9-17-12

September 17, 2012 ~ Meeting Summary

Members Present:

Topic:

Protocol Used:

Key Points of Discussions:

Decisions Made:

General Minutes: September 17, 2012

Review of the common expectations.

OUR NORMS


 * 1) start and end on time
 * 2) maintain a sense of humor
 * 3) clear focus
 * 4) respect opinions
 * Discussion of the ATLAS Looking at Data
 * Discussion of the ATLAS Looking at Data

9/24

Data Observations

PLG Lynch In response to the questions our group responded as follows:

//What are the 5 most important observations we can make about the data?//


 * Summary of Scores**:

Right there with the state avg., but wee need to continue to work with the lower scores to get them up.

We are higher than the state average/proficient

Very limited view/just one year/a single year of data does not provide enough information. It would be good to see 6/7 years of data to see where we are.

Looking at the 3 year span/we have held steady/the question is—is that a bad thing? Would we expect to plateau between gains? Should we worry about not making gains?

If the gains are not being made after a significant amt. of time/effort applied is that when to be concerned?


 * SAT/MHSA**

Not meeting/partial? We have held steady.

Interesting to see the large drop in achievement—what is this attributed to?

If you have a strong class the data will show positive. If you have a class that has large amt. of Special Ed/that may affect numbers.


 * Writing Results**

Our achievement level 2011/2012 there is concern with the low percentage of P w/ D

Cape Elizabeth? Some of these schools have higher socio-economic advantages. How were the schools chosen?
 * Writing Scores**

How much per student does each of these districts spend per student? Compared how much we spend per student.

Do we have someone in the district who is responsible for examining this data for a comprehensive plan? We need someone to advise us with the data. We need a data analyzer/expert who would issue a plan. We are not professional data analysts.

//What are 3 - 5 important conclusions we can draw from the data?//

The data is limited.

The data is up for interpretation.

We need an expert in data analysis to assist us in understanding our weak areas.

What are our strengths as well as our weaknesses?

//What are some barriers (out of our control) that have an effect on the data?//

Demographics

Per pupil spending

The content of the test/when the test is given—is it a good time of year?

Do we really talk about test with our students and have them understand the importance of it?

Why can’t we have a strong SAT prep test for students?

Are there repeat test takers? How familiar are the students with the test?

Culture/home life??? Is there support?

What are some next steps we should take as a staff in our PLG's?

Wait for professional data analysis.

Some outside viewpoints may be enlightening.

Look at schools that have made gains that have similar socio-economic backgrounds What instructional strategies or approaches could we use individually or collaboratively to improve the data?

More exposure for our kids/educate them about the strategies and make them familiar with the test.

Help them become familiar with the order of the test. Tell them the writing piece is at the beginning of the test.

Mock testing for students.