MMW Teacher and Secondary Health Chair, Deanne Hoppe, spoke ...

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8 Ms. Swiecichowski outlined the communications efforts to inform staff and community residents about the new instructional models. These included press releases to local and metro newspapers; the Minnetonka School News postcard that goes to every household in the District; the electronic newsletter that is sent the day after each Board meeting and that summarizes action taken; web site resources that included all of the PowerPoint presentations; a Question and Answer sheet; an interactive response area and an on-line form where people could comment and give their opinions on the models. Ms. Swiecichowski said the District’s website would be updated during the next two months so the community would be aware of when the proposals were being considered and that information would be distributed to people using the Early Childhood Family Education programs. At this point in the proceedings, Board members took a short break. 8. PRE-AP MODEL Superintendent Peterson explained that the Pre-AP program was a new concept and Dr. Larson would provide the background information. By way of a PowerPoint presentation, Dr. Larson explained that the goal of Advanced Placement (AP) classes was to provide a challenging and rigorous curriculum for high achieving students and that these courses at the high school level culminate in an assessment that may award college credit. Dr. Larson said that the Pre-Advanced Placement model was an extension of this Advanced Placement model. He noted that the courses cover some of the main themes offered at the high school level with the intention of preparing middle level students with a preview and introduction to the rigor and expectations of a high school level AP course. While the curriculum is similar to the high school level, Dr. Larson said it was geared toward middle level learners, specifically 6 th - 8 th graders. Dr. Larson also spoke about Advanced Placement Vertical Teaming that he explained was a group of teachers from different grade levels in a given discipline working cooperatively to develop and implement a vertically aligned program aimed at helping students acquire the skills necessary for success in the Advanced Placement Program. He also addressed how students would be selected; where the program should be located; how the program would be implemented; and the costs and benefits of providing the Pre-AP model for students. Dr. Larson said there was still much work to be done and that the program could not be ready for 2007-08. He said that it was important to collect public input on the initiative and to get direction from the School Board. “If the program is adopted, we would need to hold public information sessions, work with the staff to build support; identify teachers for training and implementation and begin the application process for students,” he said. 9. MIDDLE YEARS IB PROGRAM By way of a PowerPoint presentation, Dr. Larson gave a description of the Middle Years International Baccalaureate Programme, whose mission he said was to “…develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” He explained that the
9 Strategic Plan approved in 2003 had an IBO component and the 2004-05 Instructional Models Task Force recommended pursuing the Middle Years IB model. Dr. Larson spoke about the eight subject groups of the curriculum and explained the areas of interaction including approaches to learning; community awareness; health and social education and the environment. He also outlined the areas of focus that included communication; holistic learning; internationalism and cultural awareness and shared information on how students were selected; where the programme should be located; the challenges and solutions; start-up costs; and the next steps that would include gathering public input and getting direction from the School Board. Middle School Principal, Bill Jacobson, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, saying it was a “perfect fit” at the middle level. He said staff members were supportive and enthusiastic about the program because it “…aligned with everything they want to do for their students in middle school.” Discussion followed, at which time Board members shared their opinions about the Pre-AP and Middle Years IB programs. Board member Stefan said both were “very interesting concepts,” but said she did not think she could support either of them for the upcoming fall. Board member Wenmark expressed caution because of the cost of the program and his reluctance to “outsource our students to anybody.” Chairperson Adams said she was personally “very interested” in both the Pre-AP and Middle Years IB programs, and applauded the analysis and wisdom of staff members in looking at what happens at the middle school level because of the impact it has on the success of the program at the high school. Dr. Peterson said because it was important to consider how Pre-AP and middle years IB programs at one or both middle schools would impact students moving to the high school, these programs would have to be studied for at least a year. Board members then discussed next steps in the consideration of the instructional models presented that evening. 10. ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION Langseth moved, Erdahl seconded, adjournment to executive session at 10:45 p.m. Upon vote being taken thereon, the motion carried unanimously. ____________________________________ Pamela J. Langseth, Clerk
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MMW Teacher and Secondary Health Chair, Deanne Hoppe, spoke ...

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