FINAL SC Minutes 2017-04-04.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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b. Related to Superintendent Leadership Goal 3 (Student Learning) Report#1: Academy Development Team(Kathleen Smith) Kathleen Smith gave an overview of activities of the Academy Development Team. She described what the Academy Development Team is,who is on it,what they have done,and described details about "Minuteman 101," a course specifically designed for freshmen to be successful at Minuteman and with their post-secondary plans. She also described Senior Project enhancements,gave an update on the student portfolio,curriculum mapping,Rubicon Atlas, and next steps. Discussion included an explanation of what a 1-1 device is; a request for a simple document that could be understood by a lay person on what the advantages of the Academy Model are how it is different, and how the new building is essential to support the model;using professional development time to focus on the model;that Minuteman is showing leadership and making a great step forward in developing Minuteman 101, and a commendation about the way the Rubicon Atlas demonstrates how the vocational and academic sides work together. Dr. Bouquillon noted that this work has been most satisfying,that there is great wisdom in the members of the group,and that he has great expectations for implementing this model at Minuteman. Ms. Smith's presentation can be found as Attachment A. Report#2: Admissions Update and Enrollment Discussion(George Clement) Mr. Clement shared a comparison of application activity for incoming freshmen classes,2019-2021, outlining in-district,out-of-district,and October 1 total enrollment numbers. He referred to"The Perna Effect,"noting that the message is getting out there and is being embraced. He noted that he doesn't pay attention to numbers of applications,but rather is interested in actual enrollments, and that he is pleased with the trend, as he focuses on 8th graders. Discussion included that what resonates with students and parents is the Career Tree more than the abstractions of the Academy Model. It also included the need for a larger strategy, involving such things as bringing information about Minuteman to students earlier than Stn grade, changing the mindset of our District communities,getting more community involvement; that there is no silver bullet,but consistent messaging and persistent hard work, cooperation from partner communities,which varies from community to community and over time,making bridges to other School Committees, and what the School Committee can do right now, in terms of building relationships with school administrators in their own towns. Examples cited of how School Committee members might participate in getting the message out and to change perceptions included reaching out to school administrators, ensuring that a link to Minuteman's website is made on each member town's website, replicating the Needham model of discussion which involves a Town subcommittee that meets regularly with the Superintendent, and making connections with PTA groups. It was suggested that Mr. Clement let School Committee members know when there is a Minuteman activity in their towns, so that they can be present, since they are recognized faces in the community. The Chair noted that his idea is not to make more work for staff,but he would like to see ideas compiled about how members of the School Committee can support the effort. He suggested that the School Committee establish an Enrollment Task Force to gather ideas,review them for practicality with the Administration, and to create a set of guidelines. A number of School Committee members expressed an interest in this, and the following vote was taken: 2