Oct.+2009

October 7, 2009
 * Curriculum Council Minutes **

Nancy Alibrandi, Tina Blinn, Bill Carozza, Steve Chamberlin, Sally Codd, Liz Durant, Marcia McCaffrey, Eileen Reinacher, Dave Tilley Minutes submitted by:** Nancy Alibrand**i
 * Members Present:**
 * Place and Time: MSS 3:27 - 4:15ish

Items Discussed:**

__HOPKINTON 2.O COMMITTEES/DISTRICT GOALS__ - Steve Chamberlin GUIDING PRINCIPLES STEERING COMMITTEE GOALS ENSURE STUDENT LEARNING ENSURE THE HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT UTILIZES BEST PRACTICES
 * Steve Chamberlin explained the draft document Hopkinton 2.0 / Hopkinton School District Goals presented to the School Board on October 6, 2009 [[file:Hopkinton2.0_v.5.pdf]]
 * Outlines the configuration of Hopkinton 2.0 (H2.0) committees to meet district goals
 * Focus of the Hopkinton 2.0 concept is providing a systemic approach to continual improvement
 * **Every moment matters** (e.g. when people help one another, give advice, etc. everyone benefits from the improvement that results
 * **High expectations must exist in every aspect of our operation** (high expectations don't exist where people easily surrender their beliefs)
 * T**he process needs to be manageable, transparent, and stable** (Reconfiguration will make use of existing structures rather than trying to sustain the additional committees formed under the original H2.0 plan; this will provide greater efficiency and build on work that has already been done in the district
 * **Innovation and risk is encouraged/mandated** (Steve noted that the School Board has already demonstrated a spirit of innovation; Liz Durant agreed that in order for Hopkinton to survive in terms of its size, we must be willing to take risks [try new ideas]; the Board recognizes that the district has extremely dedicated, loyal and talented employees in all aspects of its operation which allows the Board flexibility in supporting innovation)
 * **Collaboration is essential** (Collaboration raises the bar towards meeting goals in a positive way. Incentives such as merit pay and linking student success to teacher evaluation are counterproductive. They encourage individual competitiveness - the keeping of teaching "secrets" rather that the sharing of best practices; promoting collaboration makes everyone accountable for each student's success; must provide a venue to share and learn so everyone benefits)
 * The Hopkinton 2.0 process will be overseen by a Steering Committee representing various stakeholders
 * Members include: Superintendent; Business Administrator; Director of Technology; Director of Students Services; Building Administration; HEA Representative(s); HESS Representative; PD Committee Representative; Assessment Committee Representative; Curriculum Council Representative; School Board Representative (2); Community Representative
 * Will provide the opportunity for various committee representatives to talk about areas that are connected
 * The two overarching goals for the district are: 1). Ensure Student Learning, 2). Ensure the Hopkinton School District Utilizes Best Practices
 * Under these two overarching goals, district committees will be working on objectives towards meeting these goals
 * 1. To create, implement, and publish standards at each grade level in all content areas. [What do we want each student to learn?] - **Curriculum Council** will be responsible for oversight of the curriculum review cycle; we need to revisit the charge of the curriculum task forces, and to make sure that task forces clearly articulate what students need to know (power standards)
 * 2. To develop an assessment system that accurately and efficiently informs families, teachers, and administrators about all major aspects of student learning. [How will we know when each student has learned?] - **Assessment Committee** will be responsible for overseeing the development of the assessment and reporting system; need to be able to report on all aspects of a student
 * 3. To develop supports to ensure all students learn. [What will we do when a student experiences difficulty in learning a standard or has already demonstrated mastery of a standard?] - **Student Support Task Force** will be established to create a system of tiered supports to ensure all students learn; this includes remedial supports if they don't learn, and enrichment support if they have already demonstrated mastery
 * 1. Time: To ensure the schools' calendar and daily schedules provide the faculty and staff the necessary time to collaborate on all aspects of student learning - **Calendar Committee**
 * 2. Tools: To provide the faculty and staff with the tools necessary to ensure and enhance student learning - **Technology Committee**
 * 3. Training: To ensure the faculty and staff have the training necessary to meet the needs of all students - **Professional Development Committee**
 * 4. Operations: To ensure all aspects of the Hopkinton School District operate in an effective and efficient manner - **Operation and Efficiency Committee**
 * 5. Configuration: To ensure the school and district configuration provides the best opportunity for student learning - **District Configuration Task Force** (e.g. Is our school and grade configuration best practice? Our district configuration?)

Next meeting: Wednesday, November 4th MSS Conference Room __Proposed Agenda Items:__ Revisit Cycle of Curriculum Review Process Charge of Curriculum Task Forces