Nov. 19, 2013 Teaching/Learning Sub Meeting

Agenda

Quincy School Committee
Teaching and Learning Subcommittee
School Improvement Plan Presentations
Tuesday, November 19, 2013, 3:30 pm
Teacher’s Dining Room, Quincy High School

Presentation Schedule:
  1. Snug Harbor Community School 3:30 – 3:55 pm
    Acting Principal: Margaret MacNeil

  2. Squantum Elementary School 3:55 – 4:20 pm
    Principal: Stephen Sylvia

  3. Montclair Elementary School 4:20 – 4:45 pm
    Principal: Renee Malvesti

  4. Wollaston Elementary School 4:45 – 5:10 pm
    Principal: James Hennessy

  5. Merrymount Elementary School 5:10 – 5:35 pm
    Principal: Ann Pegg

Minutes

Quincy School Committee
Teaching and Learning Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, November 19, 2013

A meeting of the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee was held on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at 3:30 pm in the Teacher’s Dining Room at Quincy High School. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms. Barbara Isola, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Mrs. Mary Fredrickson, Ms. Beth Hallett, Mr. James Hennessy, Ms. Margaret MacNeil, Mrs. Renee Malvesti, Mrs. Maura Papile, Mrs. Ann Pegg, Mrs. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Stephen Sylvia, Ms. Judy Todd, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Mrs. Lebo called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm.

Acting Principal Margaret MacNeil presented the Snug Harbor Community School Improvement Plan, a collaborative effort of the school staff focused on outcomes and ensuring that the entire school is working towards student achievement. Snug Harbor has a diverse population, which helps students foster an appreciation for different languages, cultures, and abilities. Family engagement begins at the school through the monthly parent-child day in Kindergarten and continues with events focused on curriculum and active parenting. The school can be a safety net for struggling children and families and provides extended day activities (arts, academics, and athletics).

In reflecting on last year's goals, for ELA, the school’s CPI improved by 2 points. The proficiency gap is continuing to be narrowed, although not meeting target. Student growth was high for several subgroups. For Math, the CPI improved by 2 points and most subgroups received a rating of Improved Below Target. Progress is being made through data-driven instruction, Walk to Read, tiered instruction, and implementing grade-level professional learning communities. The school’s third goal of establishing a Wellness Team was met through a partnership with the Germantown Neighborhood Center around nutritional guidelines, among other initiatives.

For 2013-2014, the school’s goals are (1) Snug Harbor students will demonstrate a growing understanding of increasingly complex texts by analyzing key ideas and details. This will be evident by an increase of 2% (from a base of 64%) on the school-wide average percent correct in the Anchor Standard for Reading, as measured by the June 2014 MCAS Standards Report (CU406). (2) Snug Harbor students will demonstrate an increased ability to solve increasingly complex math tasks, as related to higher order thinking skills required to solve MCAS Open Response questions. This will be measured by a 2% increase in the area of Mathematics (from a base of 67%) as reported in the June 2014 MCAS Standards Report (CU406). (3) The Snug Harbor school will continue to provide educational activities and opportunities to enhance development of lifelong wellness practices. This will be evident by the school’s Wellness Team achieving their aligned individual improvement goals, as shown by successful completion of action steps, detailed agendas and notes from regular Team meetings, related Professional Development, and consistent reflection of ongoing goal assessment.

Ms. Isola complimented Ms. MacNeil on the partnership with the Germantown Neighborhood Center. Mrs. Hubley asked about the summer programs mentioned in the action steps; Ms. MacNeil said that selected students are targeted for participation and participation is encouraged through personal contact with parents. Mrs. Lebo asked if Snug Harbor is a Title I school, there are no Math Interventionists. Ms. MacNeil said the grant money has been implemented for classroom teachers to have smaller class sizes. Mrs. Lebo complimented the achievements of the school. Mrs. Lebo asked about the PTO; Ms. MacNeil said the parents are generous and assist in many different ways.

Ms. Isola requested a tutorial from Mrs. Fredrickson on how we will analyze the percent correct for a school-wide average.

Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Snug Harbor Community School Improvement Plan and Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Principal Renee Malvesti presented the Montclair Elementary School Improvement Plan, noting that this is her seventh year as the educational leader of the school. Montclair has made great progress in achievement and parent involvement over the years of her principalship. In reviewing last year's goals, the Math goal of increasing CPI was met, but the achievement gap was not narrowed on Open Response questions. For ELA, both the CPI and proficiency goals were met. Montclair is a Level 2 school, SGP is average 52% for ELA and 58.5% for Mathematics; improving, but below target for narrowing the proficiency gap. Cumulative PPI increased from 56 to 62.

Analysis of data led to the development of grade-level team goals under the umbrella of constructive responses for Math and ELA. Goals for 2013-2014 are: (1) Montclair students will demonstrate an increase of 2% from the previous year (2013 71%) in the area of mathematics with a specific focus on constructive responses as measured by the June 2014 MCAS standards report (CU406). (2) Montclair students will demonstrate an increase of 2% from the previous year (2013 71%) in the area of ELA with a specific focus on constructive responses as measured by the June 2014 MCAS standards report (CU406). (3) Montclair staff and students will have the opportunity to participate in a minimum of three wellness activities by the end of the 2013-2014 school year. We will continue to implement our school’s wellness initiatives based on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation framework and school inventory.

Mrs. Lebo complimented the differentiated grade level goals and noted that these will contribute to DDM development. Mrs. Malvesti said this has been integral to teacher goal development and staff investment in the plan. Other initiatives include an anti-bullying program through guidance; expanded Walk to Read in Grade 2; Library Support Teacher with parent volunteer support; community donation of books and funds; Think Central sharing with parents; and Grades 4 and 5 Student Council, Community Service projects monthly. Teacher collaboration is evident through Resource Room and classroom teacher coordinating instruction and gathering evidence on student achievement. Montclair hosts an active parenting class with QARI and 22 different afterschool programs, including arts, athletics, and academics.

For facilities, the school’s population has grown to over 400 students and required major construction and moves, supported by the Maintenance staff. Ms. Isola asked about class size, none above 23 students.

Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Montclair Elementary School Improvement Plan and Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Principal Stephen Sylvia presented the Squantum Elementary School Improvement Plan, noting that in his sixth year as principal, initiatives such as educator evaluation, BOKS, the planned outdoor classroom, system-wide PD (curriculum maps, DDMs), new curriculum for Math and Reading, have made this the busiest school opening ever. Reflecting on last year’s growth, Squantum is trending up: for ELA, the school was just short of goal of increasing proficiency by 5%, but growth has been on the high end of the range. For the Math goal, Squantum exceeded this goal; 79% is the average SGP for all students and 79.5 for the high needs subgroup.

Mrs. Lebo complimented the school’s performance and asked why Squantum is not a Level 1 school. Mr. Sylvia explained that there are proficiency gap for subgroups still to be narrowed. The school’s Wellness goal was met, with each student having multiple opportunities to participate in activities including the Jam'n Minutes and BOKS program.

Goals for 2013-2014: (1) By June 2014, Squantum’s total average percent correct on open response type questions will increase by 2% from the previous year (54%). Squantum students will also demonstrate increased proficiency in the Reading Anchor Standard by increasing our total percent correct by 2% from the previous year (71%) as measured by the June 2014 MCAS Standards Report (CU406). (2) By June 2014, Squantum’s total average percent correct will increase by 2% from the previous year (77%) in Number and Operations in Base 10 Domain. Squantum students will also demonstrate increased proficiency in constructed responses by increasing the total average percent correct by 2% from the 2013 MCAS data (62%) as measured by the June 2014 MCAS Standards Report (CU406). (3) Squantum students will have the opportunity to participate in a minimum of three wellness curricular or extracurricular programs and activities by the end of the current school year as part of implementing the recently adopted citywide wellness policy.

Initiatives to support these goals include implementing the new reading and math programs, and engaging parents in the home-school component at Think Central.com. Squantum will focus on technology through targeted interventions by the Library Support Teacher providing academic support in collaboration with classroom teachers. Extracurricular programs include Keyboarding for 5th graders; a drama program linked to academic topics; student council; newsletters and curriculum reports; PTO technology support through email, the website, and Twitter.

For facilities, Mr. Sylvia thanked the School Committee for the many safety enhancements and the awareness around the issue. Traffic continues to be an issue for morning arrival and afternoon dismissal, but there are limited solutions given the school’s location. The outdoor classroom plan is moving into the next phase: $50,000 has been raised and the school was just awarded a $5,000 grant. The project will be bid through Public Buildings in January with the goal of beginning construction in the spring.

Ms. Isola asked about class size, Mr. Sylvia said that Squantum has no classes over 23 students. Like other schools, the population is growing; Grade 5 is the only grade where there are two classes.

Mr. Bregoli asked about electrical issues in the older parts of the building or painting needs. Mr. Sylvia said that since the school is wireless, the outlet issue has been resolved. Mr. Bregoli suggested the lights in the corridor could be updated, along with the hallway floor tiles.

Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Squantum Elementary School Improvement Plan and Ms. Isola seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Principal James Hennessy presented the Wollaston Elementary School Improvement Plan, by noting that the school maintained Level 1 status, meeting or exceeding goals. For ELA, the aggregate CPI increased to 87.4 thanks to the pilot of the Journeys reading program, technology integration, and the collaboration between ELL, Literacy, SPED, and classroom teachers. For Math, the school exceeded last year’s goals, with the aggregate CPI at 87.4. The Go Math curriculum was implemented at all grades, technology integration, Study Island, and the collaboration between classroom and program teachers. For ELA and Math, all grades exceeded the state average for Proficient and Advanced performance. The Wellness goal was more than met, with nine opportunities for students and families to participate in activities throughout the year.

Goals for 2013-2104: (1) Wollaston Elementary School students will demonstrate a growing understanding of increasingly complex text. This will be evident by a 2% increase in school-wide average percent correct in the College and Readiness Anchor Standard for Reading in the area of Key Ideas and Details (from a base of 70%) and Open response (from a base of 56%) as measured by the Spring 2014 MCAS Standards Report (CU406). (2) Wollaston Elementary School students will demonstrate an increased ability to persevere and use reasoning to solve increasingly complex math tasks. This will be evident by an increase of 2% on the school-wide average percent correct for open response items (from a base of 63%) as documented on the Spring 2014 MCAS Standards Report (CU406). (3) In partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, the Wollaston Elementary School will continue to be a place that supports and promotes healthy decision making by providing opportunities for all members of the school community to participate in wellness activities both during and after the school day.

Initiatives to support this year’s goals include focusing on Key Ideas and Details, usage of consistent graphic organizers and writing rubrics across the grade levels, reading response notebooks, Implementing a shared inquiry model, and Walk to Read in Grades 1 and 3. For Math, open response journals will be implemented.

Ms. Isola asked about classroom size; a skills support teacher assists with Grade 5 classroom size. Mrs. Lebo complimented PTO fundraising and the school’s PPI is phenomenal, above target for the high needs subgroups. Mr. Hennessy said that library support teacher allows for common planning team, teacher collaboration and the opportunity to advocate for all students. Mrs. Lebo commended Mr. Hennessy and the Wollaston School staff, they have created and sustained a very happy community.

Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Wollaston Elementary School Improvement Plan and Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Principal Ann Pegg presented the Merrymount Elementary School Improvement Plan, reflecting on last year’s goals. Last year's goals were focused on achievement and narrowing the achievement gap for high needs and special education groups; the downward trend was reversed but more work is needed to fully close the proficiency gap. In terms of overall achievement, the ELA CPI is 89.2 for the aggregate. For Math, the aggregate CPI is 92.2. Implementation of specialized interventions include a Special Education Inclusion model, after-school intervention programs, and increased ELL services. Parent volunteers supported afterschool programs in a number of ways.

The staff is facing the many changes and challenges of this year: new curriculum for math and reading, full implementation of the Common Core Curriculum Standards, and educator evaluation. Mrs. Pegg said that in her classroom observations, she is seeing daily examples of the amazing thinking skills encouraged by the new curriculum materials.

Goals for 2013-14: (1) Merrymount Elementary School students will demonstrate a growing understanding of increasingly complex text. This will be evident by an increase of 2% or more on the school-wide average percent correct in the College and Career Readiness Anchor Standard for English Language Arts from a base of 75% as measured by the 2014 MCAS Standards Report (CU406). (2) Merrymount Elementary School students will demonstrate an increased ability to persevere and use reasoning to solve increasingly complex math tasks as related to open-response type questions. This will be evident by an increase of 2% or more on the school-wide average percent correct from a base of 68% as documented on the 2014 Mathematics MCAS Standards Report (CU406). (3) The staff of the Merrymount School will provide a safe and nurturing environment, offering opportunities that promote physical and emotional wellness.

Action steps for 2013-14 are aligned with the Conditions for School Effectiveness, professional development is focused on vocabulary instruction across the curriculum and instructional practices and learning expectations; selected staff members are also working on DDM teams.

Ms. Isola made a motion to approve the Merrymount Elementary School Improvement Plan and Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the ayes have it.

Ms. Isola made a motion to adjourn the Teaching and Learning Subcommittee meeting at 5:15 pm. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.