9-24-12

September 24, 2012 ~ Meeting Summary

Members Present: Paul Deagle, Joanna Hopkins, Dave Evans, Gordon Small, Margaux Files, Dorothy Small at 3:15pm

Topic: Data

Protocol Used: Specific questions


 * What are the 5 most important observations we can make about the data?
 * 2007-2008 number so low
 * trends state wide seem to be reflective in the school
 * scores in other subject areas % are comparable
 * 44% are scoring in distinction/proficient and below the state average
 * in 2010 MHSA/SAT writing comparable scores to other similar towns
 * rising gradually
 * What are 3 - 5 important conclusions we can draw from the data?
 * state average heavily skewed by top scoring school
 * are we happy with 44%....is the best that we can do
 * literacy initiative in terms of critical reading no real spike.....comparable for writing strategies
 * What are some barriers (out of our control) that have an effect on the data?
 * socieconmic status
 * standarized testing....bad test takers, nervous, accomondations being used?
 * limited initiative of importance ie other schools lunch on SAT day
 * range of scores that students receive vs what the school/data shows...woudl we then be above state average?
 * SAT measures aptitude not achievement
 * time to work on all of the cross-content areas
 * 80% of students challenge with coming up with ideas and self-expression
 * What are some assets we have that will inform, support and/or guide our work?
 * those that we maintain vs increase data scores
 * Read 180
 * SAT Prep
 * Plato
 * NWEA....not to measure achievment but used as comparison
 * School wide rubric.....available but need training
 * Writing workshops for extra help
 * English teachers extra help in other content areas
 * What are some next steps we should take as a staff in our PLG's?
 * be trained across content areas for writing and use the rubric
 * how do we use one rubric/grading and writing expectations for multi-level grade classes. Currently a school wide rubric...training and consistency.
 * cart before the horse......additional training in writing
 * basic writing class with CEU upon completion
 * What instructional strategies or approaches could we use individually or collaboratively to improve the data?

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