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M.L. Professional Studies Committee
Minutes from meeting of 11/17/2005
Connecticut Association of SchoolsMiddle Level Professional Studies Committee
November 17, 2005
Minutes
In attendance were: Fred Baruzzi, Richard Dellinger, Sue Dumas, Ralph White and Earle Bidwell.
1. Exemplary Practice, Climate: Progress Reports
a. Earle Bidwell reported that the three schools that applied for the designation had been contacted by phone with a follow-up letter outlining the expectations for a site visit and identifying the sub committee chair.
b. Site visits: All three site visits have been scheduled. All visits should be completed by December 8th.
2. As the work of the committee grows, more visitors will be needed. It was decided that volunteers would be accepted and trained as visitors without necessarily being part of the Professional Studies Committee. Three such individuals have been identified. There is a need to design some sort of training for visitors who were not part of developing the model. One possible approach would be to invite prospective visitors to shadow experienced visitors during a site visit.
3. New Application: A new application was received and a visiting committee appointed. Fred Baruzzi, Sue Dumas and John Lineen will comprise the committee. Hopefully, one experienced visitor will also join the committee (perhaps as chair). Sue Dumas will call the school and a site visit will be scheduled for after the first of the year. Earle will send the follow-up letter.
4. Impact: Focus Topic “Closing the Achievement Gap”
a. Status: As of the meeting date, we are three articles short. Members are asked to solicit articles as soon as possible so this issue can go forward.
b. Develop CAS Position: Those in attendance began the process of brainstorming possible statements for the CAS position on “Closing the Achievement Gap” Here are the “unrefined” results to date.
• Every child has the right to be successful
• How do students who are not successful learn?
• Gender gaps need to be addressed
• “No shame, no blame, no excuses.”
• There is a need to develop motivations for success
• Need to develop a culture where it is “cool” to be successful
• Involve everyone; staff students, parents, community
• Re-allocate resources - time, personnel
• Extend time for unsuccessful students
• Need to recognize that there are different measures of achievement, and get that info. to the public
• Consider the implications of multiple intelligences
• There is a need for all students to see themselves as learners
• Need to teach a culture of success.
Committee members are asked to reflect on these and bring two or three additional statements to the December meeting.
1. Assistant Executive Director’s Report: Earle Bidwell reported on a student teacher initiative with Southern Connecticut State University and the upcoming CAS Winter Conference on January 27, 2006 in Hartford.
The next meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2005
