEA’s Graduation Toolkit, available here:
http://tea.texas.gov/communications/brochures.aspx.

Choose this option if the district will allow a student to amend his or her personal Choose from the options provided to
graduation plan without obtaining parental permission first. A student may amend reflect the district’s process for
his or her personal graduation plan after this initial confirmation. The school will handling student changes to personal
send written notice of any such amendment made by the student to the student’s graduation plans, or revise as
parent. necessary. Although state law only
requires written notice to be provided
OR to a student’s parent if the student
amends his or her personal graduation
Choose this option if the district will require parental permission prior to a student plan, many districts are requiring
amending his or her personal graduation plan. A student may, with parental parental consent for any students
permission, amend his or her personal graduation plan after the initial younger than 18 to amend their
confirmation. personal graduation plans, as they do
for any other types of schedule
changes.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 79

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Available Course Options for all Graduation Programs

Information regarding specific courses required or offered in each curriculum This section applies only to districts Education Code 28.003; EHA(LEGAL)
area will be distributed to students each spring in order to enroll in courses for with more than one secondary campus.
the upcoming school year. Note that the district may require the completion of Delete this section if it is not applicable
certain courses for graduation even if these courses are not required by the state to your district.
for graduation.
If your district does not offer all state-
Please be aware that not all courses are offered at every secondary campus in the required courses each year, you must
district. A student who wants to take a course not offered at his or her regular notify your students of this. If this is
campus should contact the school counselor about a transfer or other true of your district, consider including
alternatives. If the parents of at least 22 students request a transfer for those notice in the adjacent text. However,
students to take a course in the required curriculum other than fine arts or CTE, districts are required to teach courses
the district will offer the course for the following year either by teleconference or required for graduation at least once in
at the school from which the transfers were requested. any two consecutive years. For courses
with EOC assessments, the district
must teach these every year or employ
other options, like distance learning,
dual credit, or credit by exam
opportunities, to enable students to
earn course credit.

Certificates of Coursework Completion EI(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)

A certificate of coursework completion [will or will not] be issued to a student State Board of Education rules
who has successfully completed state and local credit requirements for continue to allow for a certificate of
graduation but has not yet demonstrated satisfactory performance on the state- coursework completion to be issued by
mandated tests required for graduation. the district if a student has met
coursework requirements but not
testing requirements for graduation.
Coordinate with your EI(LOCAL).

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 80

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Students with Disabilities 19 TAC Chapter 74, 19 TAC 89.1070;
EIF(LEGAL), FMH(LEGAL)
Upon the recommendation of the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD)
committee, a student with a disability who receives special education services State law permits a special education
may be permitted to graduate under the provisions of his or her IEP and in student to participate in graduation
accordance with state rules. ceremonies even if the student has not
completed his or her IEP. If the student
A student who receives special education services and has completed four years participates in the ceremony, he or she
of high school, but has not met the requirements of his or her IEP, may participate would be presented a certificate of
in graduation ceremonies and receive a certificate of attendance. Even if the attendance.
student participates in graduation ceremonies to receive the certificate of
attendance, he or she may remain enrolled to complete the IEP and earn his or
her high school diploma; however, the student will only be allowed to participate
in one graduation ceremony.

[See policy FMH(LEGAL).]

Please also be aware that if an ARD committee places a student with a disability State Board rule requires the
on a modified curriculum in a subject area, the student will be automatically placement of a student with a disability
placed in the Minimum Program, if that program is applicable based on the school in the Minimum Program under these
year in which the student entered high school, in accordance with state rules. circumstances.

If a student receiving special education services is scheduled to graduate under Commissioner rules under 19 TAC
the Minimum Program or in accordance with the provisions of his or her IEP, the 89.1070 describe graduation
student’s ARD committee will determine whether the general EOC assessment is requirements for students receiving
an accurate measure of the student’s achievement and progress and, if so, special education services under the
whether successful performance is required for graduation, or whether an foundation program.
alternative assessment is more appropriate. STAAR Alternate 2 is the alternative
assessment currently allowed by the state. [See Standardized Testing for
additional information.]

ARD committees for students with disabilities who receive special education
services and who are subject to the foundation graduation program will make
instructional and assessment decisions for these students in accordance with
state law and rules. In order to earn an endorsement under the foundation
program, a student must perform satisfactorily on the EOC assessments and
receive no modified curriculum in the student’s chosen endorsement area.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 81

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Graduation Activities EI(LOCAL), FMH(LOCAL)

Graduation activities will include: Include information in this section on
■ [activity] your requirements for participation in
■ [activity] graduation exercises. Specify here
■ [activity] whether the district allows the
following students to participate in
commencement activities:

1. Seniors who are not eligible to
receive their diplomas, including
those who will be receiving
certificates of coursework
completion, if issued by the district
[see EI(LOCAL) to determine if the
district issues these certificates,
and FMH(LOCAL) to determine if
these students would be eligible to
“walk”].

2. Students who are eligible to
graduate but were assigned to a
disciplinary alternative education
program at the end of the school
year. [See your Student Code of
Conduct.]

Use only if the district allows students who are not truly graduating to participate Please include the adjacent text ONLY if
in commencement exercises: Students who have met coursework requirements for you allow students who have not yet
graduation but have not yet demonstrated satisfactory performance on end-of- met all state testing requirements to
course assessments will be allowed to participate in graduation activities. participate in graduation.
However, please keep in mind that participating in the activities and ceremonies
is not synonymous with graduating. Ultimately, the final awarding of a diploma
will be contingent upon the student’s completion of all applicable requirements
for graduation.

The following students and student groups shall be recognized at graduation If you recognize students who have
ceremonies: attained a certain local honor status,
such as National Honor Society
■ ______ members or those who attain a certain
rank in class, consider adding that
■ ______ information here. This information
■ ______ may be in the district’s EIC(LOCAL)

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 82

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

policy but is typically more an
administrative decision.

Graduation Speakers Education Code Chapter 25,
Subchapter E; Student Code of
Certain graduating students will be given an opportunity to have speaking roles at The Religious Viewpoints Conduct; FNA(LEGAL) and (LOCAL)
graduation ceremonies. Antidiscrimination Act requires the
district to adopt a local policy on
A student must meet local eligibility criteria, which may include requirements student speakers. This section
related to student conduct, to have a speaking role. Students eligible for speaking addresses speakers at graduation
roles will be notified by the principal and given an opportunity to volunteer. ceremonies. Please refer to your
FNA(LOCAL), if your district has this
[See FNA(LOCAL) and the Student Code of Conduct. For student speakers at other policy, and coordinate this text with
school events, see Student Speakers on page ____.] that policy.

If your district has not adopted an
FNA(LOCAL), there is a Student
Expression Starting Points available on
the myTASB website to assist the
district in developing the policy.

If your district has intentionally not
adopted an FNA(LOCAL) based on the
recommendation of your local attorney,
delete the reference to the policy in the
adjacent text; however, we encourage
you to consult with your local attorney
to ensure that the district has
developed objective criteria related to
student eligibility for the speaking
roles at graduation, in addition to how
best communicate the district’s legal
authority and obligations related to
student speech at graduation.

We recommend that you address any
disciplinary restrictions regarding
eligibility to speak in your Code of
Conduct rather than your Student
Handbook. If you have information on
disciplinary restrictions at EIC(LOCAL),
we recommend that this information
be moved to your Student Code of
Conduct.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 83

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

Graduation Expenses EJ(LEGAL)

Because students and parents will incur expenses in order to participate in the Adjust this text according to your
traditions of graduation—such as the purchase of invitations, senior ring, cap and procedure.
gown, and senior picture—both the student and parent should monitor progress
toward completion of all requirements for graduation. The expenses often are
incurred in the junior year or first semester of the senior year. [See Student Fees
on page ____.]

Scholarships and Grants

■ Students who have a financial need according to federal criteria and who Add any local information related to
complete the Recommended Program or Advanced/Distinguished opportunities for scholarships or
Achievement Program, for as long as those programs are in place, or who grants here as well.
complete the foundation graduation program, may be eligible under the
T.E.X.A.S. Grant Program for tuition and fees to Texas public universities,
community colleges, and technical schools, as well as to private institutions.

■ Contact the school counselor for information about other scholarships and
grants available to students.

HARASSMENT

[See Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation on page
____.]

HAZING (All Grade Levels) Education Code 37.151, .152;
FFI(LEGAL) and (LOCAL),
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off Include the page number to reference FNCC(LEGAL)
campus directed against a student that endangers the mental or physical health back to the Bullying section of the
or the safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated to, affiliating handbook.
with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose
members are or include other students.

Hazing will not be tolerated by the district. If an incident of hazing occurs,
disciplinary consequences will be handled in accordance with the Student Code of
Conduct. It is a criminal offense if a person engages in hazing; solicits, encourages,
directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in hazing; or has firsthand knowledge of
an incident of hazing being planned or having occurred and fails to report this to
the principal or superintendent.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 84

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

[Also see Bullying on page ____ and policies FFI and FNCC.]

HEALTH-RELATED MATTERS

Student Illness (All Grade Levels) 25 TAC 97.2(d), 97.7(a); FFAD(LEGAL);
http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/
When your child is ill, please contact the school to let us know he or she won’t be The Texas Administrative Code reflects readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_
attending that day. It is important to remember that schools are required to the current protocols associated with dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=
exclude students with certain illnesses from school for periods of time as exclusion from school, as well as a full 1&p_tac=&ti=25&pt=1&ch=97&rl=7
identified in state rules. For example, if your child has a fever over 100 degrees, he list of conditions for which the school (exclusion requirements);
or she must stay out of school until fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing must exclude children. http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/
medications. In addition, students with diarrheal illnesses must stay home until investigation/conditions/
they are diarrhea free without diarrhea-suppressing medications for at least 24 (notifiable conditions)
hours. A full list of conditions for which the school must exclude children can be
obtained from the school nurse.

If a student becomes ill during the school day, he or she must receive permission
from the teacher before reporting to the school nurse. If the nurse determines
that the child should go home, the nurse will contact the parent.

The district is also required to report certain contagious (communicable) If you do not employ a nurse, please
diseases or illnesses to the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) or edit the text accordingly.
our local/regional health authority. The school nurse can provide information
from TDSHS on these notifiable conditions.

Contact the school nurse if you have questions or if you are concerned about
whether or not your child should stay home.

Bacterial Meningitis (All Grade Levels) Education Code 38.0025; FFAD(LEGAL)

State law requires the district to provide information about bacterial meningitis: In response to the legal requirement
for TEA to prescribe information for
■ What is meningitis? districts to publish regarding bacterial
meningitis, TEA has previously
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal communicated that all school districts
cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral must publish the information regarding
meningitis is common and most people recover fully. Parasitic and fungal bacterial meningitis in their student
meningitis are very rare. Bacterial meningitis is very serious and may handbooks. The law, which requires the
involve complicated medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, and life support information to be provided to all
management. students and parents every year, allows
a different method of publication only
if the district obtains permission from

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 85

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

■ What are the symptoms? TEA. However, there is currently no
Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop active link on the TEA website in
over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of regards to bacterial meningitis.
hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.
Children (over 2 years old) and adults with bacterial meningitis The adjacent text therefore reflects
commonly have a severe headache, high fever, and neck stiffness. Other guidance available on the Texas
symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright Department of State Health Services
lights, confusion, and sleepiness. In both children and adults, there may (TDSHS) website about this issue.
be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the Review http://www.dshs.state.tx.us
body. and search “Bacterial Meningitis” for
The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of more information.
symptoms and laboratory results.
If TEA subsequently issues new
■ How serious is bacterial meningitis? guidance regarding this topic, TASB
If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make Policy Service will alert districts with
a complete recovery. In some cases it can be fatal or a person may be left any necessary information.
with a permanent disability.

■ How is bacterial meningitis spread?
Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious
as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by
casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 86

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

meningitis has been. They are spread when people exchange respiratory Education Code 51.9192; 25 TAC
or throat secretions (such as by kissing, coughing, or sneezing). 97.63(2)(B); FFAB(LEGAL);
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/
The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people immunize/PreteenVaccines.aspx
become carriers of the germ for days, weeks, or even months. The #MeningVac
bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause
meningitis or another serious illness.

■ How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?

Maintaining healthy habits, like getting plenty of rest, can help prevent
infection. Using good health practices such as covering your mouth and
nose when coughing and sneezing and washing your hands frequently
with soap and water can also help stop the spread of the bacteria. It’s a
good idea not to share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes.
Limit the number of persons you kiss.

There are vaccines available to offer protection from some of the bacteria
that can cause bacterial meningitis.* The vaccines are safe and effective
(85–90 percent). They can cause mild side effects, such as redness and
pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops
within seven to ten days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to five
years.

■ What should you do if you think you or a friend might have bacterial
meningitis?

You should seek prompt medical attention.

■ Where can you get more information?

Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional Included with the basic information
health department office are excellent sources for information on all about bacterial meningitis are the
communicable diseases. You may also call your local health department requirements associated with
or Regional Department of State Health Services office to ask about a vaccinations for certain students.
meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the
websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
http://www.cdc.gov, and the Department of State Health Services,
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us.

* Please note that the TDSHS requires at least one meningococcal vaccination
between grades 7 and 1012, and state guidelines recommend this vaccination be
administered between age 11 and 12, with a booster dose at 16 years of age. Also
note that entering college students must show, with limited exception, evidence
of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination within the five-year period prior to

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 87

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

enrolling in and taking courses at an institution of higher education. Please see
the school nurse for more information, as this may affect a student who wishes to
enroll in a dual credit course taken off campus.

[Also refer to Immunizations on page ____ for more information.]

Food Allergies (All Grade Levels) Education Code 25.0022, 38.009,
38.0151(a)–(d); FD(LEGAL),
The district requests to be notified when a student has been diagnosed with a State law requires the district to FFAF(LEGAL) and (LOCAL),
food allergy, especially those allergies that could result in dangerous or possibly request this information upon FL(LEGAL); FFAF in the TASB
life-threatening reactions either by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with the enrollment, but we also include a Regulations Resource Manual
particular food. It is important to disclose the food to which the student is allergic, reference here to encourage parents to
as well as the nature of the allergic reaction. Please contact the school nurse or report such a diagnosis even after
campus principal if your child has a known food allergy or as soon as possible enrollment so that the district can plan
after any diagnosis of a food allergy. accordingly. Review FD(LEGAL) and
FL(LEGAL) for information related to
The district has developed and annually reviews a food allergy management plan, the confidentiality and retention of
which addresses employee training, dealing with common food allergens, and these disclosures.
specific strategies for dealing with students diagnosed with severe food allergies.
When the district receives information that a student has a food allergy that puts If you do not employ a school nurse,
the student at risk for anaphylaxis, individual care plans will be developed to delete the reference to a nurse.
assist the student in safely accessing the school environment. The district’s food
allergy management plan can be accessed at __________. The TASB Regulations Resource Manual
contains model procedures and forms
[Also see policy FFAF and Celebrations on page ____.] to assist the district in creating its food
allergy management plan. Consider
adding details to the handbook
regarding your food allergy
management plan or provide a link
where it can be accessed.

If you restrict certain food items from
being brought to school, make sure to
provide notification either here, at
Celebrations on page 40, or in other
district correspondence.

Head Lice (All Grade Levels) http://dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth/
lice.shtm
Head lice, although not an illness or a disease, is very common among children Exclusion from school due to lice is no
and is spread very easily through head-to-head contact during play, sports, or nap longer addressed in state rules, as the 88
time and when children share things like brushes, combs, hats, and headphones. presence of lice is not a communicable
If careful observation indicates that a student has head lice, the school nurse will disease or notifiable condition.
contact the student’s parent to determine whether the child will need to be However, districts may develop their

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved.

TEXT EDITORIAL NOTES REFERENCES

picked up from school and to discuss a plan for treatment with an FDA-approved own procedures related to exclusion
medicated shampoo or cream rinse that may be purchased from any drug or from school for this health nuisance.
grocery store. After the student has undergone one treatment, the parent should The district’s Student Handbook is an
check in with the school nurse to discuss the treatment used. The nurse can also appropriate document to publish your
offer additional recommendations, including subsequent treatments and how local procedures related to lice.
best to get rid of lice and prevent their return.
The TDSHS discourages a “no nit”
More information on head lice can be obtained from the TDSHS website at practice, as this places a
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth/lice.shtm. disproportionate emphasis on
pediculosis management rather than
on more legitimate health concerns,
and there is little evidence that
exclusion from school until no nits are
present reduces the transmission of
lice. Additional research has suggested
that exclusion because of the presence
of live lice before one medicated
treatment may not even be necessary.
The adjacent text reflects that a student
may be sent home for the presence of
live lice until after one medicated
treatment has been applied. Adjust the
text according to your practice after
discussing the issue with your school
nurse, if applicable.

Districts need to consider how to
address families that cannot afford to
pay for the needed treatment, and
attendance committees should
consider as an extenuating
circumstance any absence related to a
district-imposed exclusion when
determining whether credit will be
awarded.

If you do not employ a school nurse,
adjust the text accordingly.

TASB Model Student Handbook © 2015 by Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. 89