2023-12-05 Curriculum and Student Outcomes Committee

2023-12-05 Curriculum and Student Outcomes Committee

Meeting Summary

  • Early Graduation Success Plan:
    • There has been a decrease in the number of students graduating early due to increased graduation requirements aimed at preparing students for college or career pathways.
    • The district is revamping master schedule training for administrators and counselors to strategically place courses and manage the increasing unit requirements.
    • Plans are in place to connect students requesting early graduation with internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities.
    • There is a focus on providing students with dual credit enrollment opportunities and designing schedules that set them up for success rather than just letting them graduate early.
  • Parental Involvement:
    • The current early graduation application process includes parental consent but not necessarily a parent meeting.
    • There is a common practice of trying to have parents come in for a meeting to discuss early graduation even though it is not required.
  • Reasons for Early Graduation Requests:
    • Students request early graduation for various reasons, including the need to work or simply being in a rush to finish school.
    • Some students lack a connection to the school through extracurricular activities or interests that would otherwise keep them engaged.
  • SIPPS (Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words) Cohort Plan:
    • A significant number of students have been assessed for SIPPS, with many recommended to join intervention groups.
    • The program is expanding to include 4th through 8th graders who are struggling readers.
    • Teachers are requesting the program and training, indicating its effectiveness and their belief in its impact.
    • There is a high average passing rate for mastery tests within the SIPPS program, showing progress in foundational skills.
    • There was a discussion on mandating the use of SIPPS inside the classroom.