SPECIAL WORKSHOP, THE SCHOOL BOARD OF
April 24, 2007
The School Board of Brevard County, Florida held a
workshop on Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., at the Educational Services
Facility,
Chairman
Robert Jordan called the workshop to order at 11:00 a.m.
Members Present:
Robert Jordan, Janice Kershaw, Larry Hughes, Barbara Murray, Amy Kneessy
Dr. DiPatri stated this workshop focuses on education. He noted that the Leadership Team would usually be present but that he would share the transcript with them. He stated that the first issue on the agenda is an update on the Secondary Schools of National Prominence initiative and was pleased to report that staff has not received any resistance at the school level or with parents. A copy of the agenda is filed in Supplemental Minute book #222, page 222-375.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF NATIONAL PROMINENCE (SSNP)
Brenda Blackburn, Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, stated that staff first approached the Board two years ago on the Secondary Schools of National Prominence initiative to increase the rigor in secondary schools. Three presentations have been made to the Board over the past year; December 2006, February 2007, and again in April 2007. She also noted that a series of four workshops would be held for school teams on Small Learning Communities which is a major piece of the SSNP initiative.
Walt Christy, Director of Secondary Programs, stated that the goal of Small Learning Communities is to provide special program opportunities for all students. Dr. Christy reviewed how the plan was developed and how it will be implemented. He also reviewed the current and planned district generated programs in the secondary schools. Brenda Blackburn pointed out that some of the programs already in progress will be replicated at other schools. She also stated that the district would continue with corridor transportation for students who want to participate in a program that is not available at their home school.
Barbara Murray asked how staff was tracking the numbers and what is available to students who do not choose these programs. Brenda Blackburn responded that their school is generating these programs and Dr. DiPatri pointed out that Succeed Grants have dramatically increased for next year.
Amy Kneessy noted that Satellite High does not have as many programs as the other secondary schools are showing. Brenda Blackburn responded that staff continues to work with Satellite High to define and develop programs. In response to a question by Amy Kneessy if Satellite High has chosen not to have the SLC’s, Brenda Blackburn responded that many of the programs start at the school level but since Satellite High is going through a massive downsizing and renovation, they have not taken the initiative over the past three years.
Margaret Lewis, Director of Career & Technical Education, reviewed the school generated SLC’s that the schools are currently participating in and have expressed an interest in for future participation. Brenda Blackburn emphasized that this initiative is a work in progress that staff wanted to share with the Board at this time, and that this information has been shared with the principals. The principals were very supportive of the ideas of the placement of the program. Issues that they had were focused on the strategic location of the programs for access issues, that there was something for everyone, and that resources would be available to develop and maintain the programs.
Staff will still have to look at attendance areas in order to share this information with the community. Some of the next steps already underway to support the SSNP initiative are professional development opportunities, development and training for a guidance program, curriculum development, industry certification, and on-going staff, student and community awareness. Dr. DiPatri pointed out that no other local school district anywhere in the country is initiating this type program.
Larry Hughes questioned how this program was going to be staffed, how they would house it, and how much will it cost. Dr. DiPatri stated he does not anticipate too many problems on the first two questions but stated a budget has been presented and is being followed. He mentioned that they did not deviate too much from it in the guidance piece but staff should have made it clearer as to what they budgeted for both this year and next year and he will keep the Board informed so they can track it. Mr. Hughes stated that part of his concern continues to be that when they move to seven periods, they will have teachers in two planning periods unless they do something different such as additional compensation.
Barbara Murray stated that a lot of the structure of this fits with the old middle school model and questioned if they do any of that now. Brenda Blackburn stated there are a number of middle schools that are still organized into inter-disciplinary teams. Dr. Christy stated that a majority of middle schools are going with the teaming process to some degree. The Freshman Houses in place now do not have teaming to the extent of the middle schools.
Robert Jordan asked if focus training was to be provided for all teachers. Brenda Blackburn stated that schools are bringing teams that will be trained and they will return to their schools to work with their entire staff to spread the concept.
A copy of the presentation is filed in Supplemental Minute book #222, pages 222-376 through 222-390.
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Break at 12:02 p.m.
Reconvene at 12:12 p.m.
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READY TO WORK
Margaret Lewis, Director of Career & Technical Education, gave a brief presentation on the Ready to Work Career Readiness Certificate program that was introduced in 2006 by then Governor Bush and supported by Governor Crist. A copy of the presentation is filed in Supplemental Minute book #222, pages 222-391 through 222-399.
This program is one part of Secondary Schools of National Prominence and is a State initiative to allow students to leave high school with a certificate that they are ready to go to work. Any student can achieve this certificate and the same certificate will be given nationally. A components demonstration is available on the web at www.myfloridareadytowork.com.
Janice Kershaw questioned if there was a correlation between this program and a student who passes everything and graduates and if there is a correlation on earning power. Margaret Lewis stated staff had not researched the program fully at this time. The next steps include reviewing material from DOE, researching partnership opportunities, determining interests of local businesses and who would participate, and communicating with community, parents and students.
Robert Jordan questioned the cost
of program. Margaret Lewis responded
that it won’t cost the student anything but do not know what the cost would be
to the district at this time. Janice
Kershaw stated they need to determine if this is something the community wants
before investing too much into it.
Margaret Lewis noted staff needs to see how this program fits in with
SSNP and stated they will keep the Board informed.
GRADEBOOK SOLUTION
Steve Muzzy, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Technology, made a brief presentation on the Grade Book Initiative which will enable parents to easily monitor student grades, homework and attendance. This program will also be more efficient for teachers. A copy of the presentation is filed in Supplemental Minute book #222, pages 222-400 through 222-404.
Matt Frey, Educational Training and Customer Service Manager, stated a committee had been formed to participate in the process of implementing this system. This committee is made up of parents, teachers, students, and district staff. The committee was responsible for developing features and capabilities and acceptance criteria.
Steve Muzzy stated that this system would take over for the CrossPointe system since it has fallen short of district staff expectations and acceptance criteria. Mr. Muzzy reported that an item is on the agenda for tonight’s Board meeting to approve the Grade Book proposal.
Robert Jordan questioned why staff did not just shut down the CrossPointe system and asked what had happened to the Endeavour Elementary server. Mr. Muzzy responded that staff was not aware they couldn’t support the hardware until just recently and that the Endeavour server is being used as the district production server which will be used for at least another two years before migrating to a newer machine. Robert Jordan asked how long the district had to stay with CrossPointe, to which Dr. DiPatri responded for as long as they wish and as long as it works.
CATEGORY 7 – SCHOOLS LINKAGE TO STRATEGIC
PLAN
Karen Schafer, Assistant Director of Accountability,
Testing and Evaluation, updated the Board on Category 7 to link together the
Sterling process with the Strategic Plan, using
Janice Kershaw asked who would manage the data
input. Karen Schafer responded that she,
along with district staff, would handle this task. Robert Jordan asked if there was a way to
verify that the data is real. Ms.
Schafer responded that the data is drawn directly from the DOE website and
staff will have to count on schools to provide correct information.
A copy of the presentation is filed in Supplemental Minute book #222, pages 222-405 through 222-410.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, the workshop
adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
Chairman:
______________________________
ATTEST: ______________________________________
Secretary and Superintendent of Schools