2007-06-04 School Committee Minutes

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Regular Session 2 June 4 2007 and her feeling that the child attending private school is doing better. She expressed her belief that class size of 24 at Grade 1 is unacceptable. Paul Devlin, Wood End parent, recognized that overall class size has improved relative to targets but perhaps falls short in the earlier grades and offers a challenge to the Committee to do better in achieving targets in the future. Superintendent Schettini stated that he and the Committee would like the opportunity to review and digest the information and report back to the Committee. Mrs. Webb stated that she would like to look at this information is important input on future goal development. Ms. Douglas asked if this issue with Wood End would be discussed again. Superintendent Schettini stated that we would continue to look at enrollment and reassess situation as enrollment circumstances change across the district. Gifts No gifts _ Reports of Chairman, Liaisons & Superintendent Superintendent Schettini introduced Donald Pierson, Dean of the Graduate School of Education at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, to the Committee and discussed the long standing history of Reading's partnership with UMass Lowell in the recruitment, preparation, and professional development of teachers. Dean Pierson discussed the University's process in determining the need to recognize the commitment to excellence in its partnerships with school districts and the initiative to explore opportunities for collaboration and sharing resources. He recognized Reading's school administration for being at the forefront of finding federal and state grant opportunities. He expressed great pride in the students at the Graduate School of Education and the success and accomplishments of those students with 100% pass rate on the MTELs and 97% rate of hire of their teacher candidates. Reading has hired eight excellent people over the last five years from UMass Lowell including two physics and two chemistry teachers. Advisors always seek out opportunities in Reading due to excellent mentoring they receive. Dean Pierson presented to the Superintendent and the Committee the, "School-University Partnership Award" to Superintendent of Schettini and Reading Public Schools. Superintendent Schettini introduced Mr. Bart Teal from the Blue Ribbon Schools program which _Reading -has been working with over the last -several-years. - Mr. Teal 1111111 - - -