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Page 183 October 25, 1976 question in his mind on the value, but the procedures did raise questions. EXCHANGE PROGRAT He suggested the administration develop a policy and asked for input from (CONTINUED) parents, students, etc. He agreed to present a policy at a future meet- ing to the School Committee. Dr. Rotberg said this was a most valuable suggestion and supported the superintendent in the achievement of a gen- eral policy regarding such exchanges. Dr. Wadsworth said that he agreed with this policy direction and felt that any funds raised should be used for those who can' t afford the costs for the excursion. In conclusion the committee supported the superintendent' s suggestion that a policy be developed. A letter was received from Co-Presidents Mr. and Mrs. Carl Pitha P.T.A. of the Diamond Junior High School. The letter requested that Dr. Lawson CONFERENCES support a proposal by the P.T.A. of Diamond Junior High School that formal parent conferences be scheduled for Diamond Junior High School parents. The P.T.A. felt that conferences would be a most positive program for Diamond Junior High School. Dr. Lawson said he supported the idea of parent conferences for all secondary level schools. He said he encouraged this idea in his past superintendency and found it to be one of the most positive programs for teachers, parents and stu- dents. He noted that he was presenting this proposal to the school com- mittee to see if they would encourage him to investigate details of such a program and report back at a future date: All members of the school committee indicated their strong support for a formal program of parent- teacher conferences in the secondary schools. Nancy Abelmann said she was encouraged by the school committee's support of this program and felt it was a most positive suggestion and thanked the Diamond Junior High School Co-Presidents for making such a presentation. Secondary principals in attendance also indicated support. Dr. Lawson said he would investigate details of such a program and report at a future date. Dr. Pierson presented a report on the Language Arts and Math LANGUAGE ARTS 6 Curricula. Miss Betty Murray, Principal of the Franklin School and MATH CURRICULA program manager for language arts, reported on the program developed this last summer. She said they chose a focus which identified a se- quence of skills that were closely allied to the act of writing. With- in the twelve day period they felt that they could write a program that would address this focus, even though there were time limitations. She explained that there would be informal assessment plans for this year, and the program would be utilized in the Franklin School as well as by representatives in each of the other elementary buildings. The users of the pilot program would comprise a feedback vehicle. Dr. Rotberg complimented Miss Murray and the language arts curricula committee for the emphasis on writing skills and hoped that assessment would be a focus of the next few months. He said formal and informal student feedback should be considered, also. Paul Foley, Principal of the Parker School, and program manager for mathematics reviewed the development of the mathematics program and the work done this last summer. He noted the materials had been field tested last year in one school, and in several other schools. Teachers evalua- tions had been received and these evaluations served as a basis for the 9