Local Operating Guidelines

"What can you do?" and "What can you not do?"

Basically we (Amarillo ISD local ARD committe meetings) are governed by two documents:

The Texas Education Agency (in their wisdom) have not set other boundaries other than those listed above.  So, based on the above, here are some questions and answers

1.    Could a VAC student earn more than 3 hours of VAC credit his/her junior year?

Yes, If the ARD decides such a program is appropriate and meets the needs of the student.  The key words are "placed on a job", which has been defined as doing work and getting paid.  A job could be anything from going to grandmother's house once a week and doing odd jobs around the house to a 40+ hours per week on a job with all the benefits.

2.    How many credits can a VAC student earn his/her senior year (or any other year), if they are in full time employment?

ARD decision - A guide could be to look at what a student earns while in school and compare number of hours on task and effort.

3.    Should students be able to earn VAC credits during the summer?

ARD Decision - The only summer services that the district is required to provide are extended year services, based on extended year criteria..

please note: This is from the proposed Commissioner's rules.

e) The written report of the ARD committee shall document the decisions of the committee with respect to issues discussed at the meeting. The report shall include the date, names, positions, and signatures of the members participating in each meeting in accordance with 34 CFR, §§300.344, 300.345, 300.348, and 300.349. The report shall also indicate each member's agreement or disagreement with the committee's decisions. In the event TEC, §29.005(d), applies, the district shall provide a written or audiotaped copy of the student's IEP, as defined in 34 CFR, §300.346 and §300.347.

4.    Can a senior student work (their senor year) 5 hours per week and get 7 credits while another student works 40 hours per week and also gets 7 credits?

Yes, if the ARD decides such a program is appropriate and meets the needs of the student.

5.     Do ARD committees (considering VAC services and credits) have to follow the same credit and work guidelines as those established by the career and technology department?

ARD committees are not limited to the same criteria of credits and work schedules as students enrolled in work programs connected to the career and technology programs.  ARDS must however comply with: