1995-01-23 School Committee Minutes

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-2- CITIZENS' INPUT Bob Hilliard, representing a group of Reading citizens advocating a higher level of school spending, presented the School Committee with their new bumper sticker, "In Reading..... KIDS COUNT." Chronicle photographer was on hand to record the presentation for publication. Tim Twomey thanked Mr. Hilliard and the group for their efforts on behalf of the school system. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly addressed headlines in Monday, January 23, Daily Times Chronicle concerning a Reading teacher arrested on drug possession.. He indicated the teacher was not in school on Monday and he would meet with the teacher first thing Tuesday to determine what happened and start process to gather information regarding any potential action. The Administration will be taking an active role in how this will play out in terms of a teacher of young people in Reading. Dr. Munnelly introduced planning for a pilot restructuring of the high school. He indicated it made good sense to do this under controlled conditions now. Rena Mirkin and the faculty have worked on this in response to Ed Reform. One thing coming through is length of periods discussed by Time and Learning group. Will double periods be better? Will they be liked by students, faculty, etc.? Better to try out the suggested schedule instead of waiting. During a five -week period in March and April, a total of 8 days on Wednesday and Thursday, every student and teacher will experience several double periods on those two days. This way, everybody will get several days of work on double periods and their views and perceptions will be recorded. No changes up or down in the amount of time spent on subjects, and there will be no interference with other activities such as band, etc. in the 5th period. Public assessment would be planned, student reaction would be surveyed, teachers would do some written survey interviews and participate in round table discussions. Parents would be asked for their input gleaned from observations of their student at home, homework, etc. High School would release public report before any action is taken. Tim Twomey asked if this was in response to the NEASC Evaluation. Rena indicated that it was and also from Time and Learning, Core Curriculum, Common Core and other initiatives begun by the faculty. Idea is to "try it on and see how it fits."