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Mr. Martin said that a decision will be made based on contributing factors such as <br />the work that the elementary PLC has done and feedback from other districts <br />regarding the programs they are using and considering. <br />Killam grade 5 teacher Jo -Ellen McGinnity shared information from the <br />elementary perspective. She shared that Know Atom is an opportunity to develop <br />scientists and engineers in the classroom. At the beginning of the year STEM <br />practice skills were developed with the goal of independent proficiency with <br />practices. The second third of the year has focused on refining the student's <br />performance expectations with a goal of independent proficiency with the <br />processes and the last third of the year has focused on extending the student's <br />performance of expectations with the goal of deeper expression of higher order!,, of <br />thinking. <br />Students come to class knowing the expectations and know what to do. The <br />students have embraced this all- encompassing curriculum. Students are learning <br />to ask the right questions, gather data and prove the hypothesis. The inquiry <br />based approach reinforces critical thinking skills, including argument and analysis <br />of evidence. Students need to be able to argue, support and defend their opinion <br />based on what they have learned. <br />The cross - curricula standards in Know Atom are wonderful. Mrs. McGinnity la <br />collaborated with the Reading Specialist to create science libraries allowing <br />students to incorporate all aspects of curriculum. This curriculum allows for <br />independent and collaborative learning opportunities. The students are keeping) a <br />lab notebook. The students note the data they have collected and write <br />conclusions to the tasks. Know Atom comes with multiple assessments. <br />Mr. Robinson called a brief recess at 8:23 p.m. <br />The meeting was called back to order at 8:30 p.m. <br />Special Education Update Education Update <br />Mrs. Wilson started her presentation by reviewing the key findings from the <br />Walker Report. The district has had varying degrees of MTSS implementation, <br />and we need to develop a DCAP, there have been numerous mid -level leadership <br />changes over the past several years and over 20 team chairs in the last 5 years, we <br />need to further develop and expand existing program options for the special <br />education population, need to develop a clear and consistent approach to co- <br />teaching and inclusion across the district, there needs to be a more comprehensive <br />approach to professional development experiences, the transition process needs! to <br />be structured in a sequential and consistent manner between the various school <br />levels and the district needs to develop effective strategies to improve parental !, <br />awareness. Parents need to be an integral part of the IEP process. It is important <br />that the SEPAC be reestablished as well. <br />She provided information on the district and explained the referral process and <br />reading services provided. <br />Page 1 3 <br />