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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-01 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts RECEIVED TOWN CLERK Regular Meeting of the School CommiteR E A D I N G, M ^, S S. Open Session 1011 NOV -1 A & 21 . Date: October 1, 2012 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Staff Members Present Karen Janowski John Doherty, Superintendent Hal Croft Patty de Garavilla, Assistant Superintendent Chuck Robinson Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent Lisa Gibbs Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services Visitors: Barbara Jones, Reading Chronicle Kevin Higginbottom, RMHS Principal Craig Martin, Coolidge Principal Laura Warren, Coolidge Teacher I. Call to Order Conner Traugot, Student Representative Kristin Killian, RMHS Department Head Laurie Doherty, Co- President of V.O.I.C.E. Chairperson Janowski called the School Committee to order at 7:02 p.m. She reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Reports I 1. Student Mr. Traugot reported on the recent freshman class officer elections. He said there were many students that ran for office. 2. Liaison Mrs. Gibbs reported on the RCASA annual meeting. She found several topics very informational and enlightening. She also found the documentary on underage drinking to be quite eye opening. Mr. Robinson was disappointed in the poor attendance. Mrs. Gibbs had disappointed that RCTV was not able to cover this important meeting. October 1, 2012 3. Superintendent Superintendent Doherty shared additional information on the underage drinking documentary. He said it was produced by the Kennebunk Police Department. They presented four scenarios and the consequences of each. He said it was very powerful. He also reminded the Committee of the Financial Forum on October 10`x'. The focus of the meeting will be the FYI budget, the Library renovation, Elementary Space needs and the Killam project. Dr. Doherty distributed an updated enrollment chart. 4. Director of Student Services Ms. Elmer shared that the Parent Advisory Council was holding a back to school coffee. The PAC is hoping to re- energize and re- organize by getting more people involved. B. Continued Business Naming of Facilities Timeline Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to suspend Policy FF: Namina of Facilities or Places Within or on School Property for one year. Mr. Robinson feels that the Committee should look at namings of facilities when something viable comes up. This motion allows the Committee to defer for a year. The motion carried 4 -0. C. New Business Coolidge Middle School Presentation Mr. Martin provided an overview of the Coolidge Middle School philosophy and the "A World of Difference" program. He feels it is extremely important to address the needs of the whole student. The social /emotional and cognitive growth need to be addressed and complement each other to address the middle school student's needs. Laura Warren, Coolidge teacher and AWOD advisor shared that this program has become very popular over a short period of time. The group is made up of a diverse group of students, all bringing different strengths to the program. The "A World of Difference" program is made up of 30 seventh and eighth graders. These students were selected from more than 70 students that applied. The students participated in a 3 day long workshop run by the Anti- Defamation League. The students were provided with the tools to run meetings and activities for younger students that increase awareness of diversity, bigotry and discrimination. These students are also expected to be role models for other students. October 1, 2012 Ms. Warren turned the meeting over to several students involved in the AWOD program. Mario Cutone shared why he decided to become involved in the program. He wanted to be an advocate for bullying prevention in the school. He now has the tools to intervene in situations that occur to assist in diffusing potential bullying incidents. Jack Twomey heard about AWOD from a neighbor and was excited to become a part of the group. He attended the training and said he really enjoyed it. Participating in this program has changed who he is as a person and he also has the tools to intervene. He feels small acts of kindness initiate a chain reaction of similar acts. Liam Dwyer wanted to be a leader and become educated and educate others about bullying and the consequences. He is able to help his friends address incidence that may occur. He said he has become a better public speaker sharing that he would not have been able to speak in front of groups before he joined AWOD. He also has the tools to handle destructive situations and is learning to be a role model. Douglas Gibbs said the program has made him a stronger leader. He enjoyed the training program. He feels he has tools needed to deal with all situations that arise and how to be a role model for others, especially his siblings. Emma Walker joined because she felt that middle school girls were getting meaner and wanted to be able to intervene. She has gained the confidence and tools to intervene. Mr. Martin said this program has had a positive impact on the school culture. Mr. Robinson asked why only 30 of 70 applicants were chosen. Mr. Martin said they are exploring ways to expand the program but there is a number restriction for the training program. Student Representative Traugot was impressed by the Coolidge students and is proud of all that are involved in this program. RMHS Field Trip Kristin Killian, Kevin Higginbottom and Laurie Doherty presented information on a proposed field trip to Festival Disney for the Mixed Chorus. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson to approve the RMHS Mixed Choir field trip to Festival Disney in Orlando, Florida in April 2013. The motion carried 4 -0. New Accountability Standards for MCAS Presentation Mrs. de Garavilla reminded the Committee of the waiver the state has received regarding the NCLB targets and restrictions. The Massachusetts DESE has designed and had approved its own set of target and assistance plans for student accountability. The designers used input from the public and educators to develop this tool. October 1, 2012 She went on to describe the major changes between the NCLB regulations and the MA Flexibility Waiver. Mrs. de Garavilla pointed out that 90% of the schools in the state are not making AYP and the goal of 100% proficiency by 2014 was unrealistic. The MA Flexibility Waiver calls for a reduction of the proficiency gap by half by 2017. The AYP standard has been replaced by new performance measures that incorporate student growth and other indicators. This plan also has an enhanced focus on subgroups and has supports and interventions in place to identify needs. The Waiver requires districts to set new targets for not only the district, but schools and subgroups. These targets can be individualized by school. Districts should also implement a system of differentiated recognition, accountability and support, adopt college and career ready standards and assessments and implement the educator evaluator system. The new measure, Progress and Performance Index (PPI) measures participation on the MCAS, progress on Composite Performance Index, growth and improved performance from W to NI and more in Advanced category. In addition, the high school PPI measures graduation rate and drop -out rate. The make -up of student groups has also been changed eliminating students being counted in multiple subgroups. This allows for more accurate student performance data. All schools and districts will be categorized as a Level 1 (high achieving, high growth) to Level 5 (chronically underperforming schools) and the district will be classified based on the lowest performing schools. Dr. Doherty has been reminding the School Committee that the implementations of several initiatives (Educator Evaluation, Common Core Curriculum Standards and Student Assessment) are all starting to come together. Mr. Croft asked if there was an appeals process for additional funding from the DESE if we remain above Level 2. Mrs. de Garavilla said the DESE will continue to offer professional development and workshop opportunities. TELL Mass Presentation Dr. Doherty provided an overview of the Teaching, Empowering, Leading & Learning Mass survey results. This survey provides data to schools and the district about whether educators have the supportive school environments necessary for them to be successful with students and to remain in their schools. This online, confidential and anonymous survey was administered in April of 2012. Over 42,000 educators participated and a 50% response rate was needed to view the results. Reading had a response rate of 68.77 %. The data gathered is being analyzed by the administration and staff and at least one goal in the School Improvement Plans focuses on the TELL Mass survey results. Several administrator goals focus on this data as well. Dr. Doherty reviewed the results. Some areas of strength include access to instructional materials, cleanliness and maintenance of facilities, safe school environment, new teacher October 1, 2012 support and curriculum alignment. Some areas the respondents felt needed to be strengthened include maintaining class size, providing time for collaboration and planning, the enforcement of rules for student conduct, resources, differentiation feedback and follow -up for professional development and an effective process for decision making. Educator Evaluation Update Presentation Dr. Doherty reminded the School Committee that every Race to the Top district is implementing this new tool. He also share that the district has created a wiki that is loaded with all sorts of resources and reference materials. He emphasized that this process focuses on "growth not gotcha ". He wants the teachers to become risk takers. It is okay to make mistakes and use them as a tool to learn and grow. He equated the process as building an airplane as it flies — it will be difficult but we must remember that the focus needs to be on the student. Massachusetts is focusing on teacher growth and has included all stakeholders in the development of the Educator Evaluation Tool. Recognizing that collaboration in this process is important to its success and that makes Massachusetts unique. Dr. Doherty reviewed some concepts in the process. The district has provided in- service training to assist teacher in developing their goals. Teachers can develop team goals because the collaboration piece is important. Evaluators will make announced and unannounced visits /observations. Data collection in the form of conversations is more useful to the teacher and evaluator. He reviewed the online tool, Baseline Edge that the teachers will be using to gather data and create electronic portfolios that can be used to track the progress during the process. Dr. Doherty reviewed the 5 step process and provided an example. The evaluation cycle may be one or two years. Step 1: Self- Assessment. This may involve looking at what the student needs are for the year as well as methods the teacher can achieve addressing the needs. Step 2: Analysis, Goal Setting and Educator Plan Development: The teacher will develop as student learning SMART Goal and a Professional SMART Goal. The will also address how they will achieve these goals, and how they will track these goals to be sure they are on track to achieving them. Step 3: Implementation of the Plan: The educator carries out the steps of the plan during which evidence and artifacts are collected to help the educator see that they are on track. Evidence and artifacts could consist of unannounced observations feedback, evidence complied and presented by the educator, fulfillment of professional responsibilities and growth, active outreach and on -going engagement with families and any other relevant evidence. Step 4: Formative Assessment /Evaluation: This is a mid -cycle check -in to gauge progress on goals and performance standards and the adjustment of goals if necessary. Step 5: Summative Evaluation: This is the end of cycle evaluation. The educator presents evidence and an overall rating is given which will determine which plan the educator will be on. There are four levels: Developing Educator, Self- Directed Growth, Directed Growth and Improvement. October 1, 2012 Mr. Robinson asked if there is additional work required of the staff. Dr. Doherty said the Principals and Assistant Principals are impacted more. The Team Chairs and Assistant Superintendents will be doing some evaluations. The Superintendent reviewed the next steps in the process which include the implementation of Educator Plans, ongoing training for administrators and teachers, and to begin to develop District Determined Measures. The state is providing funding to RTTT districts for administrator training. Approval of Revised Policies Mrs. Janowski felt it was better to defer discussion and vote on the policies until the full board is available. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes • Bids and Donations Calendar IV. Information None V. Future Business Mrs. Janowski reviewed the calendar and pointed out that the School Committee retreat will be Oct. 20`" from 9 — 12. VI. Adjournment Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to adiourn. The motion carried 4 -0. Meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. Jo . Doherty, D. Sue ntendent of Schools