3rd+Grade


 * Right now it appears that we will loose our entire instructional assistant staff except for Ms Reyes.
 * There is a possibility they we will have another assistant principal next year. Ms Washington is interviewing.
 * We were asked by the district to consider adding 6th grade to our site. I declined to answer and talked to the superintendent afterwards to let him know that we barely had space for our current population. He offered no comment.
 * Promote the use of all of our online instruction. They are being monitored for usage. //__There may be a use it or loose it decision at the end of the year.__// Overall we have fair usage in every program.

What do you think about the effectiveness of our intervention system this year?
 * The intervention program appears not to be effective because the groups of students being sent are too large, intervention teachers are being pulled out to cover classes, and the intervention teacher needs a quiet space without interruptions (not in computer lab or staff lounge).

Instructional Assistants?
 * Ms. Etuati did an exemplary job this year. She worked well with students in an efficient manner. We cannot speak to the effectiveness of the other assistants.

Intervention Subs? This year we reclassified 59 students. Most of those that did not meet all criteria did not meet the fluency criteria. What can we do to improve 1st and second grade fluency? How can we improve ELD instruction?
 * See question one
 * Professional development on fluency (fluency is not just reading lists of words, they must undestand and read the words in context)
 * ELD instrucftion can be improved if teachers follow protocols with fidelity using Science and Social Studies texts. We received lots of students that did not know concepts that they should have learned in previous years.

We have not made the kind of progress we need to make in writing. Writing is going to be a big part of Common Core. Should we review the Write from the Beginning program, materials are on site, or initiate a new program?
 * Write from the Beginning is a great program if teachers actually use/do it. A writing lesson should consist of authentic writing pieces from a variety of genres, not just penmanship practice and fill in the blank prompts. Write from the Beginning provides lessons to systematically teach authentic writing.

We need another certificated person on site 24/7. We have discussed options, a long term Sub, TOSA, or Curriculum Specialist. What do you think? I/We will take this response to the SSC.

We have an option of changing our starting time next year. This was proposed to make our bussing system more fiscally efficient. The possible times to begin are, 7:30, 8:10 closest to the current time and 8:50. What are your thoughts and preferences?
 * Last year, our curriculum specialists were voted out by SSC (on the recommendation of the majority of the staff) due to lack of funds. They said that would take on the responsibilities of the Curriculum specialists to alleviate the principal's workload and responsibilities, however, that did not happen. If we get another specialist, they'll just get voted out again if the staff does not like them.

All team members except one choose 8:50 am. The other chooses 8:10am

What other PD do you think will be helpful for our staff?
 * Classroom Management
 * Reading Instruction
 * Writing
 * Technology

Should we set up an August Leadership meeting to make sure all things are in place for the coming year? If so best dates are___.

Shawnta Stewart will be resigning from Leadership. The new person is yet to be determined.

Please add questions you may have or those asked by you team…