2009-08-21 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Friday, August 21, 2009 AT 12:00 noon IN THE Basement Conference Room of City Hall. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Luncheon meeting with School Board BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM – August 21, 2009 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Ms. Gertrude Ivory, Associate Superintendent of Schools, introduced Dr. Laurie McCullough as the new Director of Student Achievement and Program Evaluation. Dr. McCullough’s duties will include handling research proposals, evaluating student performance assessments and school programs for achievement, as well as many other duties. Dr. McCullough presented a report on the AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) pass rates required by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, how the required pass rate percentages increase each year, and a brief explanation of the student sub-groups. The only areas where SOL scores did not meet the required pass rates in 2009 were in Math for 2 subgroups. Mr. Huja asked what is City’s pass rate in 2009 in Math for the Black sub-group. Dr. McCullough responded that the required pass rate is 79%; the Black sub-group pass rate was 69%. Dr. Brown expressed his hope that the current Secretary of Education would exempt the Limited English sub-group from the groups of students required to take and pass SOL tests under NCLB. Dr. McCullough concurred, and said the Schools would like to see it shift to a “growth model” which would measure increases in achievement from year to year rather than meeting arbitrary fixed pass rates. Mr. Norris commented on the penalties incurred for not achieving pass rates under NCLB. Ms. Ivory explained that one penalty might be the option for a parent to send their child to a school that has successfully achieved AYP, at the School system’s expense. Mr. Huja asked how many City schools are subject to the choice option. Mr. Michie stated that all City schools are in compliance this year, but each year brings the risk of non-compliance. Ms. Edwards asked City Schools staff what factors, in their opinion, prevent AYP success. Ms. Ivory stated that schools with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students are the most challenged. Mr. Michie stated that every year the student population changes, making it a new “ball game” each year. Ms. Ivory commented that Dr. McCullough’s position was created based on the results of the efficiency study reported earlier this year. The responsibilities of the position were expanded. Mr. Norris commented that the Summer Math Program at UVA seemed to be very successful. Ms. Ivory responded the Schools were very excited with the results of that program, and hoped to expand it to include Reading next year. Ms. Ivory stated the City Schools want major changes to the NCLB, emphasizing the growth model as the preferred rating method. Dr. McCullough commented that in the current political climate, education was not likely to be given that kind of attention. Ms. Blount stated community efforts to involve parents are very important. The Schools have made many efforts to do so, including meetings with parents as a group and individually.