DuveneckSiteCouncil02_02_09

Duveneck
School Site Council

Meeting
Minutes

February
2^nd, 2009

Members
in Attendance

Kathleen
Meagher, Mark Robins, Jaynie Schemel, Kathy Thibault, Ching-wen Miron
(absent), Sarah Sands (absent), Esther Yoon, Maya Misner , Soma
Mitra, Susie Hwang, Jodi Winchester and Al Yuen. Other Guests-
Barbara Lancon, Danae Gray

Approval
of Minutes

January
12^th,2009 minutes were approved unanimously.

Correspondence/Open
Forum

None

Discussion
& SPSA – Review GATE and High Achieving student –
Barbara Lancon (from PAUSD)

1. Each
   district submits a plan for 2-3 or 5 year approval. PAUSD has 3 year
   approval starting 2008

   
   

2. GATE
   plan on website – 2 page summary handout given.

   
   
   
   

   1. Identify
      students starting at entry into 4^th grade – each
      school goes through the identification process including Duveneck –
      no “pull out” in PAUSD – students’ needs
      are met in the classroom.

      
      
   
   

3. No
   target % or number of students for GATE.

   
   

4. GATE
   program dollars (About $90K and shrinking) for PAUSD is spread from
   K-12. Middle school has GATE coordinators to help teachers do
   differentiation in the classroom.

   
   

5. GATE
   focuses on academics and the arts - Currently about 1000 kids out of
   11,352 in GATE.

   
   

6. It
   was suggested that Kathleen talk about GATE at Duveneck at the
   4^th/5^th grade Coffee with the Principal.

   
   

7. Differentiation/GATE
   at Duveneck - the focus is more in depth rather than breadth. Delve
   deeper into a subject.

   
   

8. Focus
   on providing differentiation material and related technologies.

   
   

9. Kid
   by Kid in progress– teachers /principal talk about the range
   of learners and how does the curriculum meets their needs

   
   

10. How
    are our high-achieving students doing? We’re seeing that they
    are really thriving with the activities that are being given to them
    to challenge them.

    
    

11. Math
    adoption – in comparing the programs the teachers are
    evaluating if they provide enrichment programs or material. There is
    some material and worksheets but most teachers here may choose to
    supplement with additional material.

    
    

12. Suggestion
    was made by Mark to have a plan at our school to create a shared
    resource of the supplemental material – perhaps online.

    
    

Discussion
and SPSA – English Language Learner – Danae Gray (from
PAUSD)

1. CELDT
   happens before Oct 30^th of each year – based on
   reading, writing, listening and speaking – in 5 levels –1
   to 5.

   
   

2. Parents
   are notified if their children are evaluated as ELL by early Nov and
   the recommendation – parent can opt out of the special
   services but not out of testing.
   

   
   

3. Child
   is reassessed each year

   
   

4. Re-classification
   can happen at any year along the way – typically takes 5-7
   years for a student to become fluent

   
   
   
   

   1. Once
      reclassified, the child cannot be classified as ELL again but
      school can provide services to help the child if they are
      struggling

      
      
   
   

5. 2
   support resources for the children– EL Development teacher
   (here on site) and the class teacher – each of whom has to
   have a special certification through the state
   

   
   
   
   

   1. Our
      ELD teacher has been out and we have a substitute starting shortly

      
      

   2. ELL
      children have to take STAR tests

      
      
   
   

6. Most
   ELL kids go to JLS for middle school – course content well
   tailored for opportunities to speak/read and use the language

   
   
   
   

   1. Typically
      about 20 kids per grade per school in ELL program (JLS, GUNN)

      
      

   2. ELL
      about 10% of district population; 20% reclassified and 14% get IFAP
      (initially fluent)

      
      
   
   

7. English
   Language Learner Advisory Committee (ELLAC) – reports to
   school board

   
   
   
   

   1. Opportunity
      for parents to participate

      
      
   
   

PTA
Report

None

Principal’s
Report

1. Spectra
   Art – Why was art not being sent home over the course of the
   year but at the end altogether?

   
   
   
   

   1. Teacher
      keeps the art work till the year end for the art show and also to
      send home the entire portfolio in one piece

      
      

   2. Options
      being considered about how and when to send home artwork. A final
      decision is still being worked out.

      
      
   
   

2. Teachers
   are doing DRA assessments now

   
   

3. Parent
   conferences soon coming up.

   
   

Meeting
was adjourned.