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friday-noteFriday note for 12/15 – 12/19

DEPARTMENT CHAIR MEETING NOTES

December 4, 2008

7:15 to 7:47 AM

Conference Room

In attendance:            S. Rehn, K. Kroener, L. Carey, J. Zum Mallen, J. Fiers, M. Haugse, S. Eberhardt, L. VanDerLeest, S. Scherer, A. Ringenberg, T. Minnaert, J. DePauw, T. Mackey

Topics:

Mike spoke about a conference he attended yesterday.  One of his sessions was on test prep for the ACT.  The speaker was good.  He said that taking time for test prep was not enough, there still needed to be a strong base in the appropriate content area being tested.  The speaker indicated that staff should always look to improve professional development.  At the speaker’s school, there were three levels in core areas, each with entrance and exit criteria.  Teachers should be teaching skills to prepare students for work and/or college.  Teachers should be able to tell, for each lesson, each day, what skill they are teaching and how is it reflected in curriculum.

Mike spoke to item number one on the agenda, in reference to movies in the classroom.  Movies are not necessarily bad, but only should be used when they reinforce a skill taught in the classroom.  We should continue to strive to protect instruction time.

Mike introduced topic number two from the agenda.  It opened up a lengthy discussion in reference to the use of Skyward.  It was the general feeling that there are still many components of the program that many of us are still not familiar.  Jan and Linda will put together, with input from staff, a list of topics that we would like Rayanne to address at in in-service, hopefully in January.  This led into topic number five, and the discussion continued.

Topic number three – The Gretchen Courtney audit has been received.  We are hoping that someone will be here before Christmas to go over it with us.

Topic Number four – Mike has requested a literacy / reading instructor be employed for next year.  Duties would include, as listed in the agenda.  The Board should vote on this at their December meeting.

Topic number II 1. – The budget – Mike complimented our staff on how they spend their money.  We have been told that our district will receive less money next year.  We are to try to only spend as needed.