Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-03 School Committee Minutes 4_ Town of Reading r - � Meeting Minutes ties Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2014-11-03 Time: 7:00 PM Building: School - Coolidge Location: Community Room Address: 89 Birch Meadow Drive Purpose: Open Session Session: General Session Attendees: Members - Present: Linda Snow Dockser John Doherty, Superintendent Jeanne Borawski Martha Sybert, Director of Finance Chuck Robinson Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent Gary Nihan Carolyn Wilson, Director of Student Services Chris Caruso Elaine Webb Members - Not Present: Others Present: Carl Gillies, Student Representative Al Sylvia, Reading Chronicle Chris Copeland, RTA president Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Chair Caruso called the School Committee to order at 7:05 p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input(I) Chair Caruso called for public input. Mrs. Liberman asked about a leak at the high school. Dr. Doherty said he would look into having it fixed. B. Reports Students Page I 1 Student Representative Gillies reported that the Victory Bell was rung for the first time after the football team's win on Friday night. The RMHS Drama production of Urinetown would is this coming weekend. Sub-Committee Mrs. Borawski reported on the first annual downtown trick or treat event on October 29th Mrs. Webb reported on the Financial Forum that was held on October 29th C. New Business (out of order) MCAS Presentation Mr. Martin began the MCAS presentation by providing some background information. MCAS results provide evidence as to how well a student, subgroup, or school has performed in relation to the standards of the curriculum frameworks and are used for program evaluation in aligning curriculum, instruction and assessment practices. Mrs. Wilson left the meeting at 7:15 p.m. He then reviewed the overall district scores from 2010—2014 in math, ELA and Science & Technology. Mr. Martin shared the math and ELA results for students that scored proficient or advanced by grade level for all student and high needs groups. He described the high needs group of consisting of special education, low income and ELL students. The district is working to narrow the gap between these two groups. The next comparison was the same results for high needs and non-high needs groups from 2008—2014 and referenced the median SGP. A student growth percentile between 40—60% is desirable. Reading students SGP for ELA has been consistently within that range. The math scores between high needs and non-high needs students showed a drop off which was expected because of the change in the curriculum frameworks. Mr. Martin reviewed achievement vs. growth in relation to the student growth percentile. Assessment scores indicate how each student is achieving relative to the state standards for that grade level and growth indicates a change in an individual student's progress from one year to the next. The student growth percentile is a measure of each student's growth compared to other students with similar prior MCAS scores; their academic peers. The rate of change is measured as a percentile. Key reminders when looking at this data is that growth is distinct from achievement. A student can achieve at a low level but demonstrate high growth or vice versa. Each student is compared only to their statewide academic peers, not all students statewide and growth is subject, grade, and year specific. Growth is measured as a way to monitor progress at all performance levels, to provide evidence of improvement even among those with low achievement and to provide even high-achieving students and/or schools something to strive for beyond proficiency. Dr. Snow-Dockser arrived at 7:23 p.m. Page 12 The Massachusetts Accountability System measures each school and district's progress toward reducing the proficiency gap in half between 2010/11 and 2016/17. Schools making significant progress toward narrowing the gap are classified Level 1. Accountability levels are rated Level 1, as highest to Level 4 & 5 which is used to designate the state's lowest performing schools. The Reading Public Schools have received accountability and assistance Levels 1, 2 or 3 for 2014. One school was designated Level 3 which means that school has overall low MCAS scores and one or more sub-groups in the school are among the lowest performing 20% of subgroups relative to all subgroups statewide. The proficiency gap is not being narrowed quickly enough. Mr. Martin explained how the Progress & Performance Index (PPI) level is calculated. The PPI is a measure of progress toward a group's gap narrowing goals. He reviewed the rubric components. He reviewed data from the 2014 DESE Report Card for the district which included comparisons of student achievement, growth, enrollment, high needs population, attendance, discipline and high school completion versus the state. Mr. Martin went on to review key shifts in the ELA/Literacy standard which place equal emphasis on literacy and informational texts, reading, writing, and speaking grounded in evidence from text, writing response to one or more texts, regular practice reading complex texts and academic language and literacy standards application across curriculum content areas. Math standards shifts include each grade focusing on fewer standards: each standard addressed more deeply and coherent progression across grades, conceptual understanding of topics is foundational and students are expected to extend their knowledge to real-life modeling and application. Mr. Martin shared information on per pupil spending and achievement in relation to comparable communities. Reading has identified the following issues/concerns that need to be addressed: the gap between high needs students and non-high needs students, gap of some of our subgroups compared to aggregate, transition process aligning to new frameworks, implementation of the Math in focus curriculum with fidelity, literacy/writing content areas, outdated science curriculum materials and resources,the need to improve communication with families, teacher collaboration time, keyboarding skills, classroom space concerns and early childhood/full day kindergarten needs. Action steps and strategies being used to address student growth include a DESE district-wide assessment tool to identify strengths and areas of improvement, fully implement literacy standards across core curriculum, raising expectations consistently for students in math, increase academic based after school activities, provide additional professional development/support on new curriculum programs, the establishment of district wide PLC for teacher collaboration, the implementation of the MTSS at all grade levels and use MCAS/DDM data to identify struggling students and provide interventions. The district will be looking at all students. Resources are needed to address the long-term concerns include instructional coaches/specialists in math and ELA at the elementary level, attracting and retaining high quality teachers, upgrading science and engineering curriculum to align with new standards coming next year, to provide additional content area reading material for the elementary level to align with increased literacy standards, provide tier 2 regular education tutor support at all levels, Page 13 increased instructional time for math and ELA, additional classroom and specialist space throughout the district and full day kindergarten for all. A parent asked what action is being implemented to address students with special needs. She was concerned there were no clear steps outlined. Dr. Doherty said that we will be hiring a consultant to review the district special education programs and we will be sending out a survey to all families to gather information to better address the needs and concerns. Ms. Tseckares, Joshua Eaton parent, asked how increasing instructional time would be achieved. Mr. Martin said it would look different across the board and we are exploring ways to make this happen. Dr. Doherty reminded the group that additional funding would be needed. Ms. Higgins, Joshua Eaton parent, asked if the administration has looked at teachers/administrators that were not meeting the standards and is concerned at the progress her children have made in math and ELA since the start of school. Dr. Doherty has had discussions with several families regarding specific concerns and will continue to find ways to improve our student achievement. Mrs. Borawski referred to the survey that will be sent out in the near future as a way to receive valuable and honest feedback because it is anonymous. The attendees asked questions regarding the need to move away from heterogeneous teaching,the elementary report card format and why it took four years to react to the declining scores. Dr. Doherty said because of shifts in the frameworks, some decline was expected. There has been a big shift in math instructional practices and strategies and we do not have the coaching support to work with our teachers to collaborate on good practices. The administration was aware that there was a decline in math scores at Joshua Eaton and was addressing it. He acknowledged that the steps taken have not been successful and he accepts responsibility. A question was asked about the half day Wednesdays. Dr. Doherty said the early release Wednesday's have been around for 30 years to address the lack of planning time for the elementary teachers. Sheri VanderAkker, Joshua Eaton parent, is pleased that the school council is being used as a communication tool and collaborative partner and asked if this is consistent throughout the district. Dr. Doherty said it is happening in some schools but is not consistent district wide. A parent asked when the School Committee would approach the town for more money to increase per pupil spending. Mr. Caruso shared the outlook for the FY2016 budget. Fincom has indicated they are looking for 2.5% increase, which in actual dollars will mean a$900,000 in the School Department budget. The parent then asked what the district priorities were. Dr. Doherty said that teaching and learning is a priority. This will be addressed with the implementation of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) which will be funded by a 5 year federal grant and to build the capacity for kids and teachers to increase the Page 14 teaching and learning happening in our classrooms. We have action steps in place as previously presented and will need resources to achieve the long teuu goals. Chris Kelley, REF president and parent, shared that it will take time to peel back the layers to address the needs of students and staff She feels the DESE puts a lot of focus on failing schools. The process could take 3 to 4 years. Alison Ockerbloom, Title 1 teacher and Barrows parent, said the district has a resource problem. She is actively working to reallocate Title 1 funds to provide additional tutoring support at Joshua Eaton. We have been able to hire three tutors to work with the students. Mr. Caruso thanked everyone for coming to tonight's meeting and assured them that the School Committee is taking this matter very seriously. They will digest the information and look at next steps. D. Continued Business Second Reading and Acceptance of Policy IJOA—Field Trips Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to approve and accept the second reading of Policy IJOA—Field Trips. Mr. Robinson began the reading of Policy IJOA. Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to suspend further reading. The motion carried 6-0. Dr. Doherty pointed out there was one change—the addition of the chaperone guide. The vote on the original motion carried 6-0. Second Reading and Acceptance of Policy JICFB —Bullying Prevention Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to approve and accept the second reading of Policy JICFB—Bullying Prevention. Mr. Robinson began the reading of Policy IJOA. Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to suspend further reading. The motion carried 6-0. Dr. Doherty sent the policy back to legal counsel for review after the first reading. Mr.Nihan would like to see the bullying plan updated and enhanced. He wants to ensure all students feel safe in school. Dr. Snow Dockser asked about the reference to victim in Section E, paragraph E and why it had not been changed to target. Superintendent Doherty said the policy had been vetted by legal counsel but will ask Mr. Joyce about the wording. Page 15 Mr. Caruso instructed the Committee to approve the second reading of this policy with the understanding that Dr. Doherty will contact legal counsel. The vote on the original motion carried 6-0. E. New Business Approval of RMHS Model UN Field Trip Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to approve the RMHS Model UN field trip to Boston, January 29—February 1,2015. The motion carried 6-0. Approval of the RMHS Drama Field Trip to New York City Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to approve the annual RMHS Drama field trip to New York City on May 16,2015. The motion carried 6-0. Approval of the RMHS Interact Club Field Trip to New York City Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to approve the RMHS Interact Club field trip to New York City on November 22, 2015. The motion carried 6-0. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) The following warrants were circulated and signed. None b. Minutes (A) Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Nihan, to approve the open session minutes dated October 20,2014. The motion carried 6-0. c. Bids and Donations (A ) Donations RMHS Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to accept the donation in the amount of$1,000 from the Friends of Reading Soccer to be used to support the coaching assistant position for the fall 2014 season. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to accept the donation in the amount of$10,655 from the Reading Band Parents Organization to be Page 16 used to support the coaching assistant positions for the Marching Band and Color Guard. The motion carried 6-0. RISE Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to accept the donation of two pieces of adaptive equipment,valued at approximately$1,500, from Yvie's Closet to the RISE Preschool. The motion carried 6-0. d. Calendar IV.Information V. Future Business VI.Adjournment Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. , 'i,, F. Dohert , Ed.D. Page 17