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We reviewed the upcoming agenda for Bensalem Township SD and found 6 items with policy significance ahead of the vote.
| PRIORITY (LEVEL 7) |
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Discussion of High School Grading Framework with Grade Floor
The committee is discussing a revised 9-12 grading framework that includes a 45% grade floor for an ‘F’ during the first three marking periods. While the final quarter and final exam do not have a floor, this policy can inflate grades and mask a student’s actual level of non-mastery for most of the year.
Policy Use
TRACK AND DOCUMENT: Item 5.A is a discussion on a grading framework that includes a 45% grade floor. Document this as an example of ‘equity grading’ policies and monitor for a final vote. If adopted, capture the policy text for the state model policy file.
Policy Lever: Academic Standards
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| PRIORITY (LEVEL 7) |
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Policy Text Not Available – Pull Before Vote
The committee is discussing ‘Field Trip Permissions and Procedures,’ a topic directly related to parental rights and notification. The proposed policy text or changes were not included in the agenda packet, preventing parental and public review before the discussion.
Policy Use
PULL THE DOCUMENT: Item 5.G is a discussion on ‘Field Trip Permissions and Procedures.’ Retrieve the referenced policy or discussion draft from the official agenda link or via a records request to confirm the operative language before the next meeting.
Policy Lever: Parental Notification Policy
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| WATCH (LEVEL 6) |
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Agreement for University Counseling Interns in Schools
The district is approving an internship agreement with Gwynedd Mercy University to place graduate-level counseling students in district schools. This provides students with fieldwork education but raises questions about the district’s specific policies for parental notification and consent before a student receives services from an intern.
Policy Use
PULL THE POLICY: Item 4.D approves counseling interns from Gwynedd Mercy University. Request the district’s specific policy on parental notification and consent for students to receive counseling services, particularly from interns or trainees.
Policy Lever: Parental Consent for Counseling
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Agreement for University Nursing Student Practicum in Elementary School
The district is approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Chamberlain University to place nursing students in an elementary school for a ‘Community Health Practicum.’ This agreement allows university students to have direct interaction with K-12 students for their training, under the supervision of a preceptor.
Policy Use
TRACK AND DOCUMENT: Item 4.C establishes a ‘Community Health Practicum’ for university nursing students in an elementary school. Document this as a model for how external health partnerships are established and cross-reference with state parental notification laws for health services.
Policy Lever: Parental Notification
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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Service Agreement for Medicaid Reimbursement Processing
The district is entering a contract with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit for up to $27,000 to process claims for the School Based Access Program (SBAP). This program seeks reimbursement for eligible related services, likely through Medicaid, for school-based health services.
Policy Use
WATCH: Item 4.B is a contract to maximize state/federal reimbursement for school-based services. Document this as an example of districts using third-party vendors to draw down funds from programs like Medicaid.
Policy Lever: $27,000 Contract
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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High School Field Trip to Museum for ‘Freedom of Speech’ Workshop
The district is considering a high school field trip to the Liberty Museum that includes a guided tour and a workshop on ‘freedom of speech.’ While the stated objectives are tied to state art standards, the topic could be a vector for contested ideological frameworks depending on the museum’s curriculum.
Policy Use
WATCH: Item 5.F.4 approves a field trip with a ‘freedom of speech’ workshop. No immediate action, but add the Liberty Museum to a list of external partners providing curriculum/instruction to monitor for ideological content.
Policy Lever: Curriculum Content
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