Rochester School Board
Instruction Committee
School Board Conference Room
March 22, 2007

7:00 PM

Members Present:	Members Absent:	Others Present:
Mrs. Anne Grassie, Chair Mr. Charles DeVito Mrs. Pamela Hubbard Mr. William Brennan Mr. Robert Watson	None	Mr. Kent Hemingway Mr. Tom Alberghini Mr. Robert Pedersen Mrs. Sally Riley Mrs. Nancy Warren 7:15

The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum present.

SHS English Department Presentation – Mr. Alberghini presented the Committee with information on developments in the SHS English Department. Details are attached. He explained how State regulations establishing course competencies have changed instruction and assessment in the English Department. Adult Ed, GED preparation, and alternative programs through E Block are all growing thanks to a cooperative effort offering alternative learning opportunities.

Summer reading will be encouraged for all SHS students. The proposed program is voluntary and will allow students to gain an extra 3 points on their final first term grade.

Running Start courses allowing students to gain college credit through SHS courses are successful. More electives are sought for students to build interest and literacy. Mr. Alberghini’s goal is for students to be continually enrolled in an English Department course and exceed the 4 credit minimum.

Mr. Alberghini expressed his gratitude for the support of the board and administration, the skills and motivation of his staff, and the enthusiasm and engagement of students.

Proposed Revised Calendar – Mr. Hemingway presented proposed changes to the calendar based on a number of factors. Details are attached.

Mr. Watson moved, second by Mr. DeVito, to accept the changes and recommend the revised 2007-2008 School Calendar to the full board. The motioned passed unanimously.

SHS Accreditation Update – Mr. Pedersen reported on the NEASC two year report indicating that SHS has met all but two of their recommendations. Mr. Pedersen is proud of the efforts by staff to meet criteria established in the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment and leadership.

RMS/SHS Master Schedule Update – Mr. Hemingway informed the Committee on progress developing next year’s schedules in both schools. Mrs. Riley indicated that reading instruction and tiered intervention will continue at RMS. Reading blocks will probably be scheduled at different times for each grade next year. Mr. Pedersen reported that the Spaulding schedule process is on target. Data has been entered; course selections identified and teacher department and teams are assigned. A simulated run to identify first level conflicts will happen in April.

Field Trips – The attached list of field trips was reviewed

Other - Professional Development – Mr. Hemingway reported on staff participation in the Seacoast Educational Services Conference at UNH last week. More than 50% of the districts para-professionals took advantage of the opportunity joining certified staff in this opportunity to hear world class educators. Laidlaw Transportation provided a commuter bus at no cost for 35 district staff.

Assessment – Mr. Hemingway encouraged Committee members to view the Data Wall display in the conference room detailing progress towards meeting the 90% Reading Goal.

At 8:25 pm, Mrs. Hubbard moved, second by Mr. DeVito, to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Anne Grassie, Chair