Cottage Grove School IMC

Committee Members Present: Kathy Bultman, Wendy Way, Kristi Williams

Also Present: Bill Breisch, Bev Fuller, John Kitslaar, Sam Mathiason, Gary Schumacher,

I. Call to Order –Kathy Bultman, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. Kathy explained that Kristi Williams will be late to the meeting and appointed John Kitslaar to act as a committee member in order to proceed with opening the meeting and conducting necessary business.

II. Declaration of Public Notice – Gary Schumacher confirmed that declaration of public notice had been given for the meeting.

III. Public Appearances – There were no public appearances.

IV. Minutes from the May 15, 2002 Curriculum Committee Meeting. John Kitslaar moved to approve the minutes from the May 15, 2002 meeting. Wendy Way seconded. The minutes were approved as distributed.

V. Update on K-12 Mathematics – Sam Mathiason was present to discuss the K-12 review of math curriculum. In his comments, he explained that a review of math curriculum is underway, modeled after how the science curriculum was reviewed. This review will take into account grade level expectations and aligning curriculum to state standards. Sam added that a workshop will be held this summer to look at middle school math. The committee is interested in offering instruction that keeps the development of skills and theory in balance. Sam explained that this year, students in grades 5 through 7 were given a test from Orleans-Hannah, which is an algebra predictor. The information from this test, Terra Nova scores and teacher recommendations will determine which students to place in the accelerated math track. Wendy Way inquired how Monona Grove’s test scores compared to national, state, and other like-sized districts. Bill Breisch answered that the district ranks amongst the lower half of districts in Dane County. Bill anticipates that a “Math Steering Committee” will be formed in the fall. Members will include teachers and parents. Kathy Bultman suggested including parents who have not previously served on a district committee.

VI. New Materials for Foreign Language (Spanish I) – Bev Fuller was present to discuss the adoption of new textbooks for Spanish I. While the Spanish teachers recommend the series from McDougal Littell, she presented the materials from both Holt, Rinehart and Winston as well, and explained the pros and cons of each series. Kathy Bultman asked how these new texts would fit in with instruction at the middle school level. Bev commented that middle school teachers also reviewed the materials and the plan would be for the high school to purchase over a period of three years (En Espanol 1-35 copies, 2-150 copies and 3-90 copies), and then the middle school would purchase new materials at their level. Wendy Way suggested to look at the use of technology to its maximum extent in this new series. This may include purchasing a site license rather than individual programs for computer use. Kristi Williams moved to approve the adoption of the McDougal Littell En Espanol series beginning with Level I in the Fall of 2002. Wendy Way seconded. Motion passed.

VII. Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment System – Bill Breisch reported that Randy Carpenter from the Northwest Evaluation Association in Portland, Oregon presented information to staff and administrators on May 22^nd. He explained that this testing, which would measure growth through time on a student’s achievements would replace Terra Nova testing for students in grades 2, 3, 5 and 6. The state WCKE tests would still be taken by students in grades 4, 8 and 10. The MAP testing would be taken by students on computer in the fall and again in the spring. Teachers are able to receive results of the tests in 24-72 hours. Bill added that this would be another indicator for how students are placed in math. Kristi Williams moved to approve the use of the Measures of Academic Progress Assessment System in the district. Wendy Way seconded. Motion passed.

MGSD Curriculum Committee Meeting

June 12, 2002 – Page Two

VIII. Dane County New Teacher Project (Teacher on Loan Agreement) – Bill Breisch explained that a new effort, “Dane County New Teacher Project” has been established in conjunction with the University of California-Santa Cruz. The project will offer the opportunity for districts to provide a seamless continuum of training, support and networking to teachers new to the profession. Sharon Nelson, from Waunakee is serving as Director of the Dane County project. They have asked that Tom Howe work with the project for the 2002-03 school year. One-half off his salary will be reimbursed through the New Teacher Project. Kristi Williams moved to approve that Tom Howe work one-half of his time with the New Teacher Project. Wendy Way seconded. Motion passed.

IX. Director of Instruction Report – This report will be given at the next Curriculum Committee meeting.

X. Other Agenda Items – There were no other agenda items.

XI. Set Date and Time for Next Meeting – The next meeting will be held Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 6:00-7:15 p.m. at Nichols School, District Office Board Room.

XII. Adjournment – Wendy Way moved to adjourn the meeting. Kristi Williams seconded. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

Recorded by,

Kim Hallock