Curriculum Sub Committee
March 16, 2006
Present: Chris Baer, Valerie Grimes, Lisa McFee, Sarah Olson, Barbara Pollis, Andy Linell, Chris Delaney, Virginia Meeks
Chair: Chris Baer Recorder: Valerie Grimes
Pinnacle Plus
Grade deadlines
In the past, middle school teachers were given until Wednesday to give grades after Friday’s end of marking period. Teachers have been given until Thursday at 8am to complete marking period grades.
Access from home and multiple password issues
When team members need to access enrichment grades from home, they need a separate password and only one team member can access it at a time.
There are four separate passwords needed to access grades:
Core classes at work
Core classes at home
Enrichment classes at home
Enrichment classes at work
According to Chris, you can set your web grade book and your home passwords the same. Because this is not recommended, Chris suggests adding a slight variation to the home password. IE: “Password” for work and “Passwordhome”. Another recommendation: change your password one week before the grading cycle ends. You must be at work to change your password. A reminder will be sent to staff for web grade book users to change their passwords before the grade reporting cycle. Other recommendations will be coming regarding secure passwords.
Teachers have found that the server is inaccessible at times when working from home. Andy Linell & Chris Delaney are going to look into this issue and come back with information and/or solutions. Although there are some critical issues because of technical emergencies, adjustments may be able to be made.
High School Schedule Changes:
At the start of the new semester, schedule changes were unable to be made. Andy Linell will inquire into Pinnacle and solutions for this issue. The technical issue is that for child accounting purposes, we have to know when a child entered and track when students exit to the next class. Andy Linell and Chris Delaney will attend the next high school counselors’ meeting to clarify the issues and work toward solutions.
FYI: Auditors review our district use of passwords, password policies regarding financial access and gradebook/attendance access. Previously our passwords were lax, so our district has had to change policies. Internal security is important.
Ten Week vs. Six Week Report Card
The committee met February 16, 2006, and will be meeting again. Date TBD.
Elementary Math Textbook
The flip chart, GLCE’s and textbook are out of sequence. Teachers need to note deficiencies with the scope and sequence on their flip charts. In the spring, the math committee will be looking at those issues. At this time, there are no funds to purchase additional materials.
High School Store: Business Department Program
Internet café and school store are going to be merged in the same space. This involves a partnership with Chartwells. There are several benefits to students as they will have work/study partnerships. Logistics will be taken care of by the administration and department.
Grading System: High School
Separate committee for the grading system has been requested.
Professional Development
Curriculum subcommittee is in agreement that BFC’s should have input into the use of building-based professional development time.