Jefferson County
September 01, 2010 3:30 PM
Special Meeting
I. Call to Order
II. Action Item
II.A. Expansion of Middle School Advance Program
Rationale

Of 25 middle schools, Conway, Knight, Lassiter, Moore, and Ramsey middle schools are the only schools that have not been designated as Advance Program centers. A review of data indicating the number of resides students in each of these schools who qualify for the Advance Program justifies establishing the program at these sites.  
 
Creating an Advance Program center in these schools can benefit all students as well as those who qualify for the program. It provides a more rigorous curriculum that can influence all subject areas for all ability levels. There are opportunities for professional development for teachers in gifted and talented education that informs and improves instruction for all students. Students who demonstrate potential and interest but have not yet qualified for the Advance Program may have opportunities to “sit in” Advance Program classes and therefore benefit from the experience by improving their confidence, supporting them in making application to and potentially qualifying for the Advance Program, and preparing them for high school Advance Placement courses.
 
Beginning in the 2011-12 school year, all incoming sixth graders who qualify for the Advance Program will be enrolled in the resides school. Students who have qualified for the Advance Program but are enrolled in an Advance Program center school other than their resides school as of the 2010-11 school year may choose to continue at the school or may return to the resides school offering the newly designated Advance Program center. All Advance program students will continue to have the opportunity to apply for magnet schools, magnet programs, or transfers.
 
Attachment 1 highlights the enrollment of Advance Programs students to current Advance Program schools and describes the impact of the proposal. Attachment 2 highlights the number of proficient and distinguished students in reading and math by school. These students may be appropriate to sit-in, test, and then eventually qualify for the Advance program. Attachment 3 provides an overview of the current Advance program schools and resides schools.

Submitted by: Pat Todd and Dr. Sandy Ledford 

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the designation of Conway, Knight, Lassiter, Moore, and Ramsey middle schools as Advance Program centers for the 2011-12 school year and that students who are enrolled in schools with Advance Program centers as of the 2010-11 school year may choose to continue attending that school or may attend the newly designated Advance Program center in one of the schools named above should it be the resides school.

Actions Taken

Order #136 - Motion Passed:  Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education approve the designation of Conway, Knight, Lassiter, Moore, and Ramsey middle schools as Advance Program centers for the 2011-12 school year and that students who are enrolled in schools with Advance Program centers as of the 2010-11 school year may choose to continue attending that school or may attend the newly designated Advance Program center in one of the schools named above should it be the resides school. The recommendation passed with a motion by Mrs. Linda Duncan and a second by Mr. Larry Hujo.

III. Discussion Items
III.A. Review of Student Assignment Plan for Middle and High Schools
Rationale

This report will review the middle and high school provisions of the student assignment plan.

Submitted by: Pat Todd

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education receive a report regarding the middle and high school provisions of the student asignment plan that was adopted in May, 2009 and revised in September, 2009.

Actions Taken

Order #137 - Motion Passed:  Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education receive a report regarding the middle and high school provisions of the student assignment plan that was adopted in May 2009 and revised in September 2009. The recommendation passed with a motion by Ms. Diane Porter and a second by Mrs. Carol Ann Haddad.

III.B. 2010–11 Board of Education Discussion Agenda Planning Calendar
Rationale

A year-long list of selected Board of Education discussion agenda items has been compiled for use by the board and administrative staff. The list includes activities for discussion during this fiscal year.

It is anticipated that staff will use this list to avoid scheduling conflicts, to improve coordination and support of activities, to enhance planning, and to increase awareness of upcoming board agenda activities. 

Attachments

Recommended Motion

Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education receive for information a planning calendar outlining discussion agenda items to occur during the 2010-11 fiscal year.

Actions Taken

Order #138 - Motion Passed:  Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommends that the Board of Education receive for information a planning calendar outlining discussion agenda items to occur during the 2010-11 fiscal year. passed with a motion by Mrs. Carol Ann Haddad and a second by Mr. Stephen Imhoff.

IV. Adjournment
Recommended Motion

A motion to adjourn the September 1, 2010, special meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Education

Actions Taken

Order #139 - Motion Passed:  A motion to adjourn the September 1, 2010, special meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Education passed with a motion by Mrs. Carol Ann Haddad and a second by Mr. Larry Hujo.