SPECIAL WORKSHOP, THE SCHOOL BOARD OF
April 19, 2006
The School Board of Brevard County, Florida held a
workshop on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at 3:00 p.m., at the Educational
Services Facility,
Chairman
Robert Jordan called the workshop to order at 3:00 p.m. and Superintendent
DiPatri led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present:
Robert Jordan, Janice Kershaw, Amy Kneessy, Bea Fowler, Larry Hughes
STRATEGIC PLAN CALENDAR
Dr. DiPatri reviewed the agenda for the Secondary Schools of National Prominence workshop which is filed in supplemental minute book #213, page 213-367. He then discussed the 2006 Strategic Plan Calendar and reviewed dates of meetings which will lead to final adoption of the Strategic Plan Priority Objectives on September 26, 2006. A copy of the Strategic Plan Calendar is filed in supplemental minute book #213, page 213-368.
Dr. DiPatri stated that the Secondary Schools of National Prominence plan was introduced to the Board on February 14, 2006 and it was originally planned for the Board to adopt the plan on April 25th. However, staff felt more meetings were necessary with the elementary school parents for their input. Recommendations for final adoption will now be presented at the May 30th Board meeting. Major issues related to the plan are:
PROCESS
Brenda Blackburn, Association Superintendent for
Curriculum & Instruction, talked about the process of the SSNP program and
the goal they wish to reach, which is to have every student graduate from high
school prepared to enter and be successful in the workplace, in further career
education, and or in postsecondary degree opportunities. She stated that meetings have been held, a
special elementary initiative was started, information is posted on the website
which has taken many hits along with numerous e-mails and telephone calls to
the
INCREASED CREDITS – OPPORTUNITIES AND
REQUIREMENTS
Dr. Walt Christy, Director of Secondary Education, stated
that all 27 secondary schools would move to a 7 period day or block schedule by
the end of 2007/2008. He reviewed the increased
graduation requirements which, for a 7 period day schedule, will increase from
24 to 26, and from 24 to 28 for total opportunities. For a block schedule, the requirements will
increase from 28 to 30, with total opportunities remaining the same at 32
credits. Specific courses need to
graduate have moved from 15 ˝ to 19.
PROGRAM OF STUDY,COUNSELOR ROLES &
RIGOROUS COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Betty Dunn, Assistant Superintendent for Student
Services, reviewed the role that school counselors will play in the SSNP
program. Counselors will provide each
student with an individualized program of study as developed between the
student, parent and the school on an annual basis. Plans are to move eighty-nine counselors to
an 11 month position. Costs to implement
this change will be $537,000 for 2006/07, $484,000 for 2007/08 and $941,000 for
2008/09.
Eva Lewis, Director of Exceptional Student
Education, discussed the planned tailored and inclusive individualized program
of study for ESE students. Staff will
meet with a resource teacher focus group.
Special diploma opportunities will be increased from 24 to 28 and
graduation requirements will increase from 24 to 26.
An additional science credit will be required and a
Self Determination course will be added, along with increasing the Career Prep
requirement.
Dr. Christy discussed the rigorous course
requirements as it applies to student’s graduation in 2012. Students will be required to complete a
minimum of 3 credits in approved Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement,
International Baccalaureate, Advance International Certificate of Education,
approved Honors Courses (3 credits in any combination), or 3 or more credits in
a Career & Technical Education program resulting in a credential endorsed
by a national, state, or local industry.
Margaret Lewis, Director of Career & Technical
Education, further discussed the Career & Technical Education program. The cost to implement this in the middle
school would be approximately $1,985,000 which includes additional teachers,
renovations and equipment. The cost for
the high school is still being reviewed.
The program is flexible and no student is locked
into a specific area of study. Samples
of four different schedules were reviewed for a Bachelor of Arts Degree, an
Associate in Arts Degree, an Associate of Science Degree, and a Career
Certificate.
ASSESSMENT
Brenda Blackburn noted that all 11th
grade students will take the American College Test (ACT), to provide an
indication of the readiness for postsecondary education and careers. This test will be used as a planning
tool. Costs for the test is $25 per
student which would total $140,000 in 2010/11 for all 11th graders.
Secondary schools will develop an action plan to
create small, personalized learning communities and other programs which lead
to a high performing learning culture.
These plans are developed by the principal and the School Advisory
Council.
Professional development will be provided for
teachers and administrators to help focus on strategies to increase rigor,
curriculum and relationships. The cost
is estimated at $450,000 for the first year but tapering off in future years.
A copy of the presentation is filed is filed
in supplemental minute book #213, pages 213-369 through 213-384, inc.
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Recess at 4:10 p.m.
Reconvene at 4:15 p.m.
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BOARD DISCUSSION
Chairman
Larry Hughes:
1. Less student instructional time
2. Teaching time
3. Costs associated with the program
Amy Kneessy:
1. Teaching time
2. Flexibility to change course path
3. Remediation
4. Consideration for the average, or middle track, student
5. Necessity for taking and incurring cost of the ACT test
6. Where ESOL students fit into the plan
Janice Kershaw:
1. Choosing course of study too soon.
2. Remediation
3. Evaluation of the job responsibilities of all school staff (admin. to instructional to support)
4. Dual enrollment classes not being the same rigor
5. Graduation requirements to include arts in the special diploma program
Bea
Fowler:
1.
Need to add mentoring
2.
School Counselors – requirements for hiring, who will
oversee, training requirements & availability
3.
Use remediation process as presented by Dr. Daggett
Robert Jordan:
1. Guarantee that student will not need remediation when entering college after completing this program
2. Look at and revamp the whole organization structure in the school
3. Parent involvement
4. Point person for the program
5. Flexibility
6. Plan for all three student groups (low performing, average performing, high performing)
NEXT STEPS
Dr. DiPatri stated that more detailed information on costs for the program should be available within the next 7-10 days and that staff would respond to all concerns.
Bea Fowler suggested renewing the Strategic Plan to involve senior citizens in mentoring in our schools. Robert Jordan stated he had met with some retired teachers and they want to be involved. He also noted that parents need to be mentored through this process. Should have flexibility in reaching parents, possibly by telephone. Dr. DiPatri stated they had discussed flexible hours for the counselors to include evening hours.
There being no further discussion, the workshop
adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
Chairman:
______________________________
ATTEST: ______________________________________
Secretary and Superintendent of Schools