Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Recording Secretary: Sarah Russell

Location of meeting: Dorothy M. Wallace COPE Center Media Center

Was a quorum established? Yes

Was the meeting advertised? Yes, 05/03/2007

Attendance

Topics Covered

Ms. Ames called the meeting to order at 8:55 a.m.

Ms. Ames was asked to check the title of Ms. Andi Allen on the EESAC roster. Mrs. King asked that a change be made to the January minutes regarding Zasha Santiago (Student Representative).

The minutes were approved as corrected.

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS: The School Improvement Plan (SIP) was reviewed.

Reading: Ms. Bradman said students improved on the pre and post testing. They especially improved on the Interim Assessment testing, which is taken three times per year. Students also did well on the mini-assessments.

Math: Ms. Clarington stated that students did improve on the Interim Assessment testing from the first test to the last one they took this school year. The 10th grade retakes improved their FCAT scores in math. The students taking the mini-assessments did not perform as well. The focus next year will be to continue using Cognitive Tutor to help drive the students at the beginning of the school year to improve their FCAT scores.

Writing: Ms. Bradman said the writing scores went down this year. Plans are being put into place to see how teachers can come up with ideas on how to improve the students’ writing skills.

Science: Ms. Clarington said the pre and post diagnostic exams improved. Focused lessons are being done twice weekly. We need to improve scores by tutoring students who are not taking science through pull out sessions – combine 7th and 8th grade students. We can also test 10th and 11th grade students together.

Parental Involvement: Mrs. King said we need more parental involvement. One strategy is to hold parental conferences for students who are absent every 3rd unexcused absence and each 5th excused absence. Other issues are also discussed at the time the parent is here, e.g., student’s academic achievements and areas that need improvement. As a result of this strategy, attendance has improved. There are some areas with gaps that need improvement and are being worked on for next year.

Discipline and Safety: Ms. Ames said outdoor suspension has been decreased by the use of indoor suspension in the Guidance Center. As a result of this, attendance has improved.

Health and Physical Fitness: Ms. Ames said the Health Center is being funded by Miami-Dade County Public Schools for the first time. Staff is now full time, Monday through Friday. All students can be seen on-site. The number of students using the Wellness Center has increased. Students are being encouraged to use the Wellness Center. W.I.C. is on-site providing services to the students for their nutritional needs.

Electives: Mrs. King encourages students to become lovers of school. A Schoolwide incentive program has been put into place to increase attachment to the school. Attendance has improved by 4.2 percentage points this year. We are looking to find new resources to help find more businesses to help increase monetary rewards. Also, activities have increased to help keep students in school. Grants are also being written for this purpose.

Return on Investment: Ms. Ames said the State wants to know what it is getting for its money. Look at Reading – the Interim Assessment scores have improved. We also have smaller class size.

One goal is to improve student achievement. The number one priority is to have students graduate from high school and go to college, if they so choose.

OFI: Funding is available for part time employees. We are looking at finding the worker before the funds become available.

The SIP was presented and accepted by the EESAC members.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.