ADE Director's Communication Memo Form


Memo Number : IT-03-009

Date Created : 03/07/2003

Attention:

Superintendents
Co-op Directors
Secondary Principals
Elementary Principals
Middle School Principals
High School Principals

Type of Memo: Informational
Response Required: Optional
   
Section:   Information and Technology - Mr. James Boardman
Subject:
New Course Codes Numbering System

Regulatory Authority:

Contact Person:
Annette Barnes

Phone Number:
501-682-4393

E-mail:
abarnes@arkedu.k12.ar.us

The current four digit numbering system will be replaced for the 2003-2004 school year by a six digit numbering system. Most of the non-instructional job codes have been removed as requirements for entering courses and will only be used as job codes on the financial system. For example, administrators are no longer entered as courses on the student information system.

In order to assist schools with problems related to scheduling similar courses that meet the same curriculum framework, but which may vary in such things as method of delivery, materials, or student enrollments, the sixth digit will be reserved for the local district’s optional use. Examples for using the sixth digit include separate scheduling of boys and girls athletics or scheduling pre-AP courses that meet the respective frameworks but are slightly different in presentation or content. For example, the eighth grade PE course number is 38881. To schedule PE by gender, use the number for PE plus a different sixth digit, 388810 for boys PE and 388812 for girls PE.

Using this numbering system, schools may designate courses that are not used to meet the state curriculum offerings or graduation requirements. To define a number in this manner, the first digit of the course number must be a nine (9); the next two digits should be selected by the subject area or grade level so that the licensure area can be determined for accreditation. The district determines the last three digits for the course. Prior approval is not required from the Department for schools to offer these courses. However, these courses CANNOT be used to meet state curriculum or graduation standards.

Attached is a description of the course code numbering system and a listing of the new course titles and numbers. This information is also available on the APSCN Web site as part of the SIS documentation Statewide Information System Manual at http://www.k12.ar.us/apscndocs/sis.htm. Questions regarding the numbering system should be addressed to James Boardman at 501-371-5005. Questions regarding the absence of a specific course or the process of adding courses should be addressed to Roy Barnes at 501-682-5296. Questions regarding the licensure requirements or relationship between specific courses and the accreditation standards should be addressed to Annette Barnes at 501-682-4393.

Schools are not required to use the Level 1(Preschool), Level 2 (Kindergarten-Grade 4) course numbering system. The Level 3 (Grades 5-8) numbering system will only have to be used if they are also scheduling students in grade 9-12 at the school.

A course catalogue is being developed that will provide course descriptions, standards requirements, and additional information regarding each course.

As the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) prepares to implement the new course codes maintenance database, school districts are directed to review all current courses for ADE approval status to ensure compliance with the Course Approval Requirements (ACC 02-058). All courses not listed as one of the 38 required by the Standards for Accreditation for which students are awarded credit toward meeting the minimum graduation requirements (21 units) or are being used to meet state curriculum requirements but are outside the courses specified in the Standards for Accreditation must be ADE-approved.

All courses listed as one of the required 38 and ADE-approved courses for local credit outside the 38 have been assigned to the new course code numbering system. If a district believes that courses should be listed but are not, the district should provide the Arkansas Department of Education with a copy of the letter from ADE which initially granted approval status for the course(s) in question.

This new system should permit the Department to better report on the specific courses being taught by districts to meet accreditation standards while allowing schools flexibility in scheduling courses that are not required by state standards.

Attachments:

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