Subject: Focus group 8-26-04



Modesto Afternoon Focus Group

Assessment and Accountability



In attendance:

Dave Moll

Ginger Ernst

Margaret

Eric Anderson

Melissa Schexnider

Becky Rasmussen



August 26th

6:45 PM



1. Dave welcomed Melissa Schexnider as a new ES and to the Focus Group. We discussed briefly the absence of those that were no longer a part of the group due to change of employment.



2. The responses to the 4 recommendations made by the initial meeting with the WASC representatives were shared with the group. Each of the Recommendations and the responses were read and discussed. The group appreciated the update from the Leadership Committee. After discussion, comments were shared about the good progress of the school towards accreditation.



3. After discussion the committee did not have any recommended changes to the Responses to the WASC Recommendations and the Yearly Report as presented. It was noted that the Benchmark Testing program which is being initiated this school year should be very positive for the school.



4. What more can we say to address the WASC concerns? The group felt that the administration may have to do more to increase the participation rate of our students. The tension with Parent Choice (which a distinctive of our Charter) and state and federal requirements was noted as something to be addressed in more detail. It was noted that something should be said about possible future changes in policy regarding testing participation.



5. Several other questions and discussion topics were brought up from the group. In our discussion the following were noted:

· It was noted that were we making good progress towards accreditation and staying within the timeline as posted on the web page for Accreditation.

· What is the affect our testing participation percentage on requirements of NCLB?

· Can showing improvement in the participation rate satisfy NCLB and AYP?

· When is the projected completion of the final copy of the Self-study Report?

· What is the projected number of Focus Group meetings?



Meeting was adjourned with the anticipation of continuing the process at the All-Staff September meeting in Manteca.