Nov. 5, 2015 Teaching/Learning Sub Meeting

Agenda

Teaching and Learning Subcommittee
School Improvement Plan Presentations
Wednesday, November 5, 2014, 3:30 pm
Coddington Building

Presentation Schedule:

  1. Squantum Elementary School
    Principal Stephen Sylvia

  2. Bernazzani Elementary School
    Principal Peter Dionne

  3. Wollaston Elementary School
    Principal James Hennessy

  4. Beechwood Knoll Elementary
    School Principal Diane O’Keeffe

  5. Atherton Hough Elementary School
    Principal Robin Moreira

Minutes

Quincy School Committee
Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting
Wednesday, November 5, 2014

A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 3:30 pm at the Coddington Building. Present were Mrs. Kathryn Hubley and Ms. Barbara Isola, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mr. Peter Dionne, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Ms. Beth Hallett, Mr. James Hennessy, Mrs. Robin Moreira, Mrs. Diane O’Keeffe, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Steve Sylvia, Ms. Judy Todd; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Ms. Isola called the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Elementary School Improvement Plan presentation to order at 3:30 pm. She asked the principals to present highlights of their School Improvement Plans, focusing on what they want School Committee to know about their schools.

Principal Steve Sylvia presented the Squantum School Improvement Plan reviewing the school’s consistent progress inching towards Level 1 status. In reflecting on last year’s accomplishments, there was demonstrated progress, with a 1% increase in Average Percent Correct for ELA and a 6% increase in the Math goal for Numbers and Operations, and a 1% increase in constructed responses. Mr. Sylvia noted that Squantum received extra credit for moving students to Proficient and above and narrowing the proficiency gap; grade-specific data was used to build the plan for the whole school. Squantum’s wellness goal was met through multiple opportunities, including the BOKS program and other school-wide events.

Squantum’s goals for 2014-2015 are: (1) increase the Average Percent Correct in English Language Arts by 2% over the 2014 MCAS results at every MCAS tested grade, through a focus on open responses as measured by the June 2015 MCAS grade-level standards report; (2) increase the Average Percent Correct in Mathematics by 2% over the 2014 MCAS results at every MCAS test grade, through a focus on Geometry and constructed responses, specifically Open Responses, as measured by the June 2015 MCAS grade-level standards report; and (3) Squantum students will have the opportunity to participate in a minimum of three Wellness curricular and/or extracurricular programs and activities by the end of the current school year, including a nutritional component related to the use of our new outdoor classroom and garden space.

Ms. Isola asked about Geometry moving into the elementary curriculum. Mr. Sylvia said that Squantum is approaching Geometry through multiple means; one source of assistance is through PTO purchasing manipulatives to support the SIP goal. Ms. Isola asked if there was an opportunity for all students to participate in BOKS, and over the course of the year, they do, supported by parent volunteers.

Principal Peter Dionne presented the Bernazzani School Improvement Plan, reviewing the school’s progress towards last year’s goals. While some individual grade levels did meet the 2% goal for ELA, the school overall did not for either ELA or Mathematics. Bernazzani’s PPI (Progress and Improvement) continues to be high, at 81 and the high needs subgroup is 64. As Bernazzani continues to work towards becoming a Level 1 school, narrowing that gap is key. This year’s SIP action steps are focused on achievement for all students, with special focus for High Needs students. Bernazzani students are fluidly grouped in Grades 4 and 5, which enables teachers to meet students at their own levels, providing extended opportunities and remediation.

Bernazzani’s goals for 2014-2015 are: (1) to increase the total Average Percent Correct by 2% in the College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Reading and Language from a base of 71%, as measured by the June 2015 MCAS standards report; (2) to increase total Average Percent Correct in Mathematics by 2% over one year from a base of 70%, as measured by June 2015 MCAS Standards Report; (3) in keeping with new federal guidelines, maintain existing health and wellness practices as well as institute new current practices; and (4) to implement the character building program entitled Peace Builders.

Mrs. Hubley asked about the Peace Builders, this DESE-approved curriculum was purchased by the PTO. Information has been shared with all parents on the school website and through newsletters.

Ms. Isola asked about the parent reaction to student grouping. Mr. Dionne said there is an introductory parent meeting and grouping is fluid, so students move between levels. Parents are generally supportive of the concept. Ms. Isola said that fluid grouping is an improvement over the old system where students were tracked and movement between levels was infrequent.

Principal James Hennessy presented the Wollaston School Improvement Plan and began by reflecting on last year’s goals. Wollaston maintained last year's Average Percent Correct for ELA; in Math, the Average Percent Correct increased 7. At all grade levels, for both Math and ELA, Wollaston is above the state performance levels for proficient and above. The CPI is 73 for all students and high needs, so there is no achievement gap. ELL, Low Income, and FLEP have met the target. For 2014- 2015, goals are continued with new action steps and strategies, including RETELL strategies. The Wellness program has been successful, and this year’s action steps are focused on institutionalizing wellness activities.

Wollaston’s goals for 2014-2015 are that students will demonstrate (1) a growing understanding of increasingly complex text. This will be evident by an increase of 2% over the 2014 MCAS results on the Average Percent Correct in the College and Career Readiness Anchor Standard for Reading in the area of Key Ideas and Details (from a base of 70%) and Open Response (from a base of 56%) as measured by the Spring 2015 MCAS Standards Report and (2) an increased ability to persevere and use reasoning to solve increasingly complex math tasks. This will be evident by an increase of 2% over the 2014 MCAS results on the school-wide average percent correct for open response items (from a base of 70%) as documented on the Spring 2015 MCAS Standards Report. (3) During the 2014-2015 school year, in partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Wollaston School will continue to be a place that supports and promotes healthy decision making by providing opportunities for all members of the school community to participate in wellness activities both during and after the school day.

Ms. Isola said that the perception of the goal of increasing Average Percent Correct by 2% as easy is clearly not true. Mr. Hennessy said that for teachers, having this goal narrows the focus and allows them to involve teachers at all grades on specific issues, such as Open Response. The conversations that are fostered from analyzing the data have been beneficial as teachers share their best practices. Dr. DeCristofaro said there are many variables that all the principals face each year, the first being the unique group of students taking the test as students move into subsequent grades.

Principal Diane O'Keeffe reviewed the Beechwood Knoll School Improvement Plan, expressing her staff’s disappointment in moving down to a Level 2 school. The school’s Assessment Team looked at how the teachers are meeting the needs of all students. While all High Needs groups met target, non-high needs students did not. There were indications of growth in increases in Advanced level performance for Grades 3 and 4 for Mathematics.

Beechwood Knoll’s goals for 2014-2015 are: (1) for ELA/Literacy, the school’s Average Percent Correct in Key Ideas and Details will increase by 2% over the 2014 MCAS results, with a school-wide base of 69%, as measured at every MCAS tested grade and documented in the 2015 MCAS Standards Report and (2) for Mathematics, the school’s total Average Percent Correct in Mathematics will increase by 2% over the 2014 MCAS results, from a base of 76% at every MCAS tested grade, through a school-wide focus on constructed responses, specifically Open Responses, as measured by the 2015 MCAS Standards Report. (3) To increase student, staff, and parent awareness of health and wellness issues during the 2014-2015 school year and (4) to create a more respectful student culture in order to establish a positive learning environment through explicitly teaching and constantly reinforcing a clear set of positive expectations and behaviors.

Mrs. O’Keeffe thanked School Committee for the beautiful new computer lab constructed over the summer and the new computers. A parent has donated three short-throw projectors, and has donated MimeoTeach equipment for each classroom. The Maintenance department has added new custom-built bookcases and Arbella Insurance donated new room dividers for the Sawyer Center, so the room has a very different and improved look. Mrs. Hubley asked about the roof replacement; the city is planning to do this as part of the Solar Installation project in the spring. Ms. Isola asked about the outdoor classroom, Mrs. O'Keeffe said teachers use the classroom quite frequently.

Principal Robin Moreira presented the Atherton Hough School Improvement Plan, noting that the plan is the direct result of the collaboration of grade-level and vertical teams. Atherton Hough is home to five Substantially Separate Classrooms and this year, was designated as a Level 3 status school. As a result, the school is working with DSAC team to focus on their students with disabilities high needs group. Last year’s MCAS-related goals were not met, with decreases in Average Percent Correct for both ELA and Mathematics. Positive growth was seen at increasing numbers of students scoring at Proficient or above.

Atherton Hough’s goals for 2014-2015 are: (1) for ELA, the total Average Percent Correct in the College and Career Readiness Anchor Standard for Reading will increase by 2% over the 2014 MCAS results as measured in Grades 3, 4, and 5 and documented in the 2015 MCAS standards report. (2) For Mathematics, the total Average Percent Correct will increase by 2% over the 2014 MCAS results as measured in Grades 3, 4, and 5, through a school-wide focus on calculating accurately and efficiently, as measured by the 2015 MCAS standards report. (3) All staff will work collaboratively with families, maintaining open communication in all areas to improve student achievement, including effort, conduct, and attendance. (4) All students and staff will collaborate with the school Wellness Team and implement Wellness initiatives based on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program framework and school inventory.

Action steps to support this year’s goals include fluid grouping, focus on balanced Literacy, small group instruction, using Journeys and literacy closet with Common Core-aligned Leveled Readers. An assessment wall will assist with visualizing student progress and common planning time across grade levels will allow for sharing of best practices, along with videotaped model lessons. Mrs. Moreira noted that on Walking Wednesdays 120 students walk to school in groups with parent volunteers. Staff members walk the routes to get out into the neighborhood and students love it.

Mrs. Hubley asked about the "Browsing Box" concept. For a particular student, these are books selected that are appropriate for their reading level. The students use these titles for independent and leveled reading opportunities. Mrs. Hubley asked if attendance is an issue at Atherton Hough. Mrs. Moreira said that absences and tardy rates are higher than the state average.

Ms. Isola reminded all the principals that the areas of need will be reviewed in the Facilities and Security Subcommittee. Ms. Isola said that the data shows that the population stability of our schools is very good.

Ms. Isola said that School Committee wants to know how best to support the elementary schools. Mr. Sylvia said for Squantum, continuing the conversation about building a new school is a priority. Mr. Sylvia said that School Committee's continued participation in school events and the opportunity for informal conversation is key.

Mr. Dionne said that in consideration of the upcoming PARCC testing, many schools have computers that are not capable of handling these online assessments. Ms. Isola said this will be an issue districtwide, another unfunded DESE mandate that QPS will have to address in the upcoming budget.

Mr. Hennessy said that School Committee's emphasis on class size is an important priority. Mrs. Moreira said that the increased support in this year’s budget has made a difference; the full-time Literacy teacher this year has allowed more students to be serviced. The additional IT technician, band teacher, and restoration of full-time Kindergarten aides have all made a difference at the elementary level. Ms. Isola said it was a long-time goal to rebuild the Literacy program, and she would like to see similar support for Mathematics.

Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the principals for preparing their School Improvement Plans and their presentations, they all do a tremendous job. He agreed that School Committee attendance at school events allows them to see the true nature of each school’s culture.

Ms. Isola said she hoped the streamlined presentation format reflects the School Committee’s respect for the principals’ time and that they know School Committee is here to support all of the schools. Mrs. O'Keeffe said the principals know that School Committee is there to support.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Squantum, Bernazzani, Wollaston, Beechwood Knoll, and Atherton Hough School Improvement Plans. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to adjourn the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee meeting at 4:155 pm. Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.