Minutes
Quincy School Committee Teaching & Learning Subcommittee Meeting
A meeting of the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee was held on March 27, 2024 at 6:00 pm in the Coddington Building. Present were Subcommittee members Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Subcommittee Chair. Also present were School Committee Members Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mr. Doug Gutro, and Mrs. Courtney Perdios; Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Ms. Susan Foley, Ms. Julie Graham, Ms. Andrea Huwar, Mr. Michael Marani, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Kimberley Quinn, Mr. Keith Segalla; Quincy College Vice President Meghan Giovannini; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Superintendent Mulvey noted that tonight’s meeting was not posted as a meeting of a Whole, so only Subcommittee Members Mrs. Hubley, Mr. Bregoli, and Mrs. Lebo will be able to discuss, deliberate, and/or vote on the agenda items.
Coordinator of Mathematics Kim Quinn and consultant Molly Vokey presented an update on the work with building thinking classrooms for middle school Mathematics, beginning with a look back at the beginning of the process in 2019 (integrating mindset, rigor, discourse; meeting the needs of all students by differentiating small-group instruction and randomized grouping; highly engaging thinking tasks). Based on the research of Peter Liljedahl, a mathematics professor at Simon Fraser University in Canada who identified fourteen factors that contribute to building a thinking classroom in 15 years of research. The factors are (1) highly engaging thinking tasks; (2) visibly randomized grouping; (3) vertical non-permanent surfaces; (4) de-front the classroom; (5) keep-thinking questions; (6) what homework looks like; (7) when, where, and how tasks are given; (8) fostering student autonomy; (9) hints and extensions; (10) consolidating a lesson; (11) how students take notes; (12) what we choose to evaluate; (13) how we use formative assessments; and (14) how we grade.
Ms. Vokey’s support for Quincy Public Schools this year included presentations at the Professional Day of Learning this past November, participating in System-Wide Professional Development days, and supporting Math instruction at South~West Middle School through curriculum meetings, planning, and co-teaching. The instructional strategies are being deployed at all middle schools, especially the visibly randomized grouping and providing vertical non-permanent surfaces for student group work. Visibly random groups have been demonstrated to develop willingness to collaborate, elimination of social barriers, increased knowledge mobility, increased enthusiasm for learning, and reduced social stress.
Mrs. Lebo asked for and received confirmation that these are techniques for presenting the standards-based instruction of mathematics to students.
Curriculum Director Michael Marani and South~West Assistant Principal Susan Foley presented and update on the MCAS Civics Pilot which will allow students to use their civics content knowledge and skills to explain and analyze civics concepts, support claims with evidence, and analyze sources and graphics. The pilot will have two parts: performance tasks (one of seven topics from the Grade 8 Civics standards and include analysis of primary and secondary sources) and an end-of-course test (coverage of all Civics standards; multiple-choice, multiple-select, and technology-enhanced questions).
In 2023-2024, a minimum of 50% of Grade 8 students at each school will be taking the Civics field test. The results will not be reported. DESE is anticipating rolling out the MCAS Civics assessment for all Grade 8 students in Spring 2025, with results being reported. Preparation is underway at all schools with practice performance tasks, practice tests available through DESE, professional development for Grades 6-8 teachers and vertical team meetings.
Mrs. Hubley asked for clarification, the Civics test window is April 29-June 2. Mr. Marani said each school will determine the administration date based on their Math and STE testing dates.
Mr. Bregoli applauded the teaching of Civics to our students, asked for and received clarification that local government is taught.
Mrs. Lebo agrees that it is important for students to learn Civics, skills related to news and media literacy and evaluating sources are very important. Mrs. Lebo is concerned about the overload of assessments for Grade 8 students
Mr. Keith Segalla updated on Early College High School collaboration with Quincy College. Enrollment opportunities have expanded to Grade 9 for Fall 2024, two courses will be offered to 25 students at each high school. Students who participate in ECHS for four years can earn up to 25 college credits. Additional credits can be earned through Dual Enrollment classes and the Summer Academy at Quincy College. The ECHS Parent Advisory Team has eight parents, meets four times each year, supports new parents when students join the program and hosts workshops on FAFSA, how to pay for college.
There is a new opportunity being explored, which would expand the ECHS program to award Associate’s Degree along with student high school graduation, incorporating summer courses and beginning in Grade 9 participation. This would be free of charge with a pilot of 25 students per high school.
Mrs. Hubley asked what the Associates degree would be in, Ms. Perkins said Liberal Arts.
Mrs. Hubley asked if the ECHS credits are transferring to 4-year colleges, Ms. Giovannini said there haven’t been any issues with transferring so far. Ms. Giovannini said it is up to the institution how the credit is awarded.
Mr. Bregoli asked for and received confirmation that the FAFSA workshop was open to both high schools.
Mrs. Lebo noted that the Early College High School programming is being supported through the Governor’s budget.
Mrs. Lebo said the ECHS Symposium highlighted the opportunities for our students, one student is graduating with CNA and 33 college credits. The parents’ pride in their students was evident.
Mrs. Lebo reviewed that the 2023-2024 Superintendent Goals have been amended to include a Chronic Absenteeism goal.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the amended Superintendent’s Goals for 2023-2024. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to adjourn at 7:10 pm, seconded by Mrs. Hubley. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.