April 2018

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Procedural Safeguards

Complaint Process Under Section 504

AISD encourages parents to raise concerns with the school-level Section 504 Coordinator and/or the school principal, and to resolve issues at the campus level. In addition, two processes are available to parents who have concerns that their student has faced discrimination based on disability. First, parents may challenge any school decision relating to the identification, evaluation, or placement of their student under Section 504 by requesting an impartial hearing.

Eligibility for Section 504 Services

Eligibility Under Section 504

To qualify under Section 504, the student must have “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” To determine eligibility, the campus Section 504 team will consider first whether the student has a physical or mental impairment and whether the impairment substantially limits a major life activity. 

Section 504 Services

Dyslexia Services

Section 504 Services

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) extends this prohibition against discrimination to the full range of state and local government services, programs, or activities. Together, Austin Independent School District (AISD) refers to these laws as “Section 504.” Please review these helpful documents to learn more: 

Child Find

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act places the responsibility for identifying and locating students with disabilities on the school. A school/district must annually undertake efforts to "identify and locate" every qualified individual with a disability residing in the school's jurisdiction who is not receiving a public education. 

If you suspect a child has a disability that requires services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact your child's home campus. Parents of children attending private schools or home schools can also request a Section 504 evaluation by contacting their child's home campus, as well. For more information Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools.

Sims Elementary School Tour

Date
Thursday, April 26, 2018 - 6:00 pm
Where
1203 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78721

The Norman Elementary school building is going to be updated to meet and enhance the learning needs of students.

Austin ISD is investing $25 million in school bond funds to make major renovations to the campus, creating a 21st-century learning space.

Let’s get to know each other at an open house for families and children of Norman Elementary School!

We invite you to tour the Sims campus, meet the staff and bring Sims Stars and Norman Tigers together for a great upcoming school year.

    • Morning tour: 9:30–11 a.m., donuts and coffee provided
    • Evening tour: 6–7 p.m., pizza provided

Advanced Academics

Advanced Academics in Austin ISD propels students toward college, career, and life readiness. Multiple teams make up the Advanced Academics Department (in alphabetical order): Advanced Courses (formerly Pre-AP), Advanced Placement (AP), AVID, GEAR UP, Gifted and Talented, and International Baccalaureate. 

Advanced Courses (formerly Pre-AP) 

Advanced courses support the diverse College and Career Readiness pathways that our district offers. Advanced Courses are based on the TEKS-aligned grade-level curriculum in which teachers modify teaching and learning using strategies that provide opportunities for students to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the content with more depth and complexity.

Advanced Placement (AP) 

The Advanced Placement program is a sequence of college-level courses taught in high schools by high school teachers with specialized training. Some middle schools may also offer AP Spanish Language & Culture. Course offerings vary from campus to campus based on course requests.

  • AP courses offered at all Austin ISD high schools
  • College Board monitored and authorized curriculum and resources
  • Potential college credit based on student's performance on AP exam results

AVID

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, and our mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. Austin ISD implements AVID at select elementary and secondary campuses. 

GEAR UP

GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. It is a seven year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education promoting college readiness and success through multiple strategies and activities. 

Gifted/Talented & Talent Explore

Austin ISD offers Gifted and Talented program services on all campuses. GT Advocates on each campus supports teachers, students, and families with resources and information. All campuses in Austin ISD offer Gifted and Talented identification and placement. Parents and caregivers can submit their child’s name to the Campus GT Advocate to be evaluated for Gifted and Talented services. 

International Baccalaureate 

The Diploma Program curriculum is comprised of six subject groups and a core curriculum. The core curriculum consists of theory of knowledge, creativity, activity, service, and an extended essay. Students complete independent research and a project that often involves community service.