School Committee

LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2015-01-07 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. ROLL CALL: MINUTES: 3. 2014 / 514 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 17, 2014 PERMISSION TO ENTER: 4. 2015 / 1 Permission to Enter: January 7, 2015 MEMORIALS: 5. 2015 / 6 Janet Fenlon (Wholey) Mulligan, mother of Susan Mulligan, Shaughnessy School Principal, grandmother of Daniel Simmons, LHS Freshman Academy teacher, and Julie Simmons, Reilly School teacher. 6. 2015 / 7 Juleeya Kong, Lowell High School student. 7. 2015 / 8 Marta Hersek, LHS freshman Academy Science teacher. Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 2) SUBCOMMITTEES: 8. 2014 / 515 Lowell High School: Report of the Lowell High School Subcommittee Meeting of Tuesday, January 6, 2015 [David Conway, Chair] 9. 2014 / 516 Personnel: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, December 15, 2014 [Connie Martin, Chair] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 10. 2015 / 2 2014-2015 District Goals 11. 2015 / 3 Home Education 12. 2015 / 5 School Innovation Grant Opportunities NEW BUSINESS: 13. 2015 / 4 Vote to Accept Grant Award of $5,000 to STEM Program from MaCom Technology Solutions ADJOURNMENT: 14. ADJOURNMENT: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • P: 978.674.4324 • F: 978.937.7609 http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Date: 2015-01-07 Time: 6:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA SALUTE TO FLAG: 1. SALUTE TO FLAG: ROLL CALL: 2. ROLL CALL: MINUTES: 3. 2014 / 514 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 17, 2014 PERMISSION TO ENTER: 4. 2015 / 1 Permission to Enter: January 7, 2015 MEMORIALS: 5. 2015 / 6 Janet Fenlon (Wholey) Mulligan, mother of Susan Mulligan, Shaughnessy School Principal, grandmother of Daniel Simmons, LHS Freshman Academy teacher, and Julie Simmons, Reilly School teacher. 6. 2015 / 7 Juleeya Kong, Lowell High School student. 7. 2015 / 8 Marta Hersek, LHS freshman Academy Science teacher. SUBCOMMITTEES: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  (Page 2 of 2) 8. 2014 / 515 Lowell High School: Report of the Lowell High School Subcommittee Meeting of Tuesday, January 6, 2015 [David Conway, Chair] 9. 2014 / 516 Personnel: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, December 15, 2014 [Connie Martin, Chair] REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: 10. 2015 / 2 2014-2015 District Goals 11. 2015 / 3 Home Education 12. 2015 / 5 School Innovation Grant Opportunities NEW BUSINESS: 13. 2015 / 4 Vote to Accept Grant Award of $5,000 to STEM Program from MaCom Technology Solutions ADJOURNMENT: 14. ADJOURNMENT: Lowell Public Schools • 43 Highland Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Approval of the Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting of Wednesday, December 17, 2014 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 514 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Permission to Enter: January 7, 2015 To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 1 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Office of Finance & Operations Phone: (978) 674-2019 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 155 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 937-7620 Lowell, Massachusetts 08152 E-mail: jlang@lowell.k12.ma.us PERMISSION TO ENTER To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations Date: December 30, 2014 Subject: Permission to Enter – January 7, 2015 School Committee Meeting MIDAMERICA ADMINISTRATIVE & $ 47,250 RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS, INC. 211 East Main Street Suite 100 Lakeland, FL 33801 To provide plan administration, professional review, and IRS tax and regulatory compliance services for the Lowell Public Schools 403(b) investment programs, which are funded from voluntary salary reductions made by eligible employees of the Lowell Public Schools. This three year contract expiring December 31, 2017 and fees paid under this contract are based on the number of actual participating LPS staff. Funding provided by the Local Budget – Superintendent’s Office Contracted Services MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES. $ 12,000 One McKinley Square Boston, MA 02109 To provide recruitment services for the Superintendent of Schools search with technical assistance in conducting focus groups, developing leadership criteria, checking resumes and references, and interviewing coordination. Funding provided by the Local Budget – Superintendent’s Office Contracted Services  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Office Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Jay Lang Tel: (978) 674‐4325 Deputy Superintendent Tel: (978) 674‐2019 of Finance and Operations Fax: (978) 674‐2141 E‐Mail: jlang@lowell.k12.ma.us Memorandum To: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations Date: January 5, 2015 Re: MASC Contract Recommendation Attached please find a memorandum from Michael Cassidy, Director of Human Resources, pertaining to the request for quotes that he issued to engage the services of firm to assist the Lowell School Committee in the upcoming superintendent search. I recommend the school committee approve the transfer of $ 20,000 from the school committee suspense account to fund the contract with MASC and related advertising costs associated with the search as follows: Amount: $ 20,000 From: School Committee Suspense Account 99300003 - 577771 Amount: $ 12,000 To: Superintendent’s Office Contracted Services Account 99341206 - 530002 Amount: $ 8,000 To: Superintendent’s Office Advertising 99341206 - 531702  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of Personnel and Recruitment Henry J. Mroz Central Administration Offices 155 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852 Phone: 978 674 2021 Michael Cassidy Fax: 978 674 2143 Director of Human Resources Email: mcassidy@lowell.k12.ma.us Memorandum To: Jean Franco, Superintendent of Schools From: Michael Cassidy, Director of Human Resources Date: January 02, 2015 SUBJECT: VENDOR RECOMMENDATION An invitation for quotes was solicited related to the services sought by the Lowell School Committee to provide recruiting and technical support for the upcoming Superintendent of Schools search. The quote was delivered to three qualified vendors on Monday, December 22, 2014. Two vendors replied before the established deadline of Friday, January 2, 2015. Massachusetts Association of School Committees was the lowest bidder for the services ($12,000), which will focus on the following areas: a) Focus Groups: The search consultant, at the discretion of the School Committee, must conduct focus groups at each school level and hold separate meetings with community stakeholders, teachers, administrators, and central office personnel to identify community issues and priorities. The search consultant must compile the focus group summaries as requested, to help the School Committee assess needs, priorities and stakeholder opinions. b) Developing Leadership Criteria: The search consultant must work with the School Committee to take the results of the focus groups and incorporate them with the board’s priorities to develop leadership criteria. c) Resume Screening: The search consultant will train the Search Committee to screen resumes. In addition, the search consultant must review and screen candidates, and provide a recommended list of initial candidates for screening and interview at the discretion of the search or School Committee. d) Verifying Credentials: The search consultant must thoroughly verify a finalist’s credentials prior to the finalist stage, conduct thorough background checks as a routine part of a search process and assist with reference checks. e) Interview Sessions: It is expected that the search consultant will attend all interview sessions, acting as a liaison between the candidates and the committee(s). f) Question Development: The search consultant must share its resources and guides for question development, and provide several dozen models of questions from which the search committee or School Committee can craft its questions. I recommend that the Lowell School Committee approve this award and issue a purchase order for these services. Thank you for your consideration. cc: Jay Lang, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Janet Fenlon (Wholey) Mulligan, mother of Susan Mulligan, Shaughnessy School Principal, grandmother of Daniel Simmons, LHS Freshman Academy teacher, and Julie Simmons, Reilly School teacher. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 6 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Juleeya Kong, Lowell High School student. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 7 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Marta Hersek, LHS freshman Academy Science teacher. To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 8 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Lowell High School: Report of the Lowell High School Subcommittee Meeting of Tuesday, January 6, 2015 [David Conway, Chair] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 515 Recommendation: Background: Attachments: LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Phone: (978) 674-4323 144 Merrimack Street Fax: (978) 674-2146 Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 E-mail: cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us LHS Subcommittee Response to Motions TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: January 2, 2015 RE: LHS Subcommittee – Response to Motions Lowell High School Headmaster Brian Martin will speak to the following motions at the LHS Subcommittee meeting as well as discuss the 1826 Store. Response to Motions: * Athletic Uniforms * Status of Lowell High School Hockey Team * Status of Lowell High School sports statistician * Freshman Academy Banking Facilities * Facilities at LHS Athletic Fields * LHS Usage of Courtyard  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Personnel: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Monday, December 15, 2014 [Connie Martin, Chair] To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2014 / 516 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 2014-2015 District Goals To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 2 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Central Administration Offices Edith Nourse Rogers School 155 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 01852 . District Goals 2014-2015 Tel: 978-674-4324 Jean M. Franco Fax: 978-937-7609 Superintendent of Schools email: jfranco@lowell.k12.ma.us Mission Statement of The Lowell Public Schools Excellence in teaching and learning is essential to achieving academic results that allow students to: • Attain their future academic goals • Be prepared for college and beyond • Compete in the global marketplace • And ultimately achieve their dreams of a satisfying life Core Issues 1. Communication, Oversight, and Shared Leadership that results in excellence in teaching and learning that renders improved academic achievement for students. 2. Response to Instruction Model that allows for targeted instruction for all students and results in excellence in teaching and learning and improved academic achievement for students. 3. Narrowing of the achievement and growth gap for high needs student population Theory of Action: If we can better and more consistently identify when our students are not progressing or are not being adequately challenged, and more consistently assess why their needs are not being met in mainstream classrooms, AND we know and can build school capacity in delivering effective strategies for differentiation and interventions, THEN student growth and achievement will improve and we will be able to provide effective interventions to students who truly need them. Superintendent’s Goals 4-2015: Presented at the 1/7/15 SC Meeting Page 1 of 3  District Strategic Core Issue I: Communication, Oversight and Shared Leadership DESE Standard I: Instructional Leadership Standard IV: Professional Culture Goal 1 Professional Practice Goal Evidence Goal: Outcomes: Asses and continue to develop a comprehensive and coherent instructional 1. All agendas and evidence of Leaders professional learning forums system implemented and monitored with fidelity across the school district. 2. Visits will be followed by individual feedback to each administrator visited through Teach Point. Theory of Action: In 2014-2015, if the Lowell Public Schools District 3. Each school visit focuses the supervision and evaluation to formal Leadership Team strengthens Tier I instruction in each classroom by ensuring adult learning content being learned in leadership professional learning we are: 1) student-centered; 2) teaching for understanding; 3) teaching for 4. Feedback is clear and interactive learner differences; 4) guiding and monitoring student discourse; 5) reaching 5. Evaluation process is tied to current formative student achievement from Standards to rigor and depth; 6) and, using progress monitoring to inform data instruction, then Lowell Public Schools will have a focused and coherent 6. All Students should make at least one year’s growth instructional system that will support student achievement. 7. Maintenance of Accountability Status in all Schools and a 10% increase in schools that move to the next level of accountability  Unified plan for administrative professional learning Action Steps  Cohesive Leadership team district focus on Tier 1 instruction  Convene Professional Learning Community Forums for administrator POSSIBLE INDICATORS AND ELEMENTS FROM THE EDUCATOR EVALUATOR SYSTEM:  Standard I A-E observation, reflection and feedback, through building the collective  Standard IV A-E professional learning of leaders, instructional rounds and other methods  Provide mentoring and support for new administrators to instill clarity of instruction  Provide Administrative and Coaching support for teachers to insure  Increase number of unannounced visits and opportunities for feedback clarity of effective tier 1 instruction  Connect each school visit to current data and provide data as aligned to by the Superintendent of Schools and administrative team  Improve data presentation system the assessment calendar before and discuss after visit  Conduct Formative Assessment data reviews of schools before and at time of a visit to enable informed discussion for status of Superintendent’s Goals 4-2015: Presented at the 1/7/15 SC Meeting  progress/department Continue to Strengthen the Educator Evaluation System Implementation DESE Standard IV Professional Culture Goal 2– Educator Evaluation Goal Evidence Goal: Outcomes: Continue to strengthen the Educator Evaluation System as negotiated, to 1. Release day agendas, etc. empower, teachers and administrators to focus on areas of growth; to 2. Evidence of continuing the clarity of understanding the Evaluation reflect upon practice to continuously improve teacher practice and student Process through consistent communication achievement as indicated by year-end report of implementation. (newsletters, Release day agendas) 3. Provide evidence of team goals collected Theory of Action: If all educators are supported effectively to implement 4. Agendas of leaders professional learning focused on evaluation SMART goals that connect district and school goals to educator professional calibration practice goals and student outcomes THEN the alignment of district initiatives 5. Provide evidence of common data used for evaluation cycles district- and professional practice will improve and render improved student outcomes wide 6. Provide ongoing updates on implementation of DDMs and newly  Retain focused support of the Educator Evaluation Process and plan for Action Steps: designed DDMs 7. Provide real data growth and progress as measured by the real data  Negotiate and Implement District Determined Measures future indicators collected  Continue regular common communication to all educators from the 8. Provide consistent formal assessment data to the curriculum subcommittee at the middle and end of the year 9. Improved data systems for educators  Enhance the Evaluation Process to build reflective practice tied to Joint Committee for Educator Evaluation (JCEE) 10. Agendas of JCEE meetings focused on progressing and implementing teacher growth and leader progress through participation in DESE the Educational Evaluation System  Empower teacher and administrative leadership to build school and Model Feed Back Survey Administration Project for students and staff POSSIBLE INDICATORS AND ELEMENTS FROM THE  Continue to clarify the meaning of Proficiency across the school system personal goal setting and use of data to measure progress EDUCATOR EVALUATOR SYSTEM:  Work with evaluators on reliable assessment of practice  Standard IV A-E in the context of existing and newly added indicators and elements  Connect the use of data and District Determined Measures (DDM) pilot Superintendent’s Goals 4-2015: Presented at the 1/7/15 SC Meeting   to all educators throughout the year Establish a working group to calibrate best practices system-wide District Strategic Core Issue I: Communication, Oversight and Shared District Strategic Core Issue I: Communication, Oversight and Shared Leadership Leadership DESE Standard III: Family and Community Engagement DESE Standard III: Family and Community Engagement Goal 3 Goal Evidence Goal: Outcomes: Using current data and knowledge of successful communication systems 1. Continue growth in parent, community and business partner and processes that have rendered results both nationally and in Lowell, the communication over the year as provided by schools and district as district will review and refocus the systems of overall communication, indicated by attendance at district-wide forums and response to surveys create forums for authentic input from parents, community and business throughout the year, and parent listening sessions. partners and constituency groups to improve overall public relations and 2. The return rate of 49% on the Title I survey that is distributed annually public participation. to all K-8 parents will increase by 5% 3. Survey result trends will be used to plan for increased parent Theory of Action: If district administrators continue to build knowledge and participation at district and school levels by determining high leverage expertise grounded in best practices and research in education around family areas identified by parents and enhance current systems to support engagement, AND we clarify the purpose and choices of communication with parent engagement all constituency groups, AND we develop systems for two-way communication 4. Professional development opportunities evidenced by calendar of to build the level of confidence and authentic input from parents and community events, sign-in sheets, agendas and participant evaluations partners, THEN parent and community participation will increase and render 5. Evidence of increased direct communications to families and partners results that impact expanded opportunities for student interaction and student through use of Connect Ed achievement. 6. Evidence of Project LEARN expansion and outcomes 7. Improved technology systems for communication including the Parent  Survey parents, practitioners and partners for reliable input in multiple Action Steps: University website 8. Completed review of Family Resource Center processes and languages to identify the need for district parent and community procedures and development of a plan including recommendations with  Continue to work with parents groups that represent the diverse involvement structures and ongoing support a proposed development and implementation timeline 9. Increased offerings of system-wide professional learning for parents  Solicit participation from all district departments and schools in population of Lowell students to assist in planning including monthly district-wide forums for parents 10. Expanded program opportunities for families as evidenced by schedule Superintendent’s Goals 4-2015: Presented at the 1/7/15 SC Meeting  planning a Parent University webpage of events, program agendas and participant evaluations Provide district level parent workshops for all families and Special 11. The updated practices will result in a 10% increase in overall parent Education PAC Meetings on a monthly basis sponsored by the Special participation in surveys, meetings and forums  Education Department Utilize current leadership structures to share best practice around  parent and community engagement Conduct monthly meetings with parent liaisons and provide professional development opportunities to enhance their capacity for  supporting parent engagement in their perspective schools Collaborate with community agencies to provide parent forums and  district-wide opportunities for families Host monthly Early Childhood Advisory Meetings to increase connections with families and enhance systems of outreach to children  ages 0-5 Provide parent education in collaboration with community partners including: attendance interventions to support families of children with chronic absences as part of District AIM Meetings, Options- Based Safety Trainings for families to learn about the district’s newly developed safety protocol and substance abuse prevention information for families to learn about the warning signs of substance abuse and  community supports available Provide district leaders with the opportunity to participate in state conferences focused on parent engagement and develop a plan for  sharing promising practices with school-based leaders Conduct a comprehensive assessment of Family Resource Center practices to ascertain systems to enhance family engagement via web  enhancements and program offerings Increase video and public display of public involvement Superintendent’s Goals 4-2015: Presented at the 1/7/15 SC Meeting  Goal 4 – Management and Operations Goal Evidence Standard II: Management & Operations Goal: Outcomes: To provide a physical environment conducive to teaching and learning that 1. Review student demographic and enrollment projections incorporates educational spaces that meet the unique program and 2. Access the existing conditions of each school building in the district enrollment needs of Lowell Public School students. 3. Conduct visioning sessions with district leadership to identify long- range educational goals pertaining to the physical environment of each Theory of Action: school building in the district 4. Develop a ten-year capital plan for the Lowell Public Schools The physical and programmatic environment in which students access their 5. Develop and submit Statement of Interests to the Massachusetts School education is an important contributing factor to success. IF the Lowell Public Building Authority (MSBA) for the priority project(s) approved Schools provides appropriate facilities and educational spaces to address the 6. Review student demographic and enrollment projections district’s core issues, AND the Lowell Public Schools provides high quality 7. Document the existing 2014/15 programmatic use of each school programs which meet the needs of Lowell’s existing and future population, building in the district THEN our instructional system will support student achievement and render 8. Develop educational program options for the elementary, middle and improved student outcomes. high school level programs based upon the projected student enrollments for the 2015/16 and 2016/17 school years  To perform a physical and programmatic assessment of the Lowell Action Steps: Public School facilities and develop a Master Plan for critical maintenance, renovations, additions and/or building replacements to  To analyze the results of the physical and programmatic assessment of guide the school system over the next 10 years. the Lowell Public School facilities and develop options for elementary and/or middle school alignment of facility spaces to best meet the anticipated programmatic needs of the Lowell Public Schools for the 2015/16 and 2016/17 school years. Superintendent’s Goals 4-2015: Presented at the 1/7/15 SC Meeting  District Core Issue II: Response to Instruction Model Standards I, IIC and IV Goal 5 - Curriculum Student Achievement Goal Goal Evidence - Improve Lowest Performing Level 3 Schools Goal: The Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Office will continue Outcomes: to provide structures and assistance for all schools by developing a multi- 1. Focused school improvement plans have been updated and are being tiered system of differentiated support. monitored in the lowest performing Level 3 schools as evident through the Standard Bearer Process goals of:  Improving academic achievement of all students Theory of Action: If under my leadership, the Curriculum, Instruction and  Bringing formal critical thinking that address causation to Assessment Office administrators assist schools in implementing systems and structures that enable regular progress monitoring and provide coaching  supports to schools to guide them in adjusting their data-informed instruction school improvement through a multi-tiered system of differentiated support then student Involving students, parents and the community in improving  Maintaining accountability for educational excellence at the achievement will improve and student growth will increase. learning  school level  Prepare and disseminate a calendar and materials for regular district Action Steps: School visit logs assessments in ELA, math and science in order to provide schools with 2. Staff expectations of instructional focus and outcomes will continue to data they need to make adjustments to key practices and classroom improve as indicated through collaboration with coaches and team instruction. Differentiate Curriculum Office assistance to schools members through ongoing coaching cycles through a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) based on needs 3. Enhanced greater communication around academic outcomes between the district and school teams that result in improved school culture as  Oversee the work of the District Support Team in providing targeted indicated through consistent monitoring of student data. measured in TELLS Data and CTAC survey data in Level 3 Priority Schools.  Continue the development of coaching resources and processes to help support to the Robinson and McAvinnue Schools 4. Improved Student Growth Performance as indicated by quarterly formative assessment data.  Continue to visit and monitor schools with level 3 status to ensure educators adjust practice and deliver effective interventions 5. Teacher leadership improvement change is evident by group positive cultures are growing, data is constantly informing the participation and planning in district involved level 3 schools. implementation of key practices and instruction, and student 6. DST Agendas, meeting notes and school visit logs. 7. DST Assessment Calendar completed and aligned with schools’  Monitor the implementation Math In Focus Program at grade 5 and achievement is progressing. assessment schedules  On-call advice and support provided to all schools by all DST team provided target professional development for teachers. 8. Improved student achievement through targeted interventions and enrichment programs such as Knowledge Bowl, Science STEM Teams, members Science Fairs, Math Tournament, Civics Day, and more. Superintendent’s Goals 4-2015: Presented at the 1/7/15 SC Meeting   Advise Leadership Advisory and develop resources and programming 9. District Wide Assessment Calendars that will be delivered in leadership and followed- up on after 10. Use of formative assessment information including; SMI, SRI, Galileo, Fountas and Pinnell 11. Assistant Superintendent and Coordinators will meet with principals and coaches after benchmark assessments to identify areas of growth and weakness and plan mid-course changes if necessary. 12. Coordinators will assist schools in identifying the proper protocols for LASW (looking at student work) 13. Coordinators will work with Instructional Coaches on updating rubrics in Literacy and Mathematics POSSIBLE INDICATORS AND ELEMENTS FROM THE EDUCATOR  Standard I A-E EVALUATOR SYSTEM:  Standard II C  Standard IV A-E Goal 6 Continued Progress with Alternative Programs Goal 6 Alternative Programs Goal Evidence Goal: Outcomes: Using current data and knowledge of successful dropout prevention 1. Engagement model developed for Lowell High School students 16 years or programs that have rendered results both nationally and for Lowell older requiring alternative placement with a pilot program implemented for students, the district will continue to assess and refine Alternative School 2014-2015 Programs. 2. Grant applications submitted by December 2014 and implementation plans developed upon notification of grant awards to support ongoing alternative Theory of Action: If district administrators continue to build knowledge and program advancement expertise grounded in best practices and research in education around 3. Increased options for supporting academic growth and career readiness for Alternative Education Programs, AND we identify needs of students through students at the LHS Career Academy: Career Series in place by November data analysis AND we enhance the capacity of Alternative School teams to 2014 and draft Internship Plan developed for implementation in August of address those needs by providing coaching and delivering differentiated 2015 Superintendent’s Goals 4-2015: Presented at the 1/7/15 SC Meeting supports to Alternative Schools through a multi-tiered system of support, 4. Cardinal O’Connell and LHS Career Academy improvement plans drafted THEN students growth and achievement will improve and students will be on a by December 2014 along with schedule for assessment of plan trajectory to reach their full potential. implementation; targeted areas for growth will improve from baseline 5. Increased behavioral interventions and supports available for at risk Action Steps: students with Cardinal O’Connell and LHS Career Academy staff trained in Launch the Lowell Public School’s Engagement Center as a pilot part-time the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Framework: Provide program option for LHS students ages 16 and over for 2014-2015 school year training to support Tier I implementation at the Cardinal and Tier I and II with a review process including data collection to determine program impact on implementation at the Career Academy evidenced by classroom student growth and achievement and determine plans for the 2015-2016 school observations, culture team agendas and review of discipline data  Pursue grants to enhance Alternative Education options in Lowell with year 6. Tier II Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports in place at the Cardinal O’Connell and Tier III in place at the Career Academy for 2015- focus on the Cardinal O’Connell School and further development of the 2016 school year  Develop a Career Pathway Speaker Series and Internship Options for LHS Career Academy 7. Professional development survey completed by September 2014 with a schedule for professional development and school visits created by  Develop improvement plans with specific target areas for the Cardinal students at the Career Academy December 2014. Professional development plan evidenced by agendas, staff evaluations and school-based observation of practice following the O’Connell and Career Academy which include monitoring of progress professional development  Provide professional development for Alternative Education during 2014-2015 8. Alternative School Referral Guidelines in place by October 2014 with quarterly review of implementation Coordinators including collaborative structures to share best practices 9. Decreased disciplinary infractions at all Alternative Programs compared  Research service learning models and provide professional and peer visitations with 2013-2014 data 10. Increased attendance rate at all Alternative Programs compared with 2013-  Continue training for Cardinal O’Connell (year 1) and Career Academy development for staff in the middle school alternative programs 2014 data 11. Decreased dropout and failure rate at all Alternative Programs compared (year 2) staff in the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports with 2013-2014 data Framework Develop Alternative School Referral Guidelines aligned with M.G.L. POSSIBLE INDICATORS AND ELEMENTS FROM THE  Standard III A-D Chapter 222 for implementation in 2014-2015 EDUCATOR EVALUATOR SYSTEM: District Core Issue III: Narrowing of the achievement and growth gap for high needs student populations Improve Dropout rate and success level of all students Standard III: Family and Community Engagement Superintendent’s Goals 4-2015: Presented at the 1/7/15 SC Meeting  Goal 7 Improve Attendance Rates Goal Evidence Goal: Outcomes: Using current data and knowledge of successful attendance intervention 1. Social Worker and Guidance Counselor attendance goals developed by and dropout prevention programs that have rendered results both November 2014 nationally and for Lowell students, the district will develop collaborative 2. Year one implementation and evaluation of the District’s Attendance structures and school-based plans to improve attendance, reduce failure Intervention Plan as evidenced by attendance intervention data input rates due to poor attendance, and decrease the dropout rate. into X2 transactions field, school-based team feedback and overall district attendance data Theory of Action: If district administrators continue to build knowledge and 3. School-Based Attendance Teams in place by June 2015; attendance expertise grounded in best practices and research in education around data results of students participating in teams will improve as attendance and dropout prevention, AND we identify needs of students and compared to baseline data of each participant families through data analysis AND we enhance the capacity of school teams to 4. AIM Team in place inclusive of district, DCF and Juvenile Court address those needs by providing coaching and delivering differentiated membership with a schedule of meetings established by October 2014; attendance data results of students participating in teams will improve supports to schools through a multi-tiered system of support, THEN student as compared to baseline data of each participant growth and achievement will improve and students will be on a trajectory to 5. District Dropout Prevention Task Force in place by October 2014, reach their full potential. monthly meeting schedule and a calendar of team participation in state events developed by November 2014 and dropout prevention action Action Steps: steps developed by June 2014  6. Professional development schedules, meeting calendars, and completed Develop goals focused on improving attendance for school-based products provided as evidence of attendance work  social workers and guidance counselors 7. Baseline data collected on the number of students referred to summer Provide coaching for school-based administrative teams to support the school for attendance in 2014 implementation of Lowell’s newly developed District Attendance 8. The failure rate due to attendance only will decrease by .35%  Intervention Plan in all schools aligned with state legislation 9. The attendance rate will increase from 93.9% to 94.9% (state rate) Provide coaching and modeling for school-based administrative teams 10. The dropout rate will decrease from 2.9% to 2.2% (state rate) to support the implementation of the newly developed District Attendance Improvement Model - Lowell AIM to address students  with chronic absences Establish a Dropout Prevention Task Force to research dropout prevention models and provide guidance on the development of action steps toward the development of a District Dropout Prevention Plan Superintendent’s Goals 4-2015: Presented at the 1/7/15 SC Meeting  Establish a team comprised of district and school-based administrators POSSIBLE INDICATORS AND ELEMENTS FROM THE EDUCATOR to participate in the DESE Dropout Prevention and Re-Engagement EVALUATOR SYSTEM: Working Group strategy sessions and webinars for the 2014-15 school year Standard III A-D Superintendent’s Goals 4-2015: Presented at the 1/7/15 SC Meeting  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Home Education To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 3 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Henry J. Mroz Administration Offices Edith Nourse Rogers School 43 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 M. Claire Abrams Tel: (978) 674-4323 Assistant Superintendent email:cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: January 2, 2015 RE: Request for Home Education The following parent/guardian seeks permission to home educate their child: Carol Nyereyegona 100 Massmills Drive Apt. 508 Under General Laws Chapter 76, Section 1, Home Education is constitutionally permissible. Therefore, I recommend approval of this request. If granted, the number of families approved by the Lowell School Committee to home school will total 32 and the total number of children will be 46. MCA/nc  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 School Innovation Grant Opportunities To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 5 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  Lowe ll Public Schools LOW ELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 43 Highland Stree t Phone: (978) 674-4320 Lowe ll, Massachuse tts 08152 Vote to Accept Grant Award of $5,000 to STEM Program from MaCom Technology Solutions To: Members of the Lowell School Committee From: Lowell Public Schools Agenda Item: 2015 / 4 Recommendation: Background: Attachments:  LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Phone: (978) 674-4323 144 Merrimack Street E-mail: cabrams@lowell.k12.ma.us Lowell, Massachusetts 01852 Grant Award to STEM Program TO: Jean M. Franco, Superintendent FROM: M. Claire Abrams, Assistant Superintendent DATE: December 29, 2014 RE: Grant Awards I wish to inform you that the following company has committed grant funds in support of Lowell’s STEM program pending acceptance by the Lowell School Committee. This financial support is a commitment by this local company for a total of $5,000.00 to encourage the implementation of workshops, pre-engineering programs and robotics that we are offering to our middle school students to fuel STEM career paths. Thanks to: MaCom Technology Solutions 100 Chelmsford St. Lowell, MA 01852 If the members of the Lowell School Committee are in favor of accepting this donation I recommend the following action/vote be taken: To accept the grant fund of $5000 from MaCom to offset STEM costs; and that the grant funds be deposited in the Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Revolving Fund, supporting Science / STEM activities and payment(s) for the STEM programs supported by MaCom will be dispersed from this revolving account. I would like to thank Martha Cohn, Coordinator, PreK-12 Science and Social Studies, in securing this grant.