Paws Criteria

P.A.W.S. PROGRAM ENTRANCE & EXIT CRITERIA

This list defines the criteria for entry into the PAWS Program and assists in evaluating the appropriate services for each respective student.

1. Students with 2 or more D and/or failing grades in academic courses will receive consideration for referral and entry into the PAWS program.

2. The PAWS Team will review each student case and determine the appropriate school placement for each child.

3. Students with a long history of chronic academic failure.

4. Students with situational or personal issues that require additional academic and social support.

5. Students receiving recommendations from feeder schools that identify a need for additional educational support.

6. Students with 504 plans that necessitate additional educational services and support.

PAWS Graduation Requirements/Exit Criteria

The goal of the Paws Program is to equip students with the skills necessary to maneuver through high school with increasing independence. It is our hope that, with initial guidance, students will have the confidence and knowledge to seek out academic resource as needed. Listed below are the criteria that are applied every progress period to students in the program. When a student meets or exceeds the criteria they are recommended to transition from the Paws Program in favor of a regular study hall and monitoring.

Student demonstrates the ability to develop into a self-directed learner.

- Examples of what this could look like:

1) Completion of a daily assignment notebook

2) Completion of assignments independently

Student demonstrates self-advocacy skills.

- Examples of what this could look like:

1) Asks for help as needed

2) Utilizes resource rooms other than Paws (i.e. MASH, Library, Write Place, teacher)

3) Requests make-up work when absent

Student maintains C’s or better for two consecutive progress periods