I would like to find the answers to Question #7 (http://www.medway.k12.ma.us/medway/04mar16mins.html)
Medway School Committee
Minutes
March 16, 2004
E. DEVELOP SCREENING QUESTIONS
The committee developed the following questions that will be used in the interviews:
1. Why did you apply to be the Superintendent in Medway?
2. What about Medway has attracted you?
3. Describe the process you use to develop and implement the budget?
To involve the community? How do you prioritize programs and students services during the budget process?
4. What solutions have you used or what ideas do you have to secure
additional resources for school funding?
5. Describe to us how you envision the demands of the Superintendent and how you will involve the school committee, school community, citizens and other interested groups or individuals.
6. What experience have you had teaching or administering special education? What are some of the most challenging issues facing special education today?
7. What involvement have you had with No Child Left Behind implementation?
8. What role does technology play in education? How do you use it in your professional position?
9. What experience have you had with the high school accreditationprocess?
10. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your qualifications or skills for the position that has not been discussed during the interview?
11. If you were selected for the position what would you do during your first 90 days on the job?
Blueprint for Learning and Teaching (BLT) Minutes
April 21, 2004 (http://158.123.229.10/Administration/BLT/Minutes%20-%2021%20Apr%2004.html)
I particularly like this synopsis from this tinfoil school district (I think he is speaking about lowest common denominator teaching):
"Steve Martin said we cannot continue to focus on the top group. Mike Allen stated we are a public school system-“we have to take everybody”. We have to take care of the other 70%, not just the top 30%. Mr. Weiss agreed, adding that we need to accommodate the needs of all students. (Amended: Jeffrey Weiss)"
Linda Newman welcomed a new member, Janice Kissinger, to the group. Janice is a director at School One in Providence.
The minutes from the March 10, 2004 meeting were distributed. Several corrections were suggested and will be made. Jeffrey Weiss made a motion to hold the minutes in abeyance for approval and, after amended and approved, post on the BLT website. Diane Elofson seconded. Motion carried.
The “Big Picture”
Linda Newman gave an overview of the “Big Picture” – the connections linking federal mandates, state mandates, Professional Development, district strategic plans, standardized tests, and student performance. Presently, the Lincoln School Department has 4 low performing schools. We are presently in PS&I and RIDE is intervening. We also had a negative High School SALT report and those recommendations need to be addressed. Linda spoke about Turning Points, stating that the Middle School, adolescent age is challenging. The children need personal attention – if you lose the kids, they are difficult to regain. Linda spoke about flexible grouping and constantly assessing, identifying, and prescribing student needs.
Jeffrey Weiss asked to speak on heterogeneous versus homogeneous grouping. Both he and Diane Elofson have done extensive research on this. Linda suggested they speak to the group on their research after visiting the schools.
Fred Hoppe noted there is tremendous research on both sides. Go to the schools and see how “all kids are being challenged”.
Diane Elofson was concerned that the schools only take you into the best classes. Fred Hoppe reassured her that she will see all.
Steve Martin said we cannot continue to focus on the top group. Mike Allen stated we are a public school system-“we have to take everybody”. We have to take care of the other 70%, not just the top 30%. Mr. Weiss agreed, adding that we need to accommodate the needs of all students. (Amended: Jeffrey Weiss)
Charles Schotter questioned the use of only research-based information as compared to common sense. He stated that we do not know where the next several years of NCLB will go – it’s too slanted on research-based. We have to see where it makes sense to us as a community – we need to use common sense.
Mary Ann McComiskey stated we need to come up with programming that works for all students.
Dennis McNamara said the “operative word is flexible”.
School Visits
Fred Hoppe spoke on the NELMS recommendations. NELMS knows what works, what doesn’t, and the roadblocks. He presented the group with a diagram of a KIVA (an all self-contained area) used in a true Middle School. The teaching time is longer because the children don’t lose time going through the hallways from class to class. Fred explained the instructional strategies with teaming. He said he did not realize the importance of the art component until he read the research and was very impressed with the art component in the KIVA. Fred was also very impressed with the community/parent involvement.
Janice Kissinger felt that we need to personalize instruction for each child. A new middle school brings about so many great opportunities.
Jeffrey Weiss wants to make sure we do not do harm to the “high” students. He feels the teachers in these ideal schools work well beyond their contractual obligation. It’s a process that’s not going to happen magically. He feels perhaps the accelerated students can go over to the High School and take classes.
Two sheets were passed around the table in order for members to visit either East Lyme, CT. or Barrington, RI Middle Schools. Classroom guidelines were also distributed.
The focus of the May 12th meeting will be to debrief about the school visits. Members will compare and contrast the two schools. If the Middle School summit is that day, it will also be discussed.
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne McManus