BOARD CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Monday, September 10, 2001
Members of the Board Curriculum Committee met on Monday, September 10, 2001, at 7:05 p.m. in the Dining Room at the Education Center. Present were Curriculum Committee Membes, William Nelson, Monty Perfetti, and Ric Agretto and Board Members Charlene Koch, Margaret Williams, Julie Venanzi, Lynn Glancy, Loretta Leeson, Bill Heske and Joe Craig. Also in attendance were Superintendent Thomas J. Doluisio and Assistant Superintendent Michele Kostem.
Mrs. Leeson asked for information about the contracted driver’s education program. She was told that students pay a $40.00 fee for on the road training offered after school and on Saturdays. The fee is suspended for those students who cannot afford to pay the cost.
Monty Perfetti introduced Sam Gruver who provided information regarding a proposed pilot high school diploma program for approximately 25-30 adults. The program originated twenty-three years ago to provide an opportunity for adults to earn a high school diploma rather than a G.E.D. The program receives monetary support from the Department of Education and is also supported by PSBA and various members of the senate. It is not funded by the taxpayers. Mrs. Leeson asked if there was a non-English speaking component to the program. Mr. Gruver told her that the program can be easily adapted to meet the needs of special needs students. There is a wide use of computer learning involved in the program. In response to a question from Mr. Craig, Mr. Gruver explained to those present that the difference between obtaining the G.E.D. and this program is that more classroom hours are involved in this program which includes, academic classwork, life skills components and going out into the community. This program also provides certified CPR instruction. The program will be held at Northeast Middle School. The Board fully endorsed this pilot program.
Elizabeth Conard presented the matrix for grade 5. She stated that the goal of the committee was to produce a document that clearly outlines how kids are expected to perform to move to the next grade. The matrix begins with a score of ten points. The first three areas of the matrix covers grades, on demand assessments, and testing. A student can have a total of 8 points deducted for deficiencies listed in these areas. At this point in the matrix a base score is determined. In the fourth section of the document a student has the opportunity to gain back 2 points if they meet the criteria. Discipline and attendance will be considered at this time. A final score is then calculated. Depending on the final score, a student will either be promoted to grade 6 or an alternate recommendation will be considered by discussing the student’s performance in a team meeting with the parents in attendance. Loretta Lesson asked for more information regarding the use of adapted curriculum. Michele Mullen responded that an adapted curriculum is used when a student is working below grade level and requires replacement texts and objectives but does not meet special education criteria. Mrs. Leeson stressed a need for clarity in order to make expectations crystal clear to those involved. Grade level team meetings will be held to define criteria for the other grades.
Monty Perfetti reviewed the grade eight English/language arts matrix. He noted that the document is sequential and flows through the whole year. In the first three sections of the document, credit is given for final grade, portfolio and district wide exams. A maximum of forty points can be earned in each section. The fourth section covers areas of effort and responsibility. A maximum of thirteen points can be earned. A student needs a total of 70 points (C Average) to go to the next grade. The mathematics matrix structure is the same as the English/language arts. The science and social studies matrices are content driven and district wide exams are created by the district. A student can choose options from the portfolio section to demonstrate their knowledge of a subject area. A lengthy discussion followed on the implications of not receiving test scores in a timely manner. Mrs. Leeson was told that a student not doing well could change their performance by attending after school, Saturday, and summer sessions. They can also do prior years’ work in the following years.
Mr. Perfetti reviewed the L/AMP Saturday program schedule. The program will cover the basic academic standards in each subject area and will include an independent project in the community and a recorded seminar presentation at the end of the year. It was noted that 20% successfully complete the program. The total cost of the program is $23,000. The program will be held at Northeast Middle School.
Vo-Tech Prep Saturday Program (ABC)
Mr. Perfetti reviewed the schedule for the Vo-Tech Prep ABC Program. The cost of the program is $4,125. The program will be held at Northeast Middle School.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Minutes prepared by: _________________________________________
Lynda Ruth, Confidential Secretary