HALL-DALE HIGH SCHOOL
LEADERSHIP TEAM
MINUTES OF MEETING
Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Present: Steve MacDougall, Dennis Monroe, Russ Schneider, Linda Aronson, Truax McFarland, Nora Segovia-Reed, Hillary Bachelder, Dylan Sirois
Absent: Dee Dearnley (special education meeting)
Tad Johnson from the DOER gave a presentation on “Creating a High Quality Syllabus,” a process that will be used by the state to ensure that all Maine students have an opportunity to learn, apply, and achieve the Maine Learning Results. He explained that 3 schools would be pilot sites (Hall-Dale working with CATC, and Oak Hill). He stated that this s a course validation process rather than a course approval process. Although mechanically it may be similar to the AP course approval process, it is simpler and takes into consideration that high school courses are not necessarily a “one-year deal,” as are AP courses. The HDLT gave approval to move ahead with having HD be a pilot site, pending similar approval from CATC so we can work collaboratively.
Lengthy discussion then took place on Moving Towards Standards. Students spoke eloquently about their concerns and hopes. The HDLT was charged with making some specific recommendations on standards-based reporting – and the following emerged:
1. The HDLT recommends that all teachers use rubrics clearly based on standards to report on academic achievement for the 3rd trimester. This applies to major, formal assessments. Teachers will also confer with students on their performance.
2. Teachers in all content areas will use designated professional learning community time (or carve out some mutually agreed upon time such as on Wednesday afternoons) to develop the common rubrics and clearly define what it means to meet or exceed expectations. This information will be conveyed to students so they are aware of the process and the expectations.
3. A committee composed of teachers and students will develop recommendations for acknowledging student achievement based on achievement of expectations. For example, will we have cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude, or some similar format.
4. The HDLT recommended that we phase in (by a 5-2 vote) he introduction of a standards-based reporting system.
5. Teachers must continuously examine teaching practices to ensure that students are meeting the standards and that various learning styles are addressed. In addition, we recognize that students must be given multiple opportunities to demonstrate that they can meet standards.
This information will be shared with DCLT, the superintendent, faculty, and Student Senate and additional feedback is welcomed. We will then hold class meetings to inform students and then begin forums with parents.
