Palo Verde Unified School District
Alternative Governance Board
Margaret White Elementary – 5th Grade
MINUTES
April 19, 2016
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
I. Call to order
Ms. Shaffer called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m.
II. Introductions and Welcome
Ms. Shaffer welcomed the attendees to the meeting. Introductions were dispensed with, as all were familiar.
Present:
Lois Shaffer Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Interim Director
of Special Services, AGB Coordinator
Steve Spraker AGB Consultant, Principal Coach
Essential Leadership Solutions
Jamey Mullion Member, PVUSD Board of Trustees
Marcella Thomas Retired PVUSD Educator
Dale Hackney PVTA Representative, 3rd grade teacher
Felix J. Appleby Elementary
Maria Pruette Parent Representative
Also present:
April Smith Principal, Margaret White Elementary School
Karina De La Peña Dean of Students, Margaret White Elementary
Dr. Mike Davitt Guest, Superintendent
Jeremy James Guest, Director of Human Resources
Del Drummond Guest, Vice-Principal, Palo Verde Valley High School
Kristin Tennefos Curriculum & Instruction Assistant, AGB Secretary
Absent:
Kay Smith District EL Consultant
III. Overview of AGB Roles and Responsibilities / Norms
This item was dispensed with, as all were familiar.
IV. Review of agenda
Ms. Shaffer reviewed the agenda with the group.
V. Approval of minutes from the March 8, 2016, meeting at Ruth Brown Elementary
Mr. Spraker motioned to approve the minutes as presented. Mrs. Thomas seconded the motion to approve the minutes as amended, correcting a typographical error. There was no discussion and the motion carried.
EXHIBIT A
VI. Review of minutes from the February 23, 2016, meeting at Margaret White Elementary
Ms. Shaffer reviewed the Commendations and Recommendations from the school’s last AGB visit.
VII. Opportunity for discussion with Mrs. April Smith, Principal, Margaret White Elementary School
Mrs. Smith presented a Powerpoint presentation to the group. She reviewed the school’s enrollment and demographic data, along with staffing and special population data. Ms. De La Peña discussed the PBIS activities and new safety procedures on campus. English Language-Arts and Mathematics SBAC data and intervention strategies was also reviewed. Benchmark assessment data was provided and a discussion was held regarding the accessibility to scores online. A discussion was held regarding the school’s focus and plan to improve academic achievement and instruction. Background information on the fifth grade level team was provided.
VIII. Classroom visitations (approximately 30 minutes)
a. Observation forms / division of teams
Team I: Mr. Spraker, Dr. Davitt, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Hackney – Rooms 16, 17 and 18
Team II: Mr. James, Ms. De La Pena, Mrs. Mullion, Mrs. Thomas – Rooms 17, 18, and 16
Team III: Ms. Shaffer, Mr. Drummond and Mrs. Pruette – Rooms 18, 16, and 17
IX. Break
A brief break was taken after the classroom visitations.
X. AGB Reflection from Classroom visit
a. Team notes
b. Selection of questions
The members chose questions to ask the teachers. It was decided that items XII would precede XI in the agenda due to scheduling.
XI. Discussion with 7th Grade Level PLC (approximately 15 minutes)
a. Welcome
Ms. Shaffer welcomed Darlene Mancinelli to the meeting.
b. Introduction of the AGB team members
This item was dispensed with, as all were familiar.
c. Follow-up
Ms. Shaffer asked Ms. Mancinelli to provide an update to the group since the last AGB visit. Ms. Mancinelli advised that the students are using white boards daily as part of Checking For Understanding. She advised that student now know the routine, and justifying answers are expected and required daily.
XII. Discussion with 5th Grade Level PLC (approximately 45 minutes)
a. Welcome
Ms. Shaffer welcomed the teachers to the meeting. Present were Alysha Schendel, Marleen Robinson, and Linda May.
b. Introduction of the AGB team members
The group introduced themselves to the teachers.
c. Questions
Describe the process your team uses to plan a lesson.
The teachers stated that they work collaboratively during PLC time. Thy advised that with students having chromebooks, it makes it easier to create lessons with technology. They use Beyond Textbooks with pacing, slideshows and videos.
Describe how you use text to provide students access to the world – science, social studies, the arts and literature.
The teachers advised they use Scholastic News, a periodical subscription, which uses non-fiction to bring the world to the students and encourages high comprehension. They stated they use close reading techniques and summary writing.
What factors do you consider when planning for the instruction of English Learners for ELD time as well as during core instruction?
The teachers advised they use Academic Vocabulary Toolkit, and feel it has a nice design with speaking, listening, writing, and grammar focus. One teacher stated she uses restating, flash cards, small groups, Universal Access and English in a Flash, in addition to requiring students to answer in complete sentences. Pictures and visuals are also used, along with pairing EL students with non-EL students.
What process does your grade level or department team use to analyze common assessment data?
The teachers advised they analyze data during PLC meetings. They create a SMART goal according to the standards, create a timeline, provide instruction, assess and analyze. Based on results, they either re-teach or move to next standard.
Describe the support provided to students having academic difficulty in your classroom.
The teachers advised they use one-on-one and small group instruction, and offer after school tutoring. They pair students together and utilize daily review time. They stated that Moby Max and Accelerated Reader programs are used, and parent communication is maintained.
What intervention strategies do you use for students who are working significantly below grade level?
The teachers stated that one-on-one and small group instruction is provided, along with tutoring and pairing students together.
XIII. Debrief
The group discussed the teachers’ responses.
XIV. Commendations and Recommendations
Commendations
Evidence of Checking for Understanding
Evidence of Step Up to Writing
Evidence of close reading
Evidence of grade level collaboration
Use of academic vocabulary
Math focus walls
Cross-curricular Step Up to Writing displayed
Use of technology
Recommendations
Model, expect use of complete sentences
Create plan for intervention time across grade level for 2016-17
Add randomness to Checking for Understanding
Give “think time” for student responses
Mr. Hackney motioned to accept the Commendations and Recommendations as presented and Mrs. Thomas seconded the motion. A commendation was added after the motions, and both Mr. Hackney and Mrs. Thomas made a motion to accept the Commendations and Recommendations as amended. There was no discussion and the motion carried.
AYES: 6
NOES: 0
ABSTAINS: 0
XV. Public Input
Dr. Davitt commended Mrs. Smith and the teachers of Margaret White on their efforts, and recognized this as the last meeting of the year.
Ms. Shaffer advised the team of the AGB Summary Meeting in May.
XVI. Adjournment
Ms. Shaffer adjourned the meeting at 10:32 a.m.