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M.L. Professional Studies Committee
Minutes from meeting of 9/15/2005
Connecticut Association of SchoolsMiddle Level Professional Studies Committee
September 15, 2005
Minutes
In attendance were: Sue Dumas, Diane Hartman Chesley, Charles Hines, John Lineen, James Slattery and Earle Bidwell
1. A roundtable discussion was initiated to identify challenges facing middle level educators in 2005-2006. Among them are:
a. National press questioning the effectiveness of the middle school model;
b. The impact of the frameworks on curriculum at the middle and high school levels;
c. The restrictive definition of “highly qualified”;
d. Certification for middle level teachers;
e. Electronic access to school records and personnel by parents and the community;
f. Teaching to standards;
g. Need to involve new administrators in advocacy and networking;
h. Getting commitment from faculty and staff for schools improvement.
2. Impact: Several committee members shared initiatives in their schools designed to positively impact the achievement gap. Following this discussion, it was determined that “Closing the Achievement Gap” would be the focus topic for the Fall/Winter edition of IMPACT.
a. The CAS position paper should reflect the notion that it is essential to close the achievement gap; yet, there should be statements about the value of the arts, unified arts, social/emotional development etc.
b. Currently, there have been three articles submitted for publication. All three relate to achievement gap.
3. Exemplary Practice: Climate
a. Benchmarks: We are awaiting documents from two benchmark schools before establishing a range for visiting and validation.
b. Marketing the Practices: Members were asked to ponder descriptive titles for the certification program that would conjure powerful images as do the “Spotlight Schools” and Schools to Watch” titles.
c. Training: It was determined that while it would not be necessary to visit benchmark schools for self-training, it would be essential to have pre-visit meetings to determine areas of responsibility and methods of determining the data collection. It was also decided that there should be at least three visitors for each applicant schools.
d. Applicants: three schools have applied for exemplary climate status.
Remaining items on the agenda were tabled until the next meeting scheduled for October 20, 2005
