1983-10-26 School Committee Minutes

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211 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee OCTOBER 24, 1983 Dr. Wells, in submitting a list of names of people to serve on the Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee, stated that he had asked Pearl Street School Principal Paul Guerrette to serve as Chairman. He added that all of the people whose names were submitted had volunteered their services. Dr. Wells then spoke briefly on document C -1, which contains the following charges to the Committee: °Recommend processes and procedures for identifying the gifted and talented, including those definitions which speak to high performance and those which speak to those of high talent but below potential performance. Also, the Advisory Committee is to review the efficacy of differentiating the talents being identified as opposed to focusing on academic talent only. °Offer suggestions for curriculum development options and teacher in- service trainging which address the students' needs and prepare the teaching staff for more fully meeting the needs of the students. 'The various recommendations of the Advisory Committee should be developed in light of the known fixed constraints (Proposition 2') and Reading's financial commitment to its entire educational system. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee approve the Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee makeup as listed on document C -1. Junior High Schools - Review of Policies and Practices Parker Junior High Principal Dr. John Delaney and Coolidge Junior High School` Principal Mr. Albert Lahood went over junior high school policies and practices on discipline, grading, homework, promotion standards, etc. It was noted that these are contained in the student handbook.for each School and parents are made aware of them. Copies of various rules and regulations, as well as the Handbooks, were distributed to School Committee members. Mr. Lahood said that the two schools work very closely in fostering a learning environment that is friendly and in which students, and also parents, know what is expected of them and what they can expect from school personnel. He added that each year there is an orientation for the incoming class and their parents. Dr. Delaney said there is as much recognition of students as possible, i.e, "citations" for various services to the schools awarded at assemblies, a "Tip of the Hat" form for students who deserve more than a pat on the back, an honor roll and perfect attendance certificates. Also discussed was the English policy which requires proper grammar usage, spelling, composition, etc. be extended to all subject areas. Dr. Delaney said every paper - regardless of the subject- is graded for English. Regarding homework policy, he said the "rule of thumb" is that students have 1 -12 hours per night and assignments must be meaningful. Mr. Lahood mentioned that the System is concentrating on the area of higher thinking to enable students to think at a higher level and be able to solve more sophisticated problems.