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Curriculum Sub-Committee Minutes

April 26, 2005

Members Present:  Lisa McFee, Judy Juneau, Eric Sturm, Barbara Pollis, Vince Caruso, Chris Baer

Chairperson:  Barbara Pollis                                                    Recorder:  Chris Baer

1.  Web Server down once again at report card time.

Teachers experienced frustration with the Pinnacle Plus reporting system for the second time this year.  The server was down from 3:00 p.m. until midnight on Tuesday, April 19th.  Report card grades had to be entered into the system by Thursday morning.  A few teachers had to reenter their data a second time.

Response:  This was a hardware failure that could not be foreseen.  Corrections have been made.

2.  Update on the State GLCE’s Social Studies and Science.

Response:  The Michigan Department of Education has posted a draft of the Social Studies GLCE’s on the following website:  http://www.michigan.gov/mde.  Teachers are encouraged to take a look at the GLCE’s and respond to their appropriateness in the linked survey. This is our chance to give input; if we don’t respond to their appropriateness, they will keep them as they are. The deadline for the feedback is May 6^th.  Science GLCE’s are to be drafted by the state this summer.

3.  Scheduling and Content of Professional Development Days.

Concern regarding future scheduling of professional development days.  Monday, March 14^th professional development day came at the end of a marking period, and was followed the next day with a Tuesday 90 minute meeting.   Other teachers questioned whether the content of their sessions met the criteria of “professional development”.

Response:  An effort will be made to be more mindful when scheduling professional development days.   The Building Facility Committee in each building may wish to survey their staff and investigate issues concerning the appropriateness of their professional development program.

4.  Update on high school transition team (including 10 week vs. 6 week report card markings).

There continues to be an argument for changing the six week card marking period to ten weeks.  Supporters contend:  1. Interruptions from instruction reduce marking periods to more like five weeks.   2.Other districts have ten week marking periods, including OTEC.  3. The Pinnacle Plus reporting system addresses the need for frequent parent feedback.  4. There would be a cost savings in postage.

Response:  The high school transition team is currently focused on:  The physical move, physical space issues, morale, leadership, staff traditions, merging of historical documentation, technology, curriculum, etc.  They have not yet addressed the issue of 10 vs. 6 week card marking periods.  Possibly a survey in 2005.  There will be no change for the fall of 05-06 school year.

5.  P.E. classes regarding childhood obesity.

Concern about whether children are getting enough physical education. 

Response:  Royal Oak meets the state requirements regarding Physical Education.

6.  Announcement:   GOOD NEWS!   Our fifth grade Science MEAP scores are up to 87%.  This is the first group of students to have used the science kits from K-5^th grade.)

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