1999-05-10 School Committee Minutes

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Regular Session -2- May 10, 1999 CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizens' input. OLD BUSINESS (out of order) Restructuring & Graduation Requirements Dr. Harutunian advised that Mr. Orlando and the Restructuring Committee had been working on the restructuring and graduation requirements for approximately 20 months. Dr. Harutunian distributed a list of the town and school groups that the Committee had met with. Mr. Orlando distributed an agenda for the Restructuring Committee's presentation this evening. Mr. Orlando began the presentation by giving the history of the process, resources and participants. Mr. Orlando then informed the Committee of the procedures and organization. Ms. O'Brien and Mr. Finigan presented information regarding the restructuring effort to address the program of studies at RMHS through continued examination and documentation of alignment wit the Mass Curriculum Frameworks. Mr. Orlando then described the recommended changes to the requirements for graduation and informed the Committee that the number of credits required for graduation would increase from 82 to 90. The presentation was then opened up to questions from the School Committee. Ms. Cavicchi asked if the requirements would create more conflicts in scheduling for students, particularly those who wanted to take more Advanced Placement courses. Mr. Orlando advised that he reviewed the scheduling and felt that there would be less conflicts. Ms. Cavicchi asked if the math remediation program would start in the 9th grade. Mr. Orlando stated that the results of the 8th grade MCAS tests are not received until the fall and it would be to late at that point. He stated that the Restructuring Committee was still looking at perhaps using learning packets rather than a specific program. Ms. Cavicchi asked about the changes in Social Studies and questioned whether there be room for a course in Civics.