MONDAY, MAY 7, 2007

Members of the Board Curriculum Committee met on Monday, May 7, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the Education Center’s Dining Room. Present were Curriculum Committee Members Anthony R. Villani, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and Richard Agretto, director of special education; and Board Members Joseph Craig, Judith Dexter, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, William Heske, Charlene Koch, Loretta Leeson, and Diane Rowe. Also in attendance were: Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, superintendent of schools; Robert Gross, assistant superintendent for human resources; Robin Lutcher, director of information technologies; Dr. Dean Donaher, principal; Thomas Washington, director of student services, Stanley J. Majewski, Jr., assistant to the superintendent for finance and administration; and representatives of the press.

Mrs. Rowe called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS (15 minutes allowed)

Nothing to report.

COUNSELING PROGRAM PRESENTATION

Thomas Washington and members of his guidance curriculum committee presented a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed model for the School Counseling Program K-12.

This presentation covered the following topics:

· Mission Statement

· Comprehensive Counseling Program

· National Standards for School Counseling Programs

· Counselor Role and Expectations

· Accountability

Mr. Washington also discussed the next steps in moving forward with this project.

Mrs. Koch inquired how often counselors meet one-on-one with all of their students, and if they have a schedule that insures that the counselors meet with every student. Guidance counselors who were present answered that this varies from school to school but students are aware of who their guidance counselors are and are encouraged to meet with them. Guidance counselors also check in with teachers regularly regarding all their students. Mr. Washington stated the purpose of this new School Counseling Program is to have more contact with all students not just the students in trouble. Mrs. Koch also wanted to know, if a situation occurs with a student, do guidance counselors automatically schedule a meeting with this student. The guidance counselors present confirmed that this definitely occurs. Mrs. Koch had a concern about counselors reaching the quiet students that do not get in trouble but are picked on by their peers. It was explained that guidance counselors reach these students through referrals from teachers, peers, and self. Mrs. Koch asked the guidance counselors that were present what the board can do to help them. Their response was, decrease the guidance counselors’ caseload numbers.

Mr. Heske asked how a guidance counselor’s role works with the Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical students. It was explained that the high school and Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical guidance counselors talk to each other very closely and half-day students are assigned a guidance counselor at both schools.

Mrs. Leeson asked the guidance counselors who were present how they handle testing responsibilities along with their other duties. She also inquired why the district is using guidance counselors for testing. Mr. LaPorta and Dr. Donaher gave a brief explanation of their guidance counselors’ role with PSSA testing. Mrs. Leeson stated that she would like the administration to look into what other schools are doing with guidance counselors during PSSA testing. She would like testing responsibilities removed from guidance counselors so they can have more time to meet with students.

Mrs. Dexter stated that she would like to see specialty counselors in the School Counseling Program K-12 model. She feels there is a need for a college specialty counselor at the high school level. This person would not move with the students, they would build expertise with college information for all high school students within their building.

Mrs. Leeson stated that she agrees with the specialty counselors and would also like to add dropout specialty counselors and scholarship specialty counselors. She also suggested students have an academic counselor and a peer advisor. The guidance counselors present responded that they felt that if a student had two counselors, it would be hard to build a counselor-student relationship. Dr. Lewis stated that the district would have to hire more guidance counselors in order to have specialty counselors. He stated that the administration can review this over time, but not at the expense of the student/guidance counselor ratio.

Mr. Washington then discussed a draft of the proposed Guidelines for School Counselors. The proposal is designed to be a set of guidelines for school counselors and other school staff. It is a description of services and procedures and not a strict policy. He explained that the procedures and services outlined are not meant to dictate practice, but rather provide information for counselors and other staff as to the role and function of school counselors.

SERVICE LEARNING ACROSS THE CURRICULM

Diane Seip, community service coordinator, presented a PowerPoint presentation on Service Learning and its progress within the district. She explained that Service Learning is an approach to teaching and learning that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.

ACTION PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE

Mr. Villani presented a monthly update on the Action Plan. He noted that the projects that have a yellow status mark (50 percent or better) are two-year projects and will also be part of next year’s action plan. He also noted that the project to begin translating the district’s Web page into Spanish is a goal for next school year.

Mrs. Dexter questioned item number twenty-two on page three of the report: Investigate and plan for a differentiated schedule, which provides additional instructional time in the two basic subjects in preparation for the eleventh grade PSSA for the 2007-2008 school year. She wanted to know if there would be a change for next school year. Mr. Villani explained that the administration will look at this next school year, so no changes will occur for the 2007-2008 school year. Mrs. Dexter suggested Mr. Villani seek input from a majority of parents before making a final decision.

Mrs. Leeson stated that she feels there is a need for another level between honors and academic levels for students. Mr. Villani stated that the Quality Teaching section of the Action Plan focuses on high rigorous curriculum for all levels.

FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA FLOOR CHANGE ORDER

Dr. Lewis reviewed a memorandum he sent to the board regarding a change order for the Freedom High School cafeteria flooring. He reviewed the proposed change order to install a special vapor primer over the floor slab before installing the terrazzo flooring, for an addition amount of $21,000. The board agreed (six to one) to send this change order to the May 21, 2007, Regular School Board Meeting.

OPEN FORUM

Mrs. Koch asked that a discussion on the possibility of dedicating space, instead of naming buildings as a means of honoring people, be brought up for discussion at a future committee meeting. An intense discussion among board members followed. Some board members stated that they would like to look at different ways to honor these people. Other board members stated that they would like to let it go and see what happens in the future. It was agreed by the board to table this matter to another time.

Mrs. Leeson asked Dr. Lewis the status of safety issues regarding the two fights (one at Liberty High School and one at Freedom High School). Dr. Lewis informed Mrs. Leeson that the issues were dealt with and, since it was a student matter, details would be provided in executive session.

Mrs. Leeson asked Mr. Villani if he was looking at restructuring the Career Academy to reduce costs. Mr. Villani replied that there is a meeting scheduled for May 17, 2007, to review current programs, but not regarding cutting programs.

Mrs. Koch spoke regarding concerns with the new telephone system. She stated that she finds it very unfriendly and it is hard to get a “live” person. Mrs. Lutcher explained that anyone can press “0”, and you will be directed to a “live” person. Mrs. Koch also expressed concerns she has received from teachers regarding the new telephone system, stating that a light does not appear when they have phone messages. Mrs. Lutcher replied that teacher concerns are being addressed.

Mrs. Koch spoke regarding concerns with nonresident students attending our school district. Dr. Lewis informed Mrs. Koch that as soon as the administration receives information concerning a nonresident student attending our district an investigation takes place.

Mrs. Leeson asked for an update of parents viewing Performance Tracker in the pilot schools. Mrs. Lutcher explained that the first session at the pilot schools was held in April. In attendance were 50 parents at Governor Wolf Elementary School, 38 parents at Hanover Elementary School, and 67 parents at Northeast Middle School. Mrs. Lutcher noted that there will be another session in May. Mrs. Lutcher noted that she has received positive feedback from all parents involved in this pilot program. She also noted that all schools will have this opportunity beginning next school year.

OTHER

Nothing to report.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Minutes Prepared By:

Amy Howey

Secretary for the Curriculum and Instruction Office