MINUTES
Monday, November 5, 2001
Members of the Board Curriculum Committee met on Monday, November 5, 2001, at 6:35 p.m. in the Superintendent’s Conference Room at the Education Center. Present were Curriculum Committee Members, William Nelson, Monty Perfetti, and Ric Agretto and Board Members Charlene Koch, Margaret Williams, Julie Venanzi, Loretta Leeson, Joe Craig and Rosario Amato. Also in attendance were Superintendent Thomas Doluisio and Assistant Superintendent Michele Kostem.
There were no issues addressed during Open Forum.
The following areas were addressed by various elementary school staff members:
ELA and Mathematics Portfolios – Liz Burak showed those present the portfolio which consists of an accordion folder with nine colored labeled files that keep track of a students progress in various areas. Beginning in January, a grade level summary sheet will be developed to be used as a district data sheet for each student.
New Comer’s Program – Liz Burak told those present that the New Comer’s program began on September 24. The five levels are housed between Donegan and Fountain Hill Elementary Schools. The prime goal of the program is to safeguard the stable population and to make the school experience a more welcoming activity. Students stay approximately two weeks to six months depending on their individual progress. There are currently 31 students in this program, with three having already exited as of this date. In response to a question from Joe Craig, it was noted that students with IEP’s do participate in this program, but it is felt they are better served in a classroom addressing their special needs.
Saturday Workshops – Pam Hubbard noted that this committee looked at several models and decided to adopt many aspects from the middle school model. Before the second semester, fourth and fifth grade students will be assessed to determine who should be involved in these workshops. A program coordinator will be hired to oversee the program. Bussing will be provided and attendance is mandatory. The program will start January 12 and will be housed at three sites.
Mathematics Assessments and Rubrics – Carol Leasure reported that the rubrics for the various grade level assessments are complete. They will be operational in January. The assessments by grade level are: Grade one, three performance assessments; Grade two, three performance assessments and addition facts skills assessment; Grade three, three performance assessments and addition and subtraction facts skills assessment; Grade four, three performance assessments and metrics, geometry and whole numbers; and Grade 5, three performance assessments and multiplication and division, whole numbers and metrics measurement. Software to help with test taking skills will also be added to the instruction this year. Mr. Doluisio expressed his concern that students across the country are becoming too dependent on the use of calculators.
ELA Curriculum, Writing Assessments, Reading Assessments – Carol Turoczi and Marcia Shaffer reviewed the rubrics and assessments that were developed for grades one-five, after reviewing the NCEE and Pennsylvania State standards. The DRA will also be used in grades 1-3. In addition, on demand assessments are required beginning in grade one. Writing rubrics will be consistent in grades one to four.
ESOL Matrix – Mary Colon and Doris Correll reviewed the promotion matrix for ESOL beginners and intermediates. Basically, this matrix is modeled from the grade five matrix developed for regular education students.
Full-Day Kindergarten – Marilee Ostman told those present that new kindergarten children are assessed for the full-day kindergarten program by using their incoming profiles and the information from the kindergarten interview. They find that most of the candidates for full-day kindergarten are those children that have had no preschool experience. Observations are also made during the first few weeks of school as part of the selection process. The full-day kindergarten program is divided in two parts, with one half of the time focused on Language Arts and the other half focused on mathematics. Parent involvement is a very important part of the program, with parent classes being offered once a month.
New Report Card – Michele Mullen reported a district-wide committee is currently meeting and doing research to fine tune the new report cards. Implementation is expected in Fall, 2002.
Matrices for Grades 1-4 – Elizabeth Conard reported that all principals have met with grade five parents to answer questions and address concerns regarding the matrix. The matrix, overall, has been very well received. The committee is currently working on a rough draft for grades 3 and 4. They are also working on a parent worksheet component that would allow parents to keep track of how their children are doing.
Joe Craig asked if the Board could hear a presentation on how students currently meeting standards and working above standards are doing.
Personalized Education Plan (PEP) – Bill Nelson distributed the letter and forms that will be used to inform parents when their children are not working up to Standards. The student’s progress will be reviewed at a personal meeting with the parent and child, at which time concerns and remedies will be discussed to help the student’s performance to improve. The forms require a parent’s signature. A case manager will be assigned to make sure all aspects of the signed improvement plan are carried out.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Minutes Prepared By: ___________________________________________
Lynda Ruth, Confidential Secretary