|
La Jolla High School Site Governance Committee Meeting Minutes January 8, 2007
Members present: Teachers: Claire Summer, Kerry Dill, Zane Freiberg, Emma Zink, Ken Martin, Pat Thomas and Matt Rosenberg. Principal: Dana Shelburne. Classified Staff: Kathleen Doll. Students: Rachel Pedowitz and Nicole Sparks. Parents: Linda Dowley, Pamela Zuckerman, Jamie Ginsberg, Michael Briggs and Liz Lindenfeld. Guests present: Parents: Caroline Kelner, Julie Latta, Paul Latta, Siri Ekman and Bee Mittermiller (PTA President). The meeting was called to order by Ms. Ginsberg at 2:30 p.m. 1. Minutes – Copies of the Minutes from the last meeting of the Site Governance Committee on December 4, 2006, were made available. On motion made, seconded and passed, the minutes were approved as submitted. Approved minutes will be posted to the school website. 2. Introductions – Participants present for the meeting introduced themselves. 3. Old Business – Standardized Test Scores at LJHS - The next order of business was a discussion of the Algebra 1 program and the standardized test results at LJHS. Ms. Thomas described the self-paced learning environment for Algebra 1 students using the ALEKS computer software program. She detailed the fact that 257 concepts required mastering in order for a student to progress through the Algebra 1 program, however many students demonstrated difficulties with more basic mathematical concepts. The standardized test results showed that of the LJHS students tested, 4% were proficient and 1% was advanced. During the discussion Ms. Thomas explained that detailed comparisons with other high schools did not exist, and she agreed to report results of inquiries at the next Site Governance Committee meeting. 4. Old Business – Standardized Test Scores at LJHS – Mr. Shelburne, Principal of LJHS, then discussed school-wide standard test scores for students in grades 9, 10 and 11, which figure into the LJHS Academic Performance Index (API). He explained that the school’s rating moved from 834 in 2005 to 822 in 2006, still above the mark of 800. Further, all subgroup growth targets for LJHS students had been met. In addition, LJHS met all 2006 adequate yearly progress (AYP) standards from the federal government. Mr. Shelburne explained that a new interpretation of CA state law would potentially impact summer school at LJHS, because the school would not receive summer school reimbursement for students who passed the CA high school exit examination yet had failed a necessary class. By motion made, seconded and passed, the meeting was extended for an additional 15 minutes. 5. New Business – Speech and Debate Team Coaching – Ms. Dowley introduced concern that was raised by the parents of an LJHS student regarding the coaching of the LJHS speech and debate team. Ms. Latta explained her concerns about the current operations of several extra curricular teams at LJHS, including the speech and debate team, the math team and the academic league team. An extensive discussion followed regarding the volunteer coaches for the various teams and whether an alternative of outside paid coaches might be pursued using pay-to-play system for those teams. By motion made, seconded and passed, the meeting was extended for an additional 15 minutes. 6. Old Business – “Culture of Civic Values” Subgroup Meeting -- Ms. Dowley noted that the "Culture of Civic Values" subcommittee met on December 6, and was looking for a date for its second meeting. The February minimum day is a combined meeting with Muirlands teachers, so the group will attempt to meet during one of the minimum days of final exams week. All members of Governance Committee are welcome to attend, and when a meeting date is secured, all members will be e-mailed with information. The goal of the group is to find ways to promote and establish a more positive, supportive culture at LJHS among students, faculty, staff and parents. 7. Roundtable discussion Ms. Dowley explained that she is pursuing research on the question of benchmark procedures for a textbook return system for LJHS. Ms. Lindenfeld asked a question about the Naviance transcript request process, and she was referred to Mr. Ty Eveleth in the Counseling Center. Mr. Rosenberg explained that his investigation of the alternative test score scanning equipment, including software, resulted in a favorable evaluation. Ms. Kelner, a parent, explained her concerns about comments made by a member of the LJHS classified staff to a student, and parents’ reluctance to report problems because of feared retaliation against their children. She stated that she believed that several incidents at LJHS illustrated noncompliance with federal laws regarding special education students. She described her conclusion that such incidents were due to an unacceptable culture at LJHS, and her willingness to escalate her objections with formal complaints and further actions. She indicated her willingness to discuss specific incidents with Mr. Shelburne, the Principal of LJHS. Mr. Shelburne left the meeting in order for a brief discussion of the 2005 Principal Evaluation. The summary and format of the report prepared by Ms. Dill and Ms. Ginsberg were praised by the attendees. The nextmeeting is scheduled for Monday, February 5, 2007, at 2:30 p.m. in Room 304. The meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m. Minutes submitted by Michael Briggs, Recorder |