Focus Group Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Educational Specialists present: Cathy Anema, Rolff Christensen, Randy Hodges, Julie Lackie, Lecia Liege, David Pinasco, Shahnaz Shah, Carol Smith-Dupree, Tammy Tagge, Lindy Marty, and Jodi Leonardo.
Parent member: Randy Hodges
Student members: Katelyn Liege, Elena Liege, and Adrielle Christensen
1. Sherri Nelson shared about the upcoming visit of WASC committee 3/6 3/9.
1. Rolff briefly reviewed the WASC document ³WASC/CDE Focus on Schoolwide Action Plan².
2. Group divided in two groups to discuss and review for understanding, noting suggestions, and comments.
3. Group reconvened and compiled the following suggestions:
a. Task 1 possibly remove this task. We seem to have a surplus of course offerings/names at this time. Possibly need to simplify rather than expand math offerings.
b. Task 1c (Resources) did not understand what ³Ed Performance?² referred to.
c. Task 1c question whether one math specialist is sufficient to meet the needs of the school.
d. Task 2 suggested improvement need some way for ESs to communicate comments/suggestions regarding various curriculums, suggestions, using vendors, and how to meet standards.
e. Task 5 general agreement that we should not implement this task at this time. Would like to have more feedback from parents on the effectiveness and usefulness of Benchmark exams already in place. K/1 not mandated for STAR testing at this time.
f. Task 7 with new assessment for math placement, would like to have placement suggestions accompanied by appropriate curriculum. Also, assessment should be correlated to the standards. May need to create an appropriate ³placement² exam.
4. Generally, Action Plan seems appropriate and useful. Good job!
Meeting adjourned at 6:25pm.