HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-02-28 Coolidge School Council Minutes21.29. 600fibse Onibbte "C4001
Council Minutes, February 28, 1995
Coolidge Library/Media Center
Present:
Lou Adrian, John Carpenter, Larry Chomsky, John Doherty, Peter Hichborn, Carol Perletz, Sue
Redgate, and Roy Welsch.
The meeting was convened at 7:35 PM, chaired by Roy Welsch. John Carpenter was the scribe.
The minutes of the February 15th meeting were distributed and approved.
Discussion Items:
1. Documents Distributed,,
• Student Technology Competencies Matrices (very specific technology framework)
(Larry Chomsky)
• Update from the Time and Learning Study Group (John Doherty)
• Draft of Goal 6: Ensure the Effectiveness of Improvement Efforts (John Carpenter)
2. Middle School Capacity Issues: A public forum will be announced when the information
is ready. Issues include equity of Coolidge vs. Parker students, methods of measuring and
comparing square footage between the two schools, available technology, speciality areas,
class size, etc. Parker appears to be "protected" by a ceiling of 600 students, but limiting
Parker to 600 instead of 650 will overcrowd Coolidge.
3. Use of YMCA Space: The Y has a new director. He will meet with the Vs program
committee. There may be one room available. Another concern will be safe storage of
equipment when the room is in use for other purposes.
4. Reading School Budget - Finance Committee Update: Roy Welsch attended a FinCom
meeting, and recommends that citizens should attend those meetings even in preference to
School Committee and Selectmen, because some basic decisions are being made there that
affect the outcome of the budget process. The current budget shortfall has forced the
removal of the additional technology money, although the money for the computer lab
replacement machines appears to still be there.
5. Postmortem on the Loss of State Grant for Computers: Criteria for selection of
successful proposals were not clear.. Award was apparently not on the basis of need,
because towns with larger technology budgets and more current equipment received
Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School Council
Minutes, October 12, 1994
grants. We will request feedback on the award process and copies ofthe successful
proposals. Also, we need a copy of Reading's proposal, as-submitted (after leaving
Coolidge).
6. Development of the Technology Budget: Due to budget shortfalls, the frustration is
mounting.
7. Revision of Technology Part of the School Improvement Plan: The Coolidge and
Parker computer instructors are writing a new curriculum that takes advantage of the
features of the new computer equipment and software.
8. Progress of the Mme and Learning Study Group: The study group met in January,
defined the issues, proposed a schedule that would meet State requirements, and solicited
staff input on the impact of the revised schedule. The first goal is to get the schedule to
990 hours of "learning time" in academic classes. This can be accomplished by extending
periods to 48 minutes. Other towns are having more difficulty meeting the requirements.
The second level (required for the 1996/97 year) is for 990 hours of "structured learning
time" in more specific categories. Redesign of the homeroom period, including potential
revival and update of the "Life Skills" program, is being considered.
9. Discussion of Proposal for Goal 6: Due to lack of time, this item was postponed until
the March 14 meeting. There are two proposals here: first, to improve the "Needs
Objectives" section of all goals by adding a "need" and "objective" statement before each
action item, and second, a sixth goal that provides the mechanism to oversee and respond
to the progress of the other five goals. Council members agreed to review the draft for
consideration at the next meeting.
General discussion included planning to complete this year's update of the School Improvement
Plan by May 1 st and more discussion of the role of the Council. Some of the points were raised
as follows: The Council is a reviewer and provider of guidance. It is to advocate for resources to
be provided to achieve the School Improvement Plan goals. The Council was created as part of
statewide education reform, and so the Council's actions are linked to the State's education reform
plan. We must say something when we find elements of the plan that are not being carried out.
The Council can communicate its findings by public statement, through the school's
administration, or in a report to the School Committee. The Council must have efficient
mechanisms for receiving accurate and balanced information, reviewing the progress and
effectiveness of educational initiatives, and using the information and review to render useful and
relevant recommendations regarding school budget, policy, and programs.
Action Items:
_ 1. Review School Improvement Plan goals for updating (all)
2. Follow-up with YMCA regarding use of space (Lou)
3. Finalize Time & Learning recommendations (John Doherty)
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Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School Council
Minutes, October 12, 1994
Significant Dates:
March 7: Coolidge Parent Advisory Council, 7:30 PM (Council report)
March 14: Time and Learning Study Group
March 21: Technology Day
May 1: School Improvement Plan and Professional Development Plan due.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM.
Next Meeting:
Tuesday, March 14, 1995, 7:30 PM, Coolidge Library/Media Center.
Following meeting: Tuesday, March 28.
Respectfully submitted,
John E. Carpenter
Acting Scribe
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