Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

G. W. CARVER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Educational Excellence School Advisory Council
Ingrid Robledo, Chairperson

E.E.S.A.C. MEETING October 24, 2017

Council members in attendance:
Ingrid Robledo (chairperson)
Shelley Stroleny
Shelton Rivers
Annette Daniels
Cheli Fernández
Guillermo Garcia
Richard Hudson
Lorena Moglia
Ivette Mora
Teresa Palma-Gonzalez
Barbara Sans
Kenza Iddir
Ariadna Torras
John A. Garcia
Council members absent:
Maria Toledo
Brigette Hirson-Troubody
Maria Alvarado
Vilma Gonzalez
Margie Aragon
Iris Reijnen-Steele
Florentine Bullrich
Tom Kernan
Melissa Nobles

Guests
Maria de los Angeles-Fernandez
Jenny Murphy

Approval of minutes: Mr. Rivers called the meeting to order at 8:20 a.m. The minutes from October 3, 2017, were reviewed and approved.

SIP Review: The EESAC is the sole body responsible for the approval and implementation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP). Mr. Rivers updated iReady data from the last meeting when he gave partial results. In mathematics, 98 percent of sixth-graders completed the assessment with 20 percent scoring below grade level; 98 percent of seventh-graders completed the assessment with 28 percent scoring below grade level; and 99 percent of eighth-graders completed the assessment with 29 percent scoring below grade level. In reading, 98 percent of sixth-graders completed the assessment with 21 percent scoring below grade level; 99 percent of seventh-graders completed the assessment with 19 percent scoring below grade level; and 100 percent of eighth-graders completed the assessment with 12 percent scoring below grade level. Mr. Rivers explained that teachers can access information by grade level, class and individual student. Mrs. Sans asked if percentages in reading are normal. Mr. Rivers said reading scores do not vary greatly from year to year. Mr. Garcia asked about math scores. Mr. Rivers pointed out that we were out for seven days from Hurricane Irma and that may have affected scores. Mr. Rivers then discussed the status of the SIP. He said we started working on the document last school year. At the Oct. 19 SIP review, there were minimal changes recommended by the Region/District staff. Mr. Rivers provided a copy of the 26-page SIP for members to review. Mrs. Sans asked if the SIP changes yearly. Mr. Rivers indicated that the SIP is based on the school’s needs, which vary from one year to the next. Mr. Garcia also inquired about improvements on campus and about how Carver compares to other schools based on the SIP. Mr. Rivers said the SIP is not a clear source of comparison. He said the SIP used to be based on FCAT scores with specific demographic groups. He added that state rankings are based on assessment averages. He explained that Carver offers many high school courses that contribute to our score. Mr. Garcia asked how we determine what goes into SIP. Mr. Rivers said he meets with department chairs and the leadership team to disaggregate data and make informed decisions accordingly. Our goal is to improve student academic achievement in all areas. Our barrier is the lack of vertical planning. Mr. Rivers explained how vertical planning works. Mr. Hudson explained vertical planning in writing instruction within the language arts department. Mr. Garcia asked about vertical planning for high school courses. Mrs. Sans commented that she appreciates high school courses being offered here.

Official business: The EESAC voted unanimously to approve the SIP in its current form. Mr. Rivers had appropriate members sign the SIP signature document.

Adjournment: Mr. Rivers adjourned the meeting at 8:47 a.m.