Minutes
Teaching and Learning Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
A meeting of the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee was held on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at
3:30 pm at Quincy High School. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms. Barbara
Isola, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent Richard DeCristofaro,
Assistant Superintendent Colleen Roberts, Mr. Peter Dionne, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Ms. Beth Hallett,
Mr. Jim Hennessy, Mrs. Renee Malvesti, Mrs. Maryanne Palmer, Mrs. Diane O’Keeffe, Mrs. Maura
Papile, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Steve Sylvia, Ms. Judy Todd, and Ms. Laura Owens,
Clerk.
Mrs. Lebo called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm
Principal Renee Malvesti presented the Montclair Elementary School Improvement Plan, beginning
by reflecting on the busy opening of school, including the window replacement project, the new
playground, and the Centennial Celebration on October 20th. In terms of meeting last year’s goals,
neither the Math nor ELA MCAS goal was achieved across the board, but there were a number of
strands where the 3% increase was met. It was difficult to find common strands across the grades
that could be identified as strengths and weaknesses. While the school’s English Language Learner
(ELL) subgroup scored lower than the non-ELL subgroup, they outscored the state in all grades on
most curriculum areas.
For 2012-13, the goals are (1) Montclair students will exceed the aggregate CPI by 1.25 points or
more from the previous year (2012 CPI = 76.7). Students will also demonstrate increased proficiency
by narrowing the achievement gap by at least 5% points on Open Response questions on the 2012-
2013 Math MCAS as compared to the 2011-2012 MCAS. (2) Montclair students will exceed the
aggregate CPI by 1.25 points or more from the previous year (2012 CPI = 77.5). Students will also
demonstrate increased proficiency through implementation of the ELA Common Core State
Standards by meeting or exceeding the state’s percent correct on the Spring 2013 4th Grade ELA
MCAS questions assessing the Writing Anchor Standards. (3) Montclair staff and students will have
the opportunity to participate in a minimum of three wellness activities by the end of the 2012-2013
school year. We will identify and implement new school wellness initiatives based on the Alliance for
a Healthier Generation framework and school inventory.
For action steps to work towards these goals, Common Core standards are translated into “I can”
statements and displayed in each classroom for both ELA and Math. The staff is continuing the
implementation of new curriculum for Go Math! and OnCore, focusing on open response and ELA
writing. Ms. Isola commended Mrs. Malvesti for the Centennial celebration and how it reflected the
spirit of the school. Mrs. Lebo asked about the school’s ELL population; there are 173 ELL students.
Ms. Isola made a motion to accept the Montclair Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Hubley
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Peter Dionne presented the Bernazzani Elementary School Improvement Plan, noting the
four years of consistent incremental increases on CPI scores, the highest in school history. The
school’s focus is on differentiating instruction and the use of student data (local and state
assessments) to tailor education to groups of students. Growth is strong with three of four categories
at 60% or over. For the high needs subgroup, cumulative PPI is 67 with a target of 75, so this is the
goal for improvement going forward (130 students).
For 2012-2013, the school’s goals are: (1) Based on proficiency gap narrowing targets, the Bernazzani
School will improve 1.33 CPI points in the area of English Language Arts on the Spring 2013 MCAS. (2)
During the 2012-2013 school year, the Bernazzani School will increase our CPI in Mathematics by 1.78
points from the previous year, with a special focus on improving the high needs subgroup on the
Spring 2013 MCAS. (3) The Bernazzani School, in keeping with new federal guidelines, will maintain
existing health and wellness practices, as well as institute new current practices.
The ELA and Math goal action steps target the high needs subgroup and narrowing the proficiency
gap. The Health and Wellness goal includes action steps such as schoolwide movement breaks,
instituting new practices for nutrition. In terms of facilities improvements, the roof has been recoated and the gym floor was redone; the mobile computer lab has been converted into a new
classroom lab.
Ms. Isola asked about the use of Study Island at home and Mr. Dionne said 95% of students have
computer access at home; those that don’t can utilize a computer at school during center time. Mrs.
Hubley asked about summer Math packets and completion rates (82% participation). Mrs. Roberts
noted that all summer packets will need to be updated to meet Common Core standards.
Ms. Isola made a motion to accept the Bernazzani Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Hubley
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Steve Sylvia presented the Squantum Elementary School Improvement Plan, by reflecting
on the schools continued success on the ELA MCAS test, exceeding the district scores with above
target growth of 65%. Mr. Sylvia cited the Keys to Literacy professional development and the school’s
collaborative staff. On the Math MCAS, the school as a whole did not meet last year’s goal, although
Grade 5 did. For this year, Go Math! will be used at all grade levels and the implementation
supported by continued professional development. Last year’s Multicultural goal was met with a day
and evening cultural fair, including a drama performance, passports, and traditional foods from
different cultures.
For 2012-2013, the school’s goals are (1) By June 2013, Squantum will increase the percent of
students scoring proficient or higher on the ELA MCAS tests by 5 percent or more from the previous
school year (61%). Squantum School will demonstrate increased proficiency through implementation
of the Journeys reading program by meeting or exceeding the state’s percent correct on questions
assessing the Reading Anchor Standards. (2) By June 2013, Squantum students will exceed the
aggregate CPI by more than 1.25 points from the previous year (77.1). Students will also
demonstrate increased proficiency by narrowing the gap between the school and state percent
correct on open response questions by half compared to the 2011-2012 school year. (3) Squantum
students will have the opportunity to participate in a minimum of three Wellness curricular and/or
extracurricular programs and activities by the end of the current school year.
Mr. Sylvia cited the instructional resources at Squantum, including the Journeys reading program pilot
and Go Math!, FastMath and Study Island as action steps supporting these goals. Every teacher has
an LCD projector in their classroom and online access to ThinkCentral (the technology component for
both Journeys and Go Math!). Other school initiatives include Student Council, After School
programs, Community Service, KIDS Vote, School Store, the Squantum Report, Math Word of the
Week, and library book borrowing. For the school culture goal, wellness is the main focus; Squantum
is implementing Reebok’s BOKS program in January (pilot); the pilot is supported by the physical
education teacher, volunteer parents, and business partners.
In conjunction with the supportive Parent-Teacher Organization, Squantum has applied for a grant
from Lowe’s to create an outdoor classroom. Traffic issues continue to be a concern given the
neighborhood’s narrow streets; ongoing communication with parents about traffic and safety. Mr.
Bregoli complimented the recent Special Olympics event and asked about whether there are issues in
classrooms with new equipment. Mrs. Roberts complimented the school’s use of instructional
technology, noting that Mr. Sylvia is the chair of the Education Technology Team, as well as his
initiative in many areas, including piloting the BOKS program.
Ms. Isola made a motion to accept the Squantum Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Hubley
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mr. Bregoli left the meeting at 4:30 pm.
Principal Maryanne Palmer presented the Parker Elementary School Improvement Plan, by reflecting
on the goals for 2011-2012. The focus was collaborating on improving student performance and it
was met for Math, but not for ELA. Grade 5 ELA in particular, seemed to be an issue. A team is
working on shifting instruction and helping students effectively get to where they need to be.
Student progress is made in other areas beyond MCAS; the school utilizes ELL and Literacy support;
and teacher grade-level teams are meeting weekly during common planning time.
The goals for 2012-2013 are: (1) Reduce the percentage of Parker School students who score in the
non-proficient range on the 2013 ELA MCAS by 4% from the 2012 ELA MCAS. (2) Reduce the
percentage of Parker School students who score in the non-proficient range on the 2013 Math MCAS
by 4% from the 2012 Math MCAS. (3) To foster a safe and respectful learning environment, all
members of the Parker School learning community will collectively focus on character development
through use of monthly themes and an ongoing incentive system (outlined in action steps). By June
of 2013, all members of the Parker School learning community will earn the opportunity to
participate in an end-of-year celebration of success. (4) By June 2013, the Parker School staff will
increase the school rating on the Healthy Schools Program Inventory through implementation of the
Alliance for a Healthier Generation program.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the Learning Development classrooms. Mrs. Palmer clarified that they are
city-wide programs and cited the continuity of having both levels of the program in one building and
the program’s exceptional teachers. Mrs. Lebo asked about the mobility rate; Mrs. Palmer said in the
last two weeks, 7 new students arrived with zero fluency in English. Mrs. Lebo noted that Parker has
many reportable subgroups. Mrs. Roberts said that given some of the demographic issues, an
additional ELL/Literacy staff person was added to help with the high Kindergarten ELL population.
Mrs. Palmer echoed that early intervention makes a tremendous difference. Mrs. Lebo noted that
the school’s growth data is solid. Mrs. Hubley asked about access to computers; Mrs. Palmer said
that there is a high percentage of home access, but also a high rate of library utilization at the North
Quincy branch. Ms. Isola asked about the parent support group for ELL parents. Mrs. Palmer said it
has been very successful in assisting parents in feeling comfortable in communicating with the school;
she hopes to continue with it this year.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to accept the Parker Elementary School Improvement Plan. Ms. Isola
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Principal Jim Hennessy presented the Wollaston Elementary School Improvement Plan, noting that
Wollaston has been designated at as a Level 1 school by the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education. The designation is granted to schools that demonstrate high achievement and
make strong progress in narrowing the proficiency gap in both the aggregate and high needs
subgroup. Last year’s ambitious goals for proficiency percentage were not met, but progress was
made in both ELA and Math with overall Math proficiency levels exceeding the state average. For the
anti-bullying goal, many schoolwide and grade-specific initiatives contributed to achieving this goal.
For 2012-13, the goals are (1) To narrow the proficiency gap, the aggregate student group will
increase the English Language Arts Composite Performance Index to 87.4 (an increase of 1.2 points)
and the high needs student group will increase the ELA CPI to 81.0 (an increase of 1.7 points) during
the Spring 2013 ELA MCAS. (2) In an effort to narrow the proficiency gap, the aggregate student
group will increase the Mathematics Composite Performance Index to 87.4 (an increase of 1.2 points)
and the high needs student group will increase the Math CPI to 83.3 (an increase of 1.5 points) during
the 2013 Math MCAS. (3) During the 2012-2013 school year, in partnership with the Alliance for a
Healthier Generation, the Wollaston School will continue to be a place that supports and promotes
healthy decision-making by providing opportunities (2+) for all members of the school community to
participate in wellness activities both during and after the school day.
Both the ELA and Math goals encompass all subgroups and are focused on narrowing the proficiency
gap. ELA initiatives include the Journeys reading program pilot, curriculum alignment, technology
integration, including Study Island. Collaboration between ELL, Literacy, SPED, and classroom
teachers are key to the school’s success. For Math, initiatives include the Go Math! program for all
grades, curriculum alignment, technology integration including Study Island, and Math Journals. The
school’s Wellness goal will provide multiple opportunities for activity, including healthy afterschool
opportunities, family fitness night, wellness week, and a school-wide field day.
Ms. Isola complimented the school’s annual Literacy Night and Mr. Hennessy spoke of this year’s
theme of literary genres. Mrs. Lebo complimented the school’s growth and ambitious goals and
about whether the anti-bullying work will continue into this year. Mr. Hennessy said that all of last
year’s anti-bullying initiatives would carry forward. Mrs. Roberts commended Mr. Hennessy’s
leadership in technology use in the classroom and willingness to pilot instructional initiatives.
Ms. Isola made a motion to accept the Wollaston Elementary School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Hubley
seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. O’Keeffe presented the Beechwood Knoll School Improvement Plan, noting the recent Level 1
commendation by DESE for last spring’s MCAS scores and the staff’s pleasure at this proof of their
achievements. Growth data is very high, particularly for Grade 4 (90% for ELA and 72% for Math). In
reviewing last year’s goals, Goal 1 related to the MCAS Long Composition scores for Grade 4 and will
be evaluated when data is available later this fall; Goals 2 and 3 were met by raising the percentage
proficient in both Math and ELA from Grade 3 to Grade 4. Looking forward to this year, action steps
have been created for all grade levels, not just grades 3-5, since the earlier grades provide
fundamental skills.
For 2012-2013, the school’s goals are: (1) 80% of students in Grades Four and Five achieving
proficient results will maintain or improve proficiency on the ELA MCAS test when compared with the
2012 results. (2) 90% of students in Grades Four and Five achieving proficient results will maintain or
improve proficiency on the Math MCAS test when compared to the 2012 results. (3) The entire school
community will take part in a Character Education Program to improve the school culture. (4) The
entire school community will take part in an indoor fitness program called “Fast Breaks” on a daily
basis and become part of the Healthy Schools Program. The breaks are a simple way to create an
environment of physical activity and reduce childhood obesity.
Initiatives to support the two MCAS include for ELA: BookFlix, focus on genres and specific
vocabulary, paired selections, additional nonfiction, higher level thinking, and focusing on Key Ideas
and Details. For Math, initiatives include Math Journals, math literature, Math professional
development, focus on graphing, operations and algebraic thinking, measurement and data, line
plots, and Buddy Math (Grades 3 & 5).
For the third goal, a Character Education program will be instituted, including a focus on community
service. Last year’s Juvenile Diabetes walk, organized by parents at Beechwood Knoll expanded to
include six elementary schools across the city. The school’s PTO is very supportive, with parents
helping with after school science programs utilizing the outdoor classroom.
Ms. Isola complimented the school’s MCAS data. Mrs. Lebo echoed compliments, especially the high
growth rate for Grade 4. Mrs. O’Keeffe pointed out that the scores on Grade 5 Science are very high
as well. Ms. Isola asked about the school’s space issue. Mrs. O’Keeffe discussed how the Media
Center is utilized for multiple classroom spaces.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to accept the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School Improvement Plan.
Ms. Isola seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Ms. Isola made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:45 pm. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and
on a voice vote, the ayes have it.