BOARD CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Monday, June 3, 2002
Members of the Board Curriculum Committee met on Monday, June 3, 2002, at 6:55 p.m. in the Superintendent’s Conference Room of the Education Center. Present were Curriculum Committee Members, William Nelson and Monty Perfetti and Board Members, Loretta Leeson, Craig Haytmanek, Charlene Koch, and Joe Craig. Also in attendance were Superintendent Thomas J. Doluisio and Assistant Superintendent Michele Kostem.
Jill Moran, Academy Principal, introduced the newly appointed members of the Academic Academy staff and gave a brief overview of each of their backgrounds.
Pat Derrico told those present that the current student enrollment at the Academy is 156 students. This total includes 76 current fifth graders being retained, 30 current fifth graders close to retention with parent permission, and 50 fourth graders with parent permission that need additional support. The selection process began early in the first quarter. Promotion indicators and a matrix were developed to assist in the student selection process. A student with three or more indicators was recommended for retention. This criteria was presented to the parents at school level meetings. Two orientation days are planned for this summer, one for both students and parents to attend and the other for just students, offering a mock schedule.
Mr. Kartsotis noted that the renovations are nearly completed. They expect to move into the building by mid-July.
Loretta Leeson expressed a concern that there is too wide of a gap between the two grade levels that would be attending the Academy. It was explained to her how the flexible math schedule and the study skills component of the curriculum program would benefit all students at the Academy. The math program will consist of “Growing With Math” as the baseline curriculum along with accelerated math and the “Super Math” curriculum. Pat Derrico explained that this first year is a benchmark year and after this, the Academy would operate on a proactive basis.
Mr. Doluisio commented that the Academy has a well-rounded program with carefully selected, talented teachers.
Mr. Perfetti gave a report to those present on the math meetings recently held at the high schools. He said that approximately 40 people attended each of the two meetings. Neil Wetcher presented the options available in the high school math program and Jill Moran presented the “Connected Math” curriculum. After these presentations, the audience divided into groups to ask questions and receive specific information by grade level. Mr. Perfetti told those present that it is expected that whole numbers will be mastered by the end of grade 5 and fractions and decimals by the middle of grade 6. Negative numbers are covered in grade 7. In addition, basic skills practice exercises will be used and parents will be invited to attend meetings to explain the concepts of the math programs.
Based on a recommendation by both high school principals, Mr. Perfetti proposed that the weighted grading in grades nine through twelve be maintained. Mrs. Leeson stated that she feels the weighting does not accurately communicate a child’s grade. There will be additional discussion regarding this concern at the July meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Minutes Prepared By: _________________________________________
Lynda Ruth, Confidential Secretary