1.0

The minutes of the October 17 meeting were distributed.

2.0

Jane McLaughlin asked for feedback on how well the students are using the tutoring service, paid for with PTA funds. Two or three students come in for tutoring each day. There are one or two tutors available each day. The question was asked, “Would more students come for tutoring if more tutors were available?

Regarding students’ requests for help, Carol Curinga noted that the Student Success Night had about 100 attendees. Administrators, teachers and counselors participated in the program. She further noted that counselors have had more requests this year for writing tutoring.

3.1

School Plan Template Update. Sarah O’Keefe distributed copies of the Site Council’s School Plan Template. Sarah invited questions/responses. Suggestions were given for clarity. Anyone who can offer a fact to support a vital sign, send it to Sarah. These vital signs do not need to be in-depth, but rather highlights.

3.2

Tech Update – Pam Mari reported on the progress over the last year. Wiring is stable, a second T1 line has been installed. With PTA and Site Council support, we now have 12 LCD machines. We have new computers for student and classroom use. Jan Meizel is sending our older computers out to other schools. Now we are getting printers. We must consider establishing three or four powerful machines for printing away from individual computers. Cartridges for individual printers are very expensive. Buy Back Days are being developed to meet the learning needs of teachers. The tech committee is now looking at what the next round of goals will be.

3.3

WASC Update – Fay Hulbert distributed the most recent version of the Community/Student Profile. Her goal is to finalize the document by January 12, 2003. She invites additional information. Last month C & I approved the form for observation. Almost all teachers have complied. Teachers noted in their comments that the ESLRs are being addressed! There were many wonderful, positive comments about the teachers from their colleagues, and the teachers enjoyed the opportunity to observe in each other’s classes.

3.4

AP Course Class Load – Bob Ross talked about the numbers of AP classes that individual students are taking. Students show the effects of overwork and stress. He sees a problem with the impact on GPA’s. He suggests tightening requirements and limiting the number of AP classes students can take. Heidi Loper noted community resistance to tightening prerequisites and requirements. It was noted that teachers could withhold recommendations of students who want to take AP classes. Also, better understanding of what each AP course requires might discourage some students from taking an AP class. Some students end up dropping, because they didn’t understand what was expected from the course. It was also suggested that this needs to be taken up at the university level. One student member of the Site Council stated that she has taken 5 AP classes, and has made sacrifices to do so. She further noted that DSHS is a competitive school, and students want to go to Ivy League Schools. A teacher noted that we should educate students that there are a lot of good schools. Ivy league schools are not the only schools worth going to. Following other comments about the pressure from parents for students to perform and the desire of private colleges to see GPAs on transcripts, it was decided that AP teachers should meet and discuss the issue. Bob will head a committee. C & I will revisit the subject in January, and include PTA.

4.1

STAR Schedule – Heidi Loper distributed a draft of the STAR test schedule. She noted that the State has changed test companies. The new test has more minutes.

4.2

Heidi also distributed a list of buy back opportunities.

4.3

Jane McLaughlin brought up parent concerns as expressed on the Class of 2005 listserver. Some parents have expressed dissatisfaction with the current geometry textbook. Jane said that parents have contacted their students’ counselors to express their dissatisfaction. Steve Legé provided a written response to the parents’ concerns. Math Department Coordinator Lyn Liuzzi suggested having an open forum where parents can air concerns. Mike Cawley is familiar with the textbook and feels that it is a good product.

Topics for January C & I Meeting:

Revisit the changing role of coordinator
Writing Across the Curriculum
In-house suspension/truancy
AP courses
Human Relations/Human Relations Week
ELL Learning Center.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.