Curriculum and Education Committee Meeting

 

OCTOBER 6, 2008

 

7:00 P.M. – SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE

– HUSSEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

 

MINUTES

 

 

 

 

Present:                                                Chairperson, Richard Barnes

 

Members Present:                                 Nathanael Rende, Jane Dennison

Members Absent:                                 None

 

Other Board Members Present:            Willie Emerson, S. Nash Callahan

 

Others Administrators Present:              Dr. Cornelia Brown, Superintendent of Schools, Tina Meserve, Curriculum Coordinator,

                                                            Kathryn Hollicker, Principal - Hodgkins, Scott Phair, Principal – CATC

 

District Staff Present:                            Eleanor Gay                            

 

 

Item 1 – 8th Grade 2008 MEA Writing Test:

 

Tina Meserve presented that the 8th grade MEA writing scores for 2008 were not reported to the public due to concerns about the test prompt and the validity of the scores. The scores were much lower than the pilot testing and previous year’s scores. The state is reviewing the problem and clarifying the writing expectations for this year.

 

Item 2 – Hodgkins Middle School: Unified Arts Schedule:

 

Principal, Kathryn Hollicker presented how the middle school schedule has changed to accommodate for an increase of math instruction to one hour a day. The Unified Arts schedule has changed from a four day rotation to a six day rotation. The amount of time for foreign language has remained relatively the same – just eight minutes less per week. Students receive Spanish and French during the course of the year. The other Unified Arts courses have lost time but the teachers report that they are able to cover the same amount of material because class sizes are smaller and instruction more focused. Overall, teachers seem happy with the change. 

 

Item 3 – NEASC Process at CATC:

 

Principal, Scott Phair provided the committee with two documents concerning their accreditation process. One provided an overview and timeline of the process at CATC and the other provided information on the standards for accreditation of technical schools. Scott shared that they have been working on this process since last year with the visitation coming next fall. He believes extending the work over several years makes it more meaningful and reflective for staff. When asked about information concerning weapons in school, he shared that 98% of students said they felt safe in school. He also emphasized that if students are found with weapons in school they are suspended. Scott reported that CATC’s open-house was a success with about 100 parents attending. Career and college representatives were on hand during the day and at open house as well.

 

Item 4 – Elementary Report Card:

 

Superintendent Brown presented information concerning the changes being implemented for the elementary report card. Teachers have requested time to adjust to the dual grading process. The Education Committee supported the request to begin using the dual reporting system during the 3rd trimester. A Report Card Committee is being convened to address procedures and concerns. Tina Meserve presented a request from 4th-6th grade teachers to eliminate specific standards for social studies and science from the report card until units can be aligned with the new learning results. The committee denied the request stating that it’s important for parents to know what concepts are being covered in these areas.

 

Item 5 – 4x4 Report:

 

Tina Meserve presented that the teachers at the high school have begun visitations to other schools who have implemented the 4x4 structure. The first group returned last week with valuable information and products to share with the entire staff. More groups will be doing visitations in the next few weeks. Jim Anastasio will be available for parent questions concerning the 4x4 during Open House.

 

 

The Curriculum and Education Committee adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

 

 

The next meeting for the Curriculum and Education Committee will be:

 

7:00 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3, 2008

 

CATC Cafeteria