This Alternative Educational Program is established at:

The idea for the Academics Plus Program (APP) was conceived and developed out of the desires of several Chico families. These families felt the need for a more structured educational program that upheld the philosophies of traditional education.

School administrators and the Board of Trustees in Chico were on the leading edge of a movement to offer alternative school programs. In the spring of 1975 a group of parents approached the district with a request for a traditional alternative program. An Advisory Committee was formed consisting of interested parents and District representatives. The Committee researched every area vital to the desired program. The principal, teachers, and Committee members observed other academic alternative programs. Teachers were interviewed and selected by the principal and the District. The program was staffed with teachers whose educational philosophy was consistent with that of the APP.

When the APP started in the 1975-76 school year, there were 112 students enrolled in grades 1-6, with four teachers on staff. Through the continued dedication and effort of staff and parents, the initial long-range goal of seven teachers for seven classrooms, grades K-6, was finally achieved in the 1980-81 school year.

Today the original goal has been far surpassed with over 300 students enrolled. The success of the APP is attributed to the principal, teachers, staff, parents, and students in this program. Their commitment and dedication to this program has produced students who are well prepared for the demand and responsibilities of today.

The APP focuses on basic academics, including the "three R's" and a solid curriculum in composition, science, history, and geography. Enrichment subjects such as art and music are taught, but the basics receive priority. The classroom setting utilizes whole group interaction, small groups, activities, individual seatwork and/or centers. The teachers carefully plan all aspects of the curriculum. Development of the "whole" child is stressed. This program is designed to instill within each child confidence, a sense of responsibility, pride in accomplishment, and a positive self-image through academic achievement. This program emphasizes an orderly learning environment. Academics Plus believes that sensitivity to each student's feelings and individuality can be maintained in an atmosphere of fair, firm, and consistent discipline.

Parental involvement includes:

• Reviewing and signing annually the APP Guidelines for Success.
• Becoming involved in the program whenever possible (e.g., program evaluation, class projects, field trips, classroom aid, etc.)
• Assisting your child(ren) with homework as needed.
• Reviewing Weekly Reports with your child.
• Returning Weekly Reports and teacher/school communication in a timely manner.
• Supporting the school/teacher discipline plans.
• Supporting all recommendations of the staff (e.g., teacher assignments, special education/Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) testing, etc.)
• Providing transportation for your child(ren) to and from school on time.

The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is comprised of six members. All APP parents elect these members. Members consist of a Chairperson, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Fundraising, and Assembly/Contest Chair. The PAC meets monthly. Its work is based on a set of guidelines that are reviewed/revised annually. The PAC, as the name implies, assists the school district in the dissemination of information, planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of all objectives of the APP. In addition, the PAC offers its suggestions to APP teachers on selection of academic materials used in the program. Parents are welcome and strongly encouraged to attend the PAC meetings.

The Academics Plus Program is open to all K-6 grade students in the Chico Unified School District.

• Parents must register students on the designated Chico Unified School District first day for kindergarten registration at their school of residence. An application for APP will be forwarded to Sierra View School.
• Siblings of current APP students receive first priority in kindergarten classes provided that they have registered on the first day of registration at their school of residence.
• The principal will conduct a lottery draw with a PAC volunteer present to fill remaining kindergarten openings and establish a waiting list for that grade level.
• Administration will establish and maintain a waiting list.
• A list of registration dates will be kept to determine which students will go on to the fourth grade.

June 1999