Mountain Focus Group...
March 22, 2004.

This is a summary report of our discussions. We directed our attention at points #8 and #9. ESLR Growth areas.
Since our school tests in Language Arts and Math, we decided that we would focus on the growth needs for these two areas.

1. ESLR #1 Language Arts

Writing Strategies - we concluded that a consecutive curriculum was needed
addressing writing strategy with several types and varieties of essay modules
for sample viewing, and prompts as actual writing progressed.

2. ESLR #2 Math

a. Since our school‚s overall scores needed the most improvement in this
growth area, we chose this ESLR as our main focus area.
b. From an overview of the test scores, it was determined that our school‚s
students struggle in Algebra I. After discussion, we determined this was
because they lack basic skills in math so when they move into Algebra, they have
difficulties.
c. We determined that a pre-test/placement test would be appropriate for all
of our students at the beginning of the school year, or upon entry during the
school year. This placement test would enable the ES to evaluate the student‚s
needs in math, required course work, and its curriculum. We discussed the
need for this test to be portable, enabling the ES to carry it into the home,
give the test at the home, and possibly score it there immediately to expedite
discussing the student‚s needs with the parent.
d. We discussed the need for a curriculum that addresses basic Algebra,
commonly used now as Key to Algebra, AGS Algebra, or Video Algebra. We
determined that a search should be made for other appropriate Algebra curriculum.
e. Our group unanimously decided to focus on Math, create a math goal for each
individual student based on the assessment pre-tests, and the parent copy of
the California State Standards for that student‚s grade level.
Our group found we had no problems for suggestions to forward to the Leadership
group.