Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of minutes: Mrs. Robledo called the meeting to order at 8:33 a.m. The minutes from March 6, 2012, were reviewed and approved unanimously.

Official Business: Mr. Rivers explained that we need to vote regarding a waiver and change of bylaws which allows an assistant principal to serve as the principal’s designee for voting purposes, in the event the principal is unable to attend the meeting. The motion for the waiver and change of bylaws was approved unanimously.

SIP Review: The EESAC is the sole body responsible for the approval and implementation of the School Improvement Plan, (SIP). Mr. Rivers gave the end-of-the-year School Improvement Plan (SIP) review. He said we saw great improvements from the baseline to the winter assessments in all subjects for all grade levels. He explained that we expect baseline scores to be low because students are unfamiliar with the material assessed on the baseline tests. The only subject and grade level without significant growth from the fall interim to the winter interim was eighth grade, Algebra 1. Mrs. Fernandez explained that the benchmarks on the two tests are not the same, so it is not a fair comparison. School-wide strategies to raise student achievement in all subject areas have included tutoring, data chats concerning the interim assessments, bell-to-bell teaching, and providing a rigorous curriculum. The Science Department and the Language Arts Department agreed to keep the same strategies for the next school year. The Mathematics Department will implement minor changes in the strategies for the next school year. Mr. Torgas confirmed that instruction does occur from bell to bell. After FCAT scores are released, the new FCAT scores may affect next year’s strategies, said Mrs. Gonzalez. Mr. Viscito asked about adding End-Of-Course (EOC) exam goals for the SIP. Mrs. Gonzalez said we will have to examine the EOC results. Mr. Rivers said the middle school SIP has a mathematics goal, but not an Algebra 1 goal, unlike high schools. Mrs. Gonzalez said we can have Algebra 1 strategies, but not goals, because of the SIP template. We cannot change the template for the SIP. Mrs. Gonzalez said that we expect the EOC exam results to replace the math FCAT goals on the SIP template eventually; she added, that she has heard that eventually, the middle school students who take Algebra1, will not have to take the FCAT mathematics assessment. Mrs. Fernandez explained that students do not get credit for Algebra 1 if they fail the EOC; students can retake the test to get credit. Mrs. Gonzalez said she would recommend that students who fail the Algebra 1 EOC take Algebra 1 again in high school.

Principal’s Message: Student council elections took place last week and Mr. Rivers announced the winners: Michael Dorsey, president; Brooke Ellis, vice president; Bruna Decerega, secretary; Margaret Lucy Farrell, treasurer; Alec Millares, Brian Morrison, and Maria Ordonez (alternate), EESAC; and Brhea D'Mello, PTSA. Due to elimination of midterms and finals, all departments agreed to do some kind of comprehensive assessment, which will count as much as departments uniformly choose. There will no longer be a review week and finals week. We will maintain the regular testing dates for each subject area because we do not want to overwhelm our students. Mrs. Gonzalez explained that her philosophy has been that comprehensive examinations are extremely important. Algebra 1, Biology, and Geometry will not have comprehensive exams because those students are taking the EOC exams. Carver was again awarded the Excellence Award for Magnet Schools of America and will be recognized at the next School Board meeting. This year we are in the running for the top award. Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week; Mrs. Gonzalez thanked the PTSA for hosting the luncheon and its support of teachers. EOC exams currently are taking place and will be facilitated by the opening of a third lab. The German program will have an awards ceremony on May 25. Books and Books will present an author event on May 25 during fifth period; all classes were invited. The school’s awards ceremonies will be held on June 1. The Carver reunion for high school seniors will be held on May 30 at 5 p.m. The Eighth Grade Banquet is May 7. Mrs. Gonzalez concluded by saying that this is her last EESAC meeting; she said the EESAC has served beautifully and supported staff and students with respect. She also thanked Mrs. Robledo for 12 years as chairperson. Mrs. Robledo thanked Mrs. Gonzalez for her leadership, which will be missed.

Open Forum: Mrs. Robledo said Advanced Placement exams begin next week: Spanish (May 8, 8 a.m.), German (May 11, 8 a.m.), French (May 15, noon), and Italian (May 17, noon).

Adjournment: Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 9:07 a.m.