Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Ingrid Robledo, chairman, called the EESAC meeting to order at 8:10am. The previous minutes were reviewed and revised minutes were approved by consensus.
Mr. Cabrera stated that the Progress Reporting Form for the School Performance Excellence Plan (SPEP) is due in at the region on June 20. This form helps the school evaluate the strategies implemented and goals achieved.
Objective #1, increase in reading comprehension, was achieved and surpassed. All strategies were implemented. Vertical team has been successful as well as cross curriculum class libraries and note-taking and listening skills.
Objective #2, increase in science scores, goals were met and surpassed. Curriculum was realigned and 6th and 7th grades were tested and scored above and beyond expectations.
Objective #3, improvement in German AP exams, strategies were implemented, curriculum realigned and class size was reduced. We do not have scores back yet but teachers and students are very confident that goals were met.
Mr. Cabrera explained that he needs the EESAC Council Signatures on the Report in order to submit it to the district on June 20. Mrs. Gonzalez clarified that we would not have AP German scores before that but that we have definitely met our goals because we do not have to achieve specific number criteria, if there has been improvement that is sufficient. Odalys Horta made a motion that the council signs the Progress Reporting form for submission; the motion was seconded and approved.

1

Mr. Cabrera asked the SPEP Committee chair, Susan Szmulewicz, to begin with the review of the Objectives being developed for next year’s SPEP.
Objective #1, Increase in scores in persuasive writing skills, Ms. Szmulewicz stated that 7 strategies had been developed that would be used by all departments, school wide. Students must be able to write essays in short and long answers.
Objective #2, Improvement in Oral Proficiency scores in foreign language curriculum (Spanish, German, French) in all grade levels. Mr. Cabrera stated that there are really three objectives in there and suggested that we use one grade level (maybe 7th grade) for the objective and later include the other two grade levels in the strategies.
Pre-tests and post-tests will be used to determine progress. Mr. Stringfellow expressed a concern about IE students taking pre-tests without any prior knowledge of the language. Mrs. Gonzalez responded by saying that this is a very rough draft of the plan and that there would be a lot of changes before it is completed.
Objective #3, Data Analysis, strategies involve 6th grade and all departments. Data Analysis will be stressed in 6th grade in order to measure improvement in 7th and 8th grades.
Mrs. Gonzalez requested that the council consider using EESAC funds to purchase software needed to upgrade old software, which is no longer compatible with new computers. Alicia Martinez stated that much of the software we have now is very outdated. Software will be purchased according to teacher recommendations. Mrs. Gonzalez also stated that she would provide teacher training from school budget and that she needed approval now because she would like to purchase it over the summer in order to implement it as soon as possible in the new school year.
Mr. Dubey expressed concern about using all our funds on one item and suggested that we keep some monies on the back burner in case something comes up. Mrs. Gonzalez responded G.W. Carver is very fortunate and that money is not a problem because we get additional funds for AP tested students and for Magnet School status. Jacqueline Garcia added that GWC also has a very active PTSA, which is very supportive of the school’s needs. Mrs. Garcia made a motion that the council approves utilizing next year’s funds for the purchase of software over the summer. The motion was seconded and approved by consensus.
Mrs. Robledo expressed her appreciation to the board and bid farewell to all departing students and parents and went on to welcome new incoming students and parents. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 am.

Jacqueline García, Secretary