RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227

EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING

APRIL 23, 2007

MINUTES

The Education Committee of the Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met in the District Administrative Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois, on April 23, 2007.

Mrs. Brookins called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Present: Brookins (Chair), Cohn (Member), Moten (Member) (6:15 p.m.)

Also Present: Mr. Hunigan, Dr. Craig, Dr. Kirkwood, Mrs. Treichel, Mrs. Owens (6:30 p.m.), Mr. Sterling, Ms. Nelson, Ms. Southern, Ms. Lett-Hill, Mr. Flowers, Ms. Christain, Mr. Cannon, Ms. Gladney, Ms. High, Ms. Martin, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Craven, Ms. Towery, Ms. Bickhem, Mr. Abrams, Dr. Epstein, Ms. Bailey, Ms. Knox, Mr. Rapp, Ms. Stapleton, Mr. Davis, Mr. Joyce, Ms. Jarrett, Ms. Flowers, Ms. Spoolstra, Dr. Leak, Ms. Ramey, Ms. LaQuesha Martin, Ms. Stapleton, Ms. Fletcher, Ms. Martinez, Ms. Birts

The Rich South School Improvement Team gave a presentation on their plans for Freshman and Honors Academies for the 2007-2008 school year as per the attached power point presentation. Members of the team present at the meeting were: Dr. Kirkwood, Ms. Nelson, Mr. Sterling, Ms. Southern, Ms. Lett-Hill, Mr. Flowers, Ms. Christain, and Mr. Cannon. The Adequate Yearly Progress status report was discussed. Dr. Kirkwood noted that the gap in scores needs to be closed in regards to ethnic groups. Ms. Nelson explained the EXPLORE exam scores. Ms. Lett-Hill went over the Freshman Data, the Staff Survey, Future Topics, and Academy Start Goals. Ms. Southern outlined the Projected Honors Classes - Participants for the 2007-2008 School Year, the purpose of Smaller Learning Communities, and the Location of the Academies.

Mr. Sterling explained Board Goal #2 - Internal Learning Community and the Proposed Structure for next year based on the proposed bell schedule. Ms. Nelson went over the Freshman and Honors Academy Planning Committee and the Projected Plan for next year.

Ms. Southern presented the Board Goal #3 - External Learning Community. Dr. Kirkwood outlined the Present and Future PSAE Initiatives, and Mr. Sterling summarized the presentation.

Questions were asked by the Board members regarding the proposed academy structures for Freshman and Honors Academies. Mr. Hunigan noted that it is very early in the development phase of the academies, that this is part of the District restructuring plan, and that the plan is driven by the buildings.

Education Committee Minutes

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4/23/07

The Rich East School Improvement Team consisting of Dr. Craig, Mr. McLeod, Ms. LaQuesha Martin, Ms. Towery, Ms. Johnson, Dr. Epstein, Ms. Bickhem, Ms. Malak, Ms. Toth, and Ms. Cravin gave their presentation entitled “Our House,” a copy of which is attached. They noted their proposed plan of three houses - the Freshman/Honors House, the Green House and the Gold House. The Freshman/Honors House will consist of all freshman and honors students. The Green House and the Gold House will consist of sophomores, juniors and seniors (alpha split). Dr. Craig talked about the data. Ms. Johnson discussed Student Achievement and Single Gender Classrooms. Ms. Bickhem outlined Citizenship and Climate. Mr. Abrams discussed External Learning Communities. Dr. Craig noted various research citations.

Questions were asked by the Board about the Rich East proposal.

At 7:20 p.m. Mr. Cohn left the meeting.

The Rich Central School Improvement Team consisting of Ms. Birts, Ms. Bailey, Ms. Gladney, Ms. Knox, Mr. Rapp, Ms. Spoolstra, Ms. Witt, Ms. Wozny, Ms. Nicholson, Ms. Martinez, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Stapleton, Ms. Fletcher, Mr. Joyce and Mr. Davis, gave Rich Central’s presentation entitled “Igniting the Torch of Achievement.” Ms. Wozny gave an update on AYP in Reading. Ms. Nicholson outlined AYP in mathematics. Ms. Spoolstra gave the data regarding the 2006-2007 freshmen. Ms. Birts outlined the key elements of the Small Learning Community (SLC). Ms. Gladney went over the topic “Learning from the Past: Important Themes for a Smaller Learning Community.” Ms. Knox discussed the Structure of the Smaller Learning Communities and the Physical Structure of Smaller Learning Communities. Ms. Spoolstra went over the designated space within the building, the Disciplinary Goals, and the Freshman Advisory. Ms. Wozny discussed the Freshman Academy. Ms. Nicholson outlined the Academic Goals. Ms. Bailey discussed Special Education in the Freshman Academy. Ms. Martinez noted the Teaching and Learning Perspectives. Mr. Johnson gave information on the Honors Academy, and Ms. Bailey talked about the Olympian Academy.

Questions were asked by the Board members about the Rich Central proposal.

Dr. Leak thanked the staff who had come out for the three presentations. Ms. Ramey noted she was most impressed with the commitment of the staff and quality of the presentations.

Mr. Veazey asked if the District was going to adopt three plans. Mr. Hunigan noted there were a lot of common threads in the plans. He noted that in three or four years the District will be able to say which component works better, supported by data. The first year will look a little different.

Education Committee Minutes

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4/23/07

Ms. High noted the importance of having parental involvement.

Ms. Moten asked about the next steps.

Mr. Hunigan noted that he will be bringing to the Board the common threads the Board needs to talk about as a full Board. There are still a few things that need to be tightened up, including the parent aspect. This is all tied to the restructuring plan the District is writing.

At 8:15 p.m. Mrs. Brookins adjourned the meeting.

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Chairperson