Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Recording Secretary: Sarah Russell

Location of meeting: Dorothy M. Wallace COPE Center, Room 39

Was a quorum established? Yes

Was the meeting advertised? Yes, 05/07/2015

Attendance

Topics Covered

The meeting was called to order at 8:02 a.m. by Mrs. Alfreida Joseph-Goins in Room 39 of Dorothy M. Wallace COPE Center.

Mrs. Goins reviewed the 2014-2015 School Improvement Plan (SIP) goals. As of today, we do not have data on the assessments taken by students between March 2 and May 19, 2015. We do have data for the Algebra 1 and Science assessments but they do not apply for this school year.

Dr. Gayden provided the End-of-Year review for Mathematics and Science:
•A Math/Science Night was held to show parents what their students had learned this year.
•She spoke on the Annual Measurable Outcomes for 2015 (8th grade Science FCAT – 10; Biology EOC – 36; Algebra 1 EOC – 10; and Geometry EOC – 24).

Dr. Gayden then gave some of the successful actions that occurred in Science:
•increase in student’s ability to articulate scientific explanations,
•academic writing done in the science classroom.

Successful actions were also taken in Mathematics:
•technology was used to implement the new Florida Standards,
•used technology in instruction to increase student engagement.

Dr. Gayden explained to those present what had worked in Science and Math – Claim (what do you know?) + Evidence (how do you know that?) + Reasoning (why does your evidence support your claim?) = Explanation.

Dr. Gayden said the next steps in Science would be to
•incorporate use of technology in instruction to collect and analyze data,
•remediate content that has been previously addressed or taught, and
•disaggregate QSBA and MYA data to drive instruction, identify secondary benchmarks, and utilize ELL data to modify instructional focus as needed.

In Mathematics, the next steps would be to
•develop a schedule to analyze Edgenuity data to progress monitor student usage and provide opportunities for customizations based on student specific needs,
•utilize math formative assessments to gauge students’ conceptual understanding, and
•create a planning protocol that includes review of the FSA Items Specifications for standards for each topic.

Mrs. Quinn gave the End of Year Review for the Student Services Department.
•In regards to Attendance, members continue to call parents when the student is absent.
•The counselors and new Social Worker (Latasha James-Bodie) have gone out on home visits.
•Members of Student Services Department have spoken to parents about switching their child over to the onsite CHI clinic so that they will miss as little classroom time as possible.
•In addition to a Counselor, the Social Worker is sitting in on the Truancy Meetings.

Mrs. Grice suggested that Student Services reach out to CHI because there appears to be a huge disconnect between the clinic and Student Services. CHI staff needs to know our student concerns. Student Services needs to be an advocate for our students.

Mrs. Revere gave the STEM End of Year Review. She stated the SIP goal was to increase industry certifications by 25% - this goal was met.

Areas for improvement:
•Need to align with Student Services to ensure all students have at least one academy class.
•We also need to align with the Nursery so students can receive some practical experience. Sometimes the babies are asleep, need to better work around their sleep schedule.

Mrs. Revere also stated she would like the Business, Early Childhood Education and HOSA students to receive actual hands on experience in their areas of concentration.

Mrs. Grice asked Mrs. Revere what steps have been taken to recruit students into these various academies. She also asked if she had met with Mrs. Quinn to discuss scheduling for the academies. She suggested using a modified academy schedule.

Ms. Centeno asked what types of certifications are available to the students. Mrs. Quinn said in the 2015-2016 school year we will have four to five students ready to go into the CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Program.

Mrs. Goins spoke for the Language Arts Department. Currently, there is no data for Reading. End of Year Review – we will implement interventions as a result of midyear data and differentiated instruction will be used. There is a need to get more intense professional development on the Florida Standards. We need to make sure the 11th grade U.S. History teachers receive more instruction.

Ms. Gilbert spoke on Parental Involvement. There’s room for improvement. We’ve reached out through ConnectEd and various activities.

Mrs. Grice gave an overall End of Year Review. We’ve had a fairly successful school year. Parental Involvement continues to be a challenge. Our students are coming from all of South Dade. Therefore, it continues to be a struggle to get parents to come out and get involved in activities held at the school.

Enrollment has dropped drastically this school year. We must find creative ways to increase enrollment to maintain our attendance. We’re losing students to charter schools and the home schools are keeping their pregnant girls. Every staff member needs to reach out to help increase enrollment numbers.

One possible recommendation was to organize the school’s PTSA. This establishment will provide a positive light on the school, help increase parental involvement, and increase and maintain student enrollment.

Mrs. Grice provided information regarding painting a mural on the east wing Childcare wall. Ms. Butcher suggested we contact Christ Fellowship Church. They may be able to help us with this. Mrs. Grice asked her to give the contact information to Ms. Gilbert to call.

Announcements:

•The students are putting on a Fashion Show on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. in the cafetorium.
•The Awards Day/Tots’ Graduation will be held next week on May 28, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. in the cafetorium.

EESAC members were asked to share their reflections of the school year. Mr. Joey McCall thanked the EESAC for inviting him to be a member and said he enjoyed this school year.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 a.m.