April 15, 2015

Curriculum Coordinating Council Meeting Summary

CCC Members present:

Cortney ThorenLondon JenksDustin HuntDeb Brown

Barbara RiceLexi YarringtonBreez DanielsJennifer Axtell

Nichole CizEmma ChristoffersenScott Shoop

  1. Review of March 11, 2015 meeting summary: Ms. Brown noted that on the bottom of page 3 of the summary, grade levels benefiting from Reflex math should read 3rd – 8th grade. The change was made.
  1. Old Business:

Resource needs for 2015-2016:

-RWE Open Court reading program for grades K-2. The resource materials will be used as a tool in teaching reading. Grades 3-4 will need some texts and will follow the same alignment as Open Court, making adjustments as needed. The cost will be approximately $25,000 as opposed to the original estimate of $28,000.

Superintendent Hunt indicated there would be further discussion by the admin team regarding the Open Court program. S. Hunt does not oppose the purchase, just wishes to fully explore and break down assessments by skill, ensuring alignment.

3rd and 4th grade will develop assessment pieces and review resources this summer. They will use a blended literacy model and create their own targets.

Ms. Brown stated again that the Open Court Imagine It program is being used by area preschools.
Training for K-2 teachers will continue and be ongoing through the year.

Superintendent Hunt requested sample resources as soon as possible allowing for board review and a 30 day public review before final approval.

CCC reached consensus on the recommended purchase of Open Court Imagine It Reading program.

-TMS has been piloting Brainology, an online program with a group of 7th graders. Students are taught to develop a growth mindset vs a fixed mind set. “Students learn how the brain functions, learns and remembers and how it changes in a physical way when it is exercised.” Students learn that it is OK to struggle, or make mistakes when learning. The pilot proved to be a positive experience for students.

The program will be used during the students’ homeroom period and may involve 5th – 8th or just 7th – 8th. The program aligns well with the high school advisory program and Naviance, due to be adopted by the high school. The estimated costs are $6,000 for 5th – 8thor $3,000 for 7th – 8th. TMS staff will continue discussion; Ms. Daniels will bring additional information to CCC in May, including Brainology curriculum data.

HS-high school is working to expand elective options for students. Mr. Shoop shared a handout listing classes with brief course descriptions. The proposed plan will include semester-based classes, allowing for additional elective choices for students. Electives will be offered in all curricular areas. Students will be strongly encouraged to choose higher level classes in all subject areas. Classes will be leveled to allow teachers to better facilitate instruction for students, narrowing the band of differentiation in each class. Leveling classes may also increase interest; it was suggested that students with lesser athletic ability may benefit from being in class with students of like ability.

Focus will be on academic acceleration with strong staff support; students meeting proficiency in standards will be urged to stretch toward a higher level of proficiency. Students normally satisfied with meeting minimum requirements will be challenged to enroll in an Honors level course.

Low level classes will no longer be offered. Struggling students have traditionally been well supported in the school system while upper level students are often less well supported. Regular classes will continue without change; emphasis will focus on honors classes—ramped up rigor with full staff support.

Hathaway makes grades important; by pushing and supporting students in achieving success in honors level classes, students are better prepared for college level courses and could benefit financially.

Students outside the regular education spectrum may also benefit by taking an honors level course in a subject where they excel.

Mr. Shoop reviewed the proposed list of classes, sharing key components of each proposed addition.

The proposal supports more dual credit classes, enabling students to acquire more college credit prior to high school graduation.

A question was raised regarding the possibility of giving a four year honor student a chance to earn better than a 4.0 grade point average (GPA). After discussion, it was determined that maintaining a 4.0 maximum GPA works best for HSCSD #1. Students can list honor classes on scholarship applications.

Students will be monitored quarterly. Study tables will be utilized and support provided for struggling students.

Hot Springs County High School staff is committed to working harder to ensure the success of this proposal.

Hot Springs County High School will be a competitive high school in Wyoming.

It was suggested that the proposal be presented as a pilot program. Mr. Shoop and staff will present the proposed pilot program to the board. Receiving approval for a piloted course(s) will allow the high school to move forward with scheduling and more extensive course development for 2015-16.

Additional resource materials may be needed to facilitate the new pilot courses.

Superintendent Hunt stated that the Board of Trustees would be reviewing the course adoption policy and course adoption timeline changes or policy language would be addressed then.

CCC was in consensus.

Also discussed was a change in procedure with technology purchases. Technology resources will be a separate budget item from curriculum resources and materials. Buildings will work with the Technology coordinator to coordinate technology purchases, ensuring the best use of technology dollars across the district. Resources may be shared or moved to best fit the district needs. Proposals will come to CCC.

In addition, it was stated that once a PO is signed by Superintendent Hunt, the business office knows the process has been followed and the purchase has been approved.

The district may be looking at Wyoming Innovative Education grants. The district may apply as a district or by building on a rotating basis.

CCC membership: para-professional—discussion has been ongoing. Ms. Brown has a call into the state regarding the feasibility of paying a para-professional to participate in CCC.

Discussion:

-Title I vs. SpED personnel

-time and effort logs

The topic will be addressed again at the May CCC meeting.

  1. Reports, Analysis & Discussion items.

SAC Updates:

Science SAC has not met, no major changes

Social Studies SAC-there will be some changes at the high school due to the proposed pilot courses

L. Arts-updated Reading curriculum K-4

PE-PE/Health teams are continuing with plans for a model PE program. Teachers are choosing three areas to gain expertise. Kayaking, rock climbing and the Ropes course have been chosen as their focus. The program will continue to expand.

The technology department has done recommendations for 2015-16 tech purchases. With capital construction funds, more technology dollars will be available for tech upgrades.

RWE-Hitachi board, chrome books on carts and help with cart scheduling

TMS-chrome books & interactive whiteboards

HS-chrome books for 1-to-1

CCC Communication at staff meetings:

HS-Mr. Radabaugh shared plans for new courses

RWE-discussed Open Court Imagine It alignment

TMS-nothing to report

Principal & Special Services reports:

TMS-Spring MAP testing underway

RWE-Cat in the Hat visit, author visits for Fall 2015 in planning stages, MAP testing starting soon, Title I banner complete thanks to staff, parents and students

HS-book study this fall with focus on educational rigor, resource to be determined

Naviance-other districts are also looking at the new program, training will start soon for HSCSD#1

SpED-working on a multi-tier support system of integration. Using researched-based interventions, staff working as a PLC.

District Data: none reported

Superintendent Report: Superintendent Hunt and Ms. Ready, Early Childhood Liaison, presented to the Cody school board regarding the proposed BOCES and Early Childhood Liaison program. The district has several prospective partners for the new BOCES. The State Board of Education has approved the proposed BOCES.

The district Early Childhood program funding would move exclusively to the new BOCES. The existing NWBOCES funds would focus on high school certification programs which may include Green Construction, Fire Science, CNA.

S. Hunt expressed appreciation for the support of Amy Ready, Kelly Andreen and Colleen Anderson in the development of this proposal. The Early Childhood Liaison program is a model program for the state of Wyoming. The program will be ever evolving, responding to changes within the state. Local control and steady funding based on assessed valuation are important components of the program. The program has a huge impact on high school graduation rate. The program is good for kids, allows for free training for area preschools, enables collaboration opportunities between entities, and is not a big tax burden on any community.

A member of the Hot Springs County School District #1 Board of Trustees will serve on the BOCES board.

Superintendent Hunt noted that due to the retirement of Ms. Philp from the curriculum department, administrators and staff may be taking on new duties. A strong trust relationship will be important.

Principals will be working with their teams to schedule five days of curriculum assessment training for summer 2015. Vertical collaboration is an imperative element for these days. Each principal will work with their teams to determine what five days works best for them.

The administration team is looking at a busy summer. A search for a board retreat facilitator is underway. The team will look at various dates for the Admin Boot Camp. Working on discipline scenarios to ensure admin consistency between buildings will be a focus. Superintendent Hunt will share is goals.

CIA Trends and Development:Superintendent Hunt shared a video with the council.

“Why Students Don’t Read What is Assigned in Class”

The video suggested that students, allowed to choose their own reading material, read substantially more than students reading assigned texts.

  1. New Business:
  • Attendance data by building: Due to time constraints, this agenda item will be moved to the May CCC agenda. In addition, Superintendent Hunt asked Ralph Witters Elementary to include tardy data in their study as well.

The council will address the need to educate parents, staff and students regarding the importance of consistent attendance.

  • The importance of EXPLORE, PLAN and COMPASS

Mr. Jenks shared a book that may be of interest. “Switch, How to Change Things When Change is Hard” by Chip and Dan Heath

Proposed agenda for May 13, 1:00-4:00 Boardroom

  • Old Business:
  • para professional CCC membership, T1 vs. SpED
  • Brainology curriculum
  • Reports:
  • SAC updates
  • CCC Communication at staff meetings
  • Principal/ SS reports
  • District Data; Superintendent Report
  • CIA Trends & Developments
  • New Business:
  • Semester 1 attendance/tardy data- RWE, TMS, HS
  • Other: