Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

The EESAC meeting was called to order at 8:10am by Ingrid Robledo, chairman. The minutes from last meeting were reviewed, minor changes noted (John Dubey’s name corrected, P. 3 “must not”), and revised minutes were approved by consensus.

Mrs. Robledo reviewed A+ Plan for Education Proposal. This proposal has been approved and reviewed by all faculty members. DCPS keeps the difference of $99,215.00 and $92,178.36. The 11% is kept for administrative costs.

Mr. Dubey questioned addition and discussed different alternatives for speding money. He was concerned about money not being used for the school. He also asked if some of the funds should be left in school savings perhaps for class sets. Ms. Gonzalez replied

asked Mr. Cabrera, Assistant Principal of Curriculum, to open the floor for review the revised draft of School Performance Excellence Plan. He began by announcing that we finally got through last year’s SPEP adequate progress report and G.W. Carver did great. This finalizes last year’s SPEP. Mr. Cabrera mentioned that a copy last year’s SPEP was also attached to our packet, as per Mr. Robert Hans’ request. He explained that today we would review the new SPEP draft which is still in progress. Ms. Gonzalez thanked everyone on the board, Mr. Hans, Ms. Horta and others, for their comments and suggestions at the last meeting. She said that the suggestions were very helpful in refining the plan and that some changes were made based on these comments, as well as, other feedback.

The SPEP executive summary was reviewed and Ms. Gonzalez explained that some changes to the summary were made as a result committee review of the SPEP done at the region.

Mr. Cabrera began review of measurable objectives, which were based on previous FCAT and AP scores. Mr. Cabrera discussed Objective #1 which targets the lowest performing 25% in reading comprehension and language arts. He then reviewed strategies being used like Vertical Teaming, homeroom libraries, reading intervention classes and faculty training for Advanced Placement testing preparation strategies. Mrs. Robledo has set up a meeting with Mrs. Krugman, a representative from the College Board, to discuss the possibility of teacher workshops for Advance Placement strategies. Mr. Cabrera explained that they will give extra attention to teaching students various methods of taking notes. Ms. Gonzalez, explained that although these objectives and strategies were targeting 7th graders that they would be implemented school-wide in order to benefit all students.

Objective #2, regarding science was discussed. The strategies implemented will be an in-house developed exam in order to establish a database. The science department curriculum will be realigned to cover the Sunshine State Science Standards. In addition, staff development and a classroom web-cam project are in the works in order to encourage parent involvement. Ms. Gonzalez added that they intend to expand the science curriculum and offer more advanced classes to students specifically recommended by the science teachers.

Objective #3, reflects strategies to improve AP test scores in the German Program. A teacher has been brought in by the German consulate and this will help with the implementation of on our strategies to reduce class size. Ms. Gonzalez stated that one of her goals is to improve curriculum articulation with the high schools. She explained that the articulation process with Sunset elementary has been very successful and she would like to do the same with Coral Reef beginning with the German students.

This concluded this year’s SPEP. Ms. Daniels moved to approve the SPEP. The motion was seconded and approved by consensus. Mr. Cabrera stated that they would keep the EESAC committee up to date on strategies and performance. Hopefully, if FCAT scores come in early this year, we will have the opportunity to see the results.

Mrs. Robledo announced that the United Nations sent a package of student activities. We are hoping to participate in one particular activity which consists of sending a student to compete in an oratorical competition at the UN regarding terrorism.

Mr. Robert Hans congratulated administration on development of SPEP and commended G.W. Carver for its academic excellence. He suggested that GWC consider expanding our areas of excellence by offering more honors classes without disregarding our core magnet. Ms. Gonzalez responded by saying that her philosophy is to choose one thing and do it very well and added that all of the classes offered here are advanced or honors already. She reminded us that this is a language magnet and that we mustn’t lose our focus. Students at GWC must work at advanced levels in every subject, but the main goal is to achieve language proficiency.

Mrs. Robledo added that we are the link to the World Languages Magnets Program.

The next meeting was set for Wednesday, October 16, 8:00am. Although meetings will continue to be the 2nd Tuesday of each month, Ms. Cheli Fernandez moved to change this next meeting for Wednesday. The motion was seconded and approved by consensus.

Meeting was adjourned meeting at 9:05am.