2004-09-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Friday, September 17, 2004 AT 12:00 noon IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Luncheon meeting with School Board BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM - September 17, 2004 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Brown, Mr. Caravati, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Schilling. Absent: Ms. Hamilton. Dr. Brown thanked everyone for making last night's School Board meeting a civil, straightforward airing of issues. He said Charlottesville benefits from having a very engaged population. Dr. Scottie Griffin, Superintendent of City Schools, introduced Dr. Laura Purcell, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, who she said will be helping to develop an action plan for the SOLs. Dr. Griffin said the opening of schools has been great; 70 new teachers have been hired this year, many of whom are new to the profession; a mentoring program has been implemented; and there has been a focus on technology integration in the classroom. Mr. Harley Miles from School administration explained that the SOLs require a pass rate of 70% over three years for both English and math. He said there is a significant achievement gap between white and African-American students. He said that the Schools have plans to address this gap. Mr. Miles presented information on the 2.12% drop-out rate for City Schools in grades 7 - 12. Mr. Lynch asked if it makes sense to define the drop out rate based on how many 8th graders graduate at CHS within four years because that number does not include students who move or graduate in five years and thus inflates the drop-out rate. Dr. Griffin said that if the we cannot account for students we have to assume they have dropped out. She said the Schools want to find out why they are dropping out and want to provide intervention in the 9th grade. Dr. Griffin said she would also like to find funds to put a math program in the middle schools. Mr. Ed Gillespie, Finance Director for the Schools, presented information and demonstrated the Flanagan materials which are used as an assessment tool. Mr. Caravati asked about the time spent testing versus instruction, and Dr. Griffin said she does not believe that is a problem. Dr. Brown asked about the issue of the time students spend preparing to take a test, and asked how that dovetails with the broader goal of providing an education. He said he feels that would be a healthy discussion. Mr. Miles said it does take time to test students, but that makes it easier to assess the student. Dr. Brown said he hopes the Schools do not use the tests to narrow down instruction. Mr. Lynch said he thinks the rest of the community needs to hear the presentation given by the Schools at this meeting.