MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2007

Members of the Board Curriculum Committee met on Monday, June 18, 2007, at 7:00 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 Michele Cann, 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; Thomas Washington, director of student services; Kathleen Bast, coordinator of literacy 6-12; Mary Katona, coordinator of English language arts; Dr. Joanne LoFaso, coordinator of literacy K-5; Eric Smith, supervisor of science; Julie Victory, supervisor of mathematics; and representatives of the press.

Mrs. Rowe called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS (15 minutes allowed)

Mr. Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, Bethlehem, PA, asked when the report on John Acerra would be made public. Dr. Haytmanek replied that it was decided in executive session that the firm of White and Williams LLP be asked to put together a summary of the report, which will then be brought to the board for them to decide if it should be released to the public.

Mr. Antalics also discussed how he felt the students and the city of Bethlehem have been harmed by the John Acerra incident. Dr. Haytmanek noted that this incident was the act of one individual who has been forced to face his actions.

DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR PRESENTATION

Dr. Margaret Barilla from the Department of Education presented an update on how the Distinguished Educators are working with our schools. She explained that the analysis process included similar schools analysis, the building specific trends, patterns of various subgroups, and individual student performance. She also explained the Distinguished Educators’ proposed steps and goals for the Bethlehem Area School District for the 2007-2008 school year.

Mr. Heske stated that, statistically, it is an invalid way of reporting statistics, and mathematically, it is incorrect. He understands that the Distinguished Educators do not make the rules, but he feels the chart is not accurate. Mrs. Koch noted that this is one of the items that the state school board association would like to see fixed in the reauthorization of NCLB.

Mrs. Leeson noted that she had concerns with the eighth grade scores declining in math. She also stated that she feels some students are not being challenged enough.

4SIGHT TESTING UPDATE

Mr. Villani explained that the district is required by the state to give 4Sight tests. They are given in September, mid-year, and in May to all students in grades three through eleven in reading and mathematics. He then introduced Eric Smith, supervisor of science, who presented an update on the 2006-2007 building level test results. Mr. Smith highlighted the outstanding progress of most schools in moving students to proficiency.

Mrs. Dexter stated that she had recently spoken with parents who have gifted children at the elementary school level who feel that their students are not being challenged enough. She feels that maybe it is time for the district to look at a magnet school for gifted students. Mr. Villani responded that, approximately 18 years ago, the district looked at a similar magnet school scenario and parents were strongly against it because they wanted their children to stay in their neighborhood schools. Mrs. Leeson stated that maybe it is time to put together a task force to look at the options for gifted and motivated students. Dr. Lewis agreed that NCLB has created a negative shift in emphasis to only improving the struggling students.

COMMUNITY SERVICE RECOMMENDATION

Mr. Villani informed the board that he had received a request from ArtsQuest to have Musikfest reinstated as a community service option for the students of the Bethlehem Area School District. Dr. Lewis noted that the administration is neutral in the request and needs board direction. It was noted that first time volunteers and students under the age of 15 will be required to volunteer with a parent or an assigned adult. Student volunteers will be placed at the children’s art activities center, clean teams, coke booths, supplies teams, daily setup teams, creek teams, merchandise tents, and trolley hosts. Students will be supervised at all times and will be required to report to their supervisor upon arrival to the site and will also be required to check in with their supervisor at the end of their shift to have their community service record card signed. After review of the proposal, the board voted 6-1 to place this item on the agenda for the June 25, 2007, Regular Board Meeting.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT UPDATE

Thomas Washington, director of student services, presented a data review of the Student Code of Conduct. He noted that many of the disruptions occur during transitions and areas where there is less supervision. He noted that new programs implemented during the 2006-2007 school year included the Career Academy, the Pathways Academy, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Support Systems (PBIS). His recommendations were that the district continue the School Safety Initiative implemented by Dr. Lewis, increase video cameras in troublesome areas, provide training for hall monitors on strategies for managing disruptive behavior, certify all monitors in nonviolent crisis intervention, provide gang awareness sessions, continue meeting with the District Justices, and support of Project 720.

Mr. Washington also reviewed the proposed language modifications for the Student Code of Conduct for the 2007-2008 school year. The board asked Mr. Washington to go back to the district’s solicitor to review the changes regarding “Physical Assault” so that it might include attempts of bodily harm. The board also requested that, when the administration reviews the Student Code of Conduct with students, they might also consider showing examples of items that are considered weapons so that students are aware that accidental incidents still hold the same punishment of expulsion.

OPEN FORUM

Mrs. Leeson noted that she understands some students are allowed to be teacher assistants. She would like the administration to find out how many students are involved in this program, and she would also like this topic placed on a future agenda for discussion.

OTHER

Nothing to report.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

Minutes Prepared By:

Charlotte L. Zimmerman

Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction