Jan.+2011


 * Curriculum Council Minutes **
 * January 5, 2011 **

Nancy Alibrandi, Val Aubry, Michael Bessette, Tina Blinn, Bill Carozza, Steve Chamberlin, Sally Codd, Mark Dickson, Chris Sousa, Dave Tilley,
 * Members Present:**
 * Also Present:** Jim Brizard
 * Place and Time**: MSS 3:15 - 4:15ish
 * Minutes submitted by:** Nancy Alibrandi


 * Items discussed: **

MATH SOPPADA - Jim Brizard Action: Recommended to Leadership Team
 * Jim Brizard spoke for the math department which unanimously supports the proposed changes as outlined in the documents below:
 * [[file:MathSOPPADA.pdf]]
 * [[file:Math-SequenceofCourses.pdf]]
 * [[file:Math Program of Studies changes 2011.pdf]]
 * [[file:mathphasing_sectioncounts.xls]]
 * The Math Department felt the integrated approach of the old textbook did not provide enough drill or rigor; would like to adopt a more traditional curriculum and buy a new textbook within the next year - they want Glencoe Algebra I and II; they already have Glencoe texts for the 7th and 8th grade
 * Bill Carozza asked if the proposed Glencoe text aligned with the Common Core Standards; Jim said they did
 * An email from Marcia McCaffrey was read which questioned whether now is the best time to buy new texts; Jim responded by saying we know what the Common Core standards are; the Math Department feels that the text that they previewed meets the standards (the company will be sending them a newer version of the text next month); and that most of the significant changes outlined in the Common Core standards are in the 7th and 8th grade
 * The Teacher Resources accompanying the text are good; and the texts come with a free full year online subscription (the cost for subsequent years was not known)
 * See the "Math-Sequence of Courses" document above to view the proposed progression of courses
 * The state requires two years of Algebra; for students that need a slower pace, Algebra I can be done in a two year sequence (Algebra Ia and Ib) to meet the requirement for two years
 * Accelerated students would "double up" in their Sophomore year, taking both Geometry and Algebra II
 * At some point, the Math department would like to see Geometry required for graduation
 * No additional funding would be needed for personnel; money would be needed for textbooks and summer curriculum

UPDATE FROM MATH TASK FORCE - Steve Chamberlin
 * Have created power standards for Measurement which are now in the revision stage; they will be posted on the Math Wiki
 * Are in the process of creating a Math Glossary - this will contain a list of frequently used mathematical terms along with their definitions so consistent language can be used with students throughout the grade levels

UPDATE FROM SCIENCE TASK FORCE - Michael Bessette
 * Formed a Science Steering Task Force to organize and guide the work (Michael Bessette, Mark Dickson, Lori Aubertin, and Kris Jacques)
 * The Science Task Force will consist of a larger group (they will try to get a representative from each grade level), to accomplish the work
 * Will meet every other month - the first meeting of the larger group will be in February; the next meeting for the Steering committee will be in March
 * Their plan is to follow the model for curriculum revision used by the Math committee
 * Created a Science Wiki page for Agendas, Minutes, and to provide links to important information and websites
 * Expecting an announcement about the Science Common Core Standards in April
 * Emphasis is on inquiry rather than content-based; may be centered around big themes (e.g. Change, Connection, Scales)

UPDATE ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - Michael Bessette
 * Plan to bring a 1 credit course to the district (this February through April) - "Neurodevelopmental Approach to Differentiated Instruction"
 * Brain-based learning course from Plymouth University, taught by Leslie Williamson (Center for School Success), based on Mel Levine's work
 * Five Thursday sessions from 3:15-5:00

Next Meeting: February 2, 2011

Proposed Agenda Item: -State Numeracy Plan - how can we best use it to impact learning?