Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of minutes: Mrs. Robledo called the meeting to order at 8:27 a.m. The minutes from March 31, 2011 were reviewed and approved.

SIP Review: The EESAC is the sole body responsible for the approval and implementation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP). Mrs. Stroleny presented winter interim reading data because it was not available at our February meeting. Grade 6 students scored an average of 83 percent correct, a significant increase from the fall average of 77 percent; 91 percent scored proficient (70 percent or better) in the winter compared to 80 percent in the fall. Our goal is 97 percent and we have a very good chance of achieving that. In grade 7, the average score was 78 percent correct; 82 percent scored proficient compared to 81 percent in the fall. Our goal is 96 percent. In grade 8, the average was 78 percent correct; 85 percent scored proficient compared to 83 percent in the fall. Last year, 93 percent scored proficient on the FCAT. The prognosis looks good in all three grades. Mrs. Gonzalez asked Mrs. Stroleny to explain FCAT 2.0, which is different from the prior version. Teachers are working to teach the new benchmarks and skills. At Region meetings, school administrators have discussed lower scores on fall and winter assessments, especially in science and math. Historically, scores in grade 6 have been lower because students come to Carver at many different levels of preparation, but this year, 7th grade and 8th grade scores also have been lower. To prepare students for the FCAT 2.0, vocabulary, mythology, text features, text structure, and use of task cards have been emphasized in language arts, social studies, elective and foreign language classes. School-wide, the faculty reviewed the 2010 -2011 School Improvement Plan (SIP) and is developing strategies reflecting the changes in the new FCAT for the 2011-2012 SIP. In language arts we are maintaining a literature-based curriculum, but we are addressing the FCAT 2.0. In math, science and social studies, scope and sequence is changing. Mrs. Gonzalez commented on upcoming changes in the social studies curriculum. Mrs. Fernandez explained math curriculum changes: new benchmarks have been incorporated; future students will be expected to learn certain things in grade 5 but that did not occur with this year’s students because it is the first year of the new format. Additionally, new textbooks and benchmarks from the state are adjustments for the teachers and students. Mr. Viscito asked about calculators on the FCAT test, and Mrs. Fernandez said in grades 7 and 8 they are supplied during the test. Also, there will be no extended-response questions on this year’s FCAT. Mrs. Gonzalez said when students move to the next grade level, the concept is to not have to review certain math skills but to move forward. She said that is not realistic. She also said she is concerned about technology for end-of-the-year testing, which the state is requiring for some subjects. Mr. Viscito said he has encountered some problems with testing on the computer for Florida Virtual School. Mrs. Gonzalez said the lack of computers in many rooms is a problem. Mrs. Holian asked about computers used in ninth grade FCAT. Mrs. Robertson asked about the new social studies curriculum. Mrs. Stroleny said students will study history in sixth and eighth grades and civics in seventh grade. Mr. Sarkar commented on the need for geography, which also includes history, and Mrs. Gonzalez agreed. Mr. Viscito asked about pending legislation for core subject changes and class sizes. Mrs. Gonzalez said the pending legislation affects social studies and foreign language classes, which would no longer be considered core classes. High school courses taught in middle school would be required to meet class size of 25 students instead of 22. Mrs. Gonzalez said she will minimize the amount of students in each classroom as best she can, depending upon the number of teachers allocated. Physical education is in high demand and accommodates high class sizes. Some classes need smaller sizes due to the difficulty level of the content. We control enrollment here and do not bring students in during the year, except for foreign nationals. Mrs. Robledo said parents here can have an impact on legislators. She said parents should ask themselves, “What are we doing to truly protect public education?” Mrs. Stroleny informed about Florida Kid Care, the low-cost state health insurance; applications can be obtained at school sites.

Open Forum: Mrs. Gonzalez discussed the possibility of meeting once every two months next school year. Mrs. Robertson asked how parents can have more impact. Mrs. Gonzalez said the way to have more impact is for parents to become involved with the SIP. She provided the parents a paper copy of the 2010-2011 SIP. Departments are currently providing strategies for next year’s plan. She asked parents to examine the plan and give recommendations. The EESAC bylaws state we are required to meet at least once every marking period. Mr. Sarkar had recommended meeting monthly early in the school year because it is especially important to be informed at the beginning of the year. Mrs. Gonzalez said meeting once a marking period is too infrequent. Teachers and administrators have flexibility with meeting times because they are already at school, but parents who work do not have as much flexibility. She said she wants parent input in setting up next year’s meeting schedule. Mr. Viscito suggested looking at next year’s school calendar to see when it makes sense to hold meetings because holidays seem to provide breaks anyway. Mrs. Gonzalez said we can set up a draft of the meeting schedule at the next EESAC meeting.

Adjournment: Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 9:04 a.m.