TASK FORCE ON K-8 ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

 

 

CHARGE

 

The Task Force on K-8 Academic Enrichment will operate from August 1, 2005 until December 31, 2005. During this time, the Task Force will:

 

-- Review recent literature regarding programs that serve a range of students qualified for academic enrichment.

--  Review characteristics of the Scotia-Glenville student body, e.g., ability and performance levels to develop a range of students to be served by academic      enrichment programs.

-- Review present K-8 Scotia-Glenville academic enrichment programs, considering the range of students who could be served and expected outcomes of providing programs to these students.

-- Review grades 9-12 Scotia-Glenville programs available for students seeking academic challenge and rigor to determine preparation levels necessary for students to take full advantage of and succeed in high school programs.

-- Review programs offered in similar school districts and available through other sources, e.g., BOCES, and develop comparisons with present Scotia-Glenville programs.

-- Secure input from staff and parents regarding opinions about present programs and program ideas/proposals.

-- Recommend programming options for Scotia-Glenville grades 4-8, including the range of students to be served. Include the resources required to develop and implement the recommendations and an estimated timeline for program implementation.

--  Review possible extracurricular programs to offer and/or support academic enrichment programs.

-- Review possible oversight strategies for future programming that would include staff and parent input.

-- Recognize in reviews and recommendations the efficacy of present program investments and offerings and the need for efficient use of limited resources available to the district.

 

TASK FORCE MEMBERSHIP

 

The Task Force will include administrative and teaching staff, parents of elementary, middle school and/or high school students, high school students and, if needed, consultant assistance. The Task Force should be co-chaired by a staff member and a parent.

 

      Staff

            (1) Director of Curriculum and Instruction

            (2) Academic Heads

            (6) Elementary and Middle School Teaching Staff

            (2) Elementary Principals

            (1) Middle School Principal

            12

 

            Teaching staff will be collaboratively recruited and recommended by the SGTA and building principal.

 

            Parents - Interested elementary, middle and high school parents will indicate their desire to participate to the school's PTA, who will recommend Task Force membership. Recommendations will include one or two alternates, depending on availability.    

 

            (12) Parents - Two per elementary school, two middle and high school parents and two parents of 9th or 10th grade students.

 

            Students - Students will be recommended by the high school principal.

 

            (2) High School students in 9th and 10th grade who are involved in high school enriched programs.

           

            Consultant - The Task Force may use consultant expertise, if needed.

 

All Task Force meetings will be announced on the district website as well as the posting of minutes of each meeting. Meetings are open to the public and each will contain an opportunity for public comment. The Task Force will also entertain written comment at any point in its work.

 

 

PROCESS

-- The Task Force will be formed in June and July and receive reading and study

   material for August.

 

-- Depending on Task Force members' summer schedules, an Orientation/Organizational meeting will be scheduled during August. At this meeting, co-chairs of the Task Force should be chosen.

 

-- The full Task Force will meet at least once per month with any subteams meeting more often during that period.

 

-- The organization of subteams will be the purview of the Task Force. If organized, these subteams will select chair or co-chairs and develop a meeting schedule to meet their needs.

 

-- The Task Force may request some release time and funding for necessary activities. Members must recognize that various time schedules may be    required to perform the work of the groups.

 

-- The Task Force will provide the Board of Education with a progress report at a November meeting.

 

-- The Task Force final report will be presented at the first Board of Education    meeting in January 2006.

 

 

NEXT STEPS

If the Board approves this or a modified version, announcements for staff, parent and student participation will be made through normal school communications and the website. The SDM recommendations should be made by the end of the school year. The following resolution could form this Task Force:

 

Superintendent's Recommendation: That the Board of Education establish the Task Force on K-8 Academic Enrichment, as per the proposal contained in Public Session Item #10.