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outlined the time which will be required for administration
of these tests, to be implemented at each grade level in March
of every school year.
In addition, changes in the State standards for mathematics
were announced, which in turn will necessitate a review of
the District's own mathematics program in anticipation of
changes in the already required math testing, again on the
annual March timetable. Dr. Taylor noted that these new requirements
would mean additional investments of staff development time,
as well as time to prepare students, administer the tests,
and correct the tests. Finally, she said that the Terra Nova
tests currently being used by the District levels to assess
program effectiveness would have to give way to the new mandated
tests, at the various grade levels.
Discussing the implications of these changes, the Board expressed
a variety of questions and concerns, especially around the
issue of balance in the District's approach, and impact on
other local assessments of student work. Question topics included
the impact on classroom time, homework time, outside tutoring,
breadth and depth of curriculum. Asking whether it would be
possible to differentiate in test preparation according to
individual student needs, Board members expressed concern
about the loss of local control, and additional stress on
students.
Dr. Taylor and Mr. Chambers promised to return to these questions
of balance in a subsequent Board meeting, tentatively scheduled
for April. Meanwhile, efforts to prepare for the changes and
further weigh their implications will be ongoing.
BUSINESS AGENDA
Several consent agenda items were approved; see the adjoining
summary. Also approved as a first reading were several Board
policies: 5000 (Student
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Policies Goals), 5020.3
(Students with Disabilities Pursuant to Section 504), 5030 (Student
Complaints and Grievances), 5152 (Admission of Non-Resident
Students), and 5152.1 (Admission of Foreign Exchange Students)
as part of the Board's ongoing review of the whole policy book.
Other unfinished business included a follow-up to the auditor's
report of the previous meeting; the District's response was
reviewed.
Staff reports included discussion of the Board's action calendar,
presented by Mr. Chambers. Dr. Taylor also reviewed the recent
meeting of the District's Curriculum Committee/Site-Based
Teams, and forecast likely efforts at each of the four schools
on the broader subject of Character Education.
Board reports included an update on the progress of facilities
projects-the athletic field renovations and the planning for
classroom and core space additions. Both topics will figure
prominently in the Board's next meeting, scheduled for 11/16.
The meeting adjourned to executive session for consideration
of several personnel and negotiations matters.
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Coming Attractions
Tuesday, November 16:
7:30 p.m.-Work Session: Classroom Facilities-HS; Fields;
Curriculum Conversation-BHHS
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