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HomeMy WebLinkAbout18a Education Report 6 21 May 2002OTTAWA - CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD REPORT NO. 6, EDUCATION COMMITTEE 21 May 2002 A meeting of the Education Committee was held this evening in the Trustees' Committee Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, commencing at 7:55 p.m. with Trustee Lange in the Chair, and the following in attendance: TRUSTEE MEMBERS: Lynn Graham, Margaret Lange, Jim Libbey, Myrna Laurenceson, and Joan Spice OTHER TRUSTEES: Sheryl MacDonald, and Lynn Scott NON - VOTING REPRESENTATIVES: Jane Thompson, Betty Tait, OCASC; Lisa Falls, OCETF; Nancy Myers, SEAC STAFF: Dan Mason, Superintendent, Educational Programs and Services; Marjorie Clegg, Coordinator, Quality Assurance; Margaret Dempsey, Principal, Staff Development; Ron Gaudreau, Centrally Assigned Position - Mathematics; Pat Irving, Principal, Rideau High School; Sprague Plato, Principal, Henry Munro Middle School; Bob Powell, Principal, Program - Elementary; Peter Zion, Principal, Program - Secondary; and Kim Young, Committee Coordinator. ALSO PRESENT: Hyacinth Haddad, Communications Coordinator; Trevor Robinson, Student Trustee. (W Note: Trustee Graham assumed the Chair until Trustee Lange's arrival at the meeting after item No. 2. Trustee Lange assumed the Chair for the remainder of the meeting. Approval of A eg nda On a motion by Trustee Laurenceson, the agenda was approved as presented. Public Question Period Lynne Oreek -Wener referred to the Grade 10 mathematics marks noted in Report No. 02 -132, Update on Tracking the Double Cohort/Mathematics Marks, and expressed the view that, based on her perception from speaking with teachers and students, students in the advanced level math courses in 1999- 2000, and students in academic level math courses in 2000 -2001 did not achieve comparable marks. Ms. Oreek -Wener asked why the Board is discouraging some students from taking Grade 11 U level math course, if the students are actually achieving similar results in the two courses, and if universities require it for admission. Marjorie Clegg noted that the results indicated similar distributions of student scores for the top percent of students across the two cohorts. More students received the top marks in the new course than in the old course, even though a smaller percentage of students passed the new course. She explained that the failure rate for Grade 10 advanced mathematics in 1999 -2000 was 15.3 %, while the failure rate for Grade 10 academic mathematics was 16.9 %. It would appear that that the new course is difficult for students at the lower end of the distribution, but not for students who are passing comfortably. With respect to the Grade 11 U (MCR3U) level course, Ron Gaudreau explained that it is designed for students who intend to study specialist mathematics, such as chemistry, or physics, at the university level. The MCR3U course is a prerequisite to the 4U Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus course (MCB4U) and the 4U Mathematics of Data Management course (MDM4U) and additionally, it is required for the 4U Geometry and Discrete Mathematics course (MGA4U). He suggested Education Committee 1 21 May 2002 �D that parents and students refer to the university course calendars to verify which of the 4U courses are required for entrance into their programs. Mr. Gaudreau explained that the other university/college stream math course (MCF3M) is designed for those who plan to attend university or college, but not necessarily in the area of mathematics. The MCF3M course is a prerequisite to two Grade 12 university Math courses, the 4U Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus course (MCB4U) and the 4U Mathematics of Data Management course (MDM4U). Receipt of Special Education Advisory Committee Report 1 May 2002 On a motion by Trustee Laurenceson, your Committee recommends: THAT REPORT NO.6, FROM THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE, DATED 1 MAY 2002, BE RECEIVED. (ATTACHED AS APPENDIX A) The report included a recommendation to the Board regarding the Special Education Plan for 2002 -2003, and 2003 -2004, and a recommendation regarding the review and revision of the identification processes used by the Board in identifying gifted children. In response to a query about the identification of gifted students process, Superintendent Mason clarified that it is not the issue of using a multi -faced identification process that is of concern to SEAC, but the actual criteria being used in the identification process. With respect to the signing of IPRC determinations as referenced on page 3 of the report, Superintendent Mason confirmed that if parents do not sign IPRCs within a designated time period, the school board is entitled to implement the IPRC as it was presented to the parents. He noted that another issue of concern to SEAC members was the possibility of parents losing their right to appeal the IPRC determinations by signing the IPRC that includes the caveat "subject to budget approval ". Legal counsel has indicated that it is appropriate for the Board to include the budgetary reference in the IPRC determination, and confirmed that parents would not be waiving their right of appeal by signing the IPRC determination with the inclusion of this clause. Nancy Myers expressed the view that many parents are unaware of their rights regarding this issue, and are searching for ways to deal with IPRCs they are dissatisfied with. Work Plan for Potential Sites of Additional International Baccalaureate (IB Programs in OCDSB Secondary Schools Your Committee had before it for consideration report No. 02 -115 seeking approval of the work plan related to the establishment of additional IB Programs in OCDSB secondary schools. The report included Policy P. 105.CUR: Changes to Programs and Program Delivery Structures at Secondary Schools, as well as Procedure PR.629.CUR: Changes to Programs and Program Delivery Structures at Secondary Schools. Principal Zion presented an overview of the report, noting that the revised work plan incorporates elements of the original work plan, as well as the Board's policy and procedure on changes to programs and program delivery structures at secondary schools. Trustee Scott referred to the reference to "the plan" in Numbers 6 through 9 of the work plan, and noted that the phraseology should be revised to reflect the outcome of the work plan process, i.e., recommendations by staff regarding the establishment of IB Program(s) at certain sites, to the Board for consideration. Trustee Scott moved the recommendation in the report: Education Committee 2 21 May 2002 A. THAT the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Work Plan be approved, subject to the replacement of "the plan" in Numbers 6 through 9 of the work plan with either "consideration of placement(s)" or "recommendations" to reflect the actual stage in the process, and; B. THAT the accompanying letter be sent to the secondary principals and school council chairs, informing them of the IB work plan and of an information session for principals and school council chairs of the schools which meet the criteria. Trustee Spice noted that the last phrase of Part B is redundant, and she emphasized the importance of inviting everyone to the information session on the IB Program, even if they are not considering the establishment of a program at their school at this time. An amendment by Trustee Spice THAT in Part B of the motion, "of the schools which meet the criteria" be deleted, and "the secondary principals" be replaced by "all secondary principals ", was accepted as friendly. Trustee Spice requested that the invitation to secondary school principals and school council chairs regarding the IB Program information session indicate that observers are also welcome to attend the session. She also suggested that if the session is to be held in the Mezzanine, that consideration be given to moving the meeting to a larger venue if the number of attendees warrant it. In response to Nancy Myers' expressed concern that the establishment of a new IB program at a school may impact on the already limited resources allocated to special education students, Superintendent Mason noted that there is a possibility that schools would incur additional costs in establishing the IB program, but indicated that it is too early in the process to predict the actual costs. The cost of the IB program, and its impact on other school programs, would likely be addressed by the Board when the IB program is being recommended for a particular school(s). In response to a query about the date of the information session, Principal Zion noted that the information meeting is scheduled to take place prior to the Board -wide retirement reception on 12 June 2002. Trustee Graham expressed the view that the criteria for potential sites of an IB Program may require some clarification for principals and school council chairs. In response to her query, Principal Zion explained that the criteria would be clarified at the meeting if necessary, and noted that, with regard to some of the criteria, system changes, for example, the double cohort leaving the system, would impact on some schools' ability to meet the criteria. It may be too early in the process to determine if some schools will or will not meet the criteria several years from now. Trustee Graham requested that, if information clarifying the criteria for potential IB Program sites is available for distribution at the information session, trustees be provided with it as well. During a brief discussion of the impact of IB Programs on programs for the gifted across the system, and a comparison of students enrolled in one program over the other, Superintendent Mason agreed that the issue needs to be addressed by the Board at some point, and offered to investigate the research literature on this issue and present a report to the Committee in future. Student Trustee Robinson asked that the letter of invitation regarding the information session also be extended to secondary student councils. Trustees expressed support for the motion, noting that there has been an interest in the community to establish one or more additional IB Program sites for some time. In wrap -up, Trustee Scott expressed the view that the western part of the Board would benefit from the establishment of an IB Program. She also expressed the view that the IB Program would be Education Committee 3 21 May 2002 rim suitable for some gifted students, and she agreed that an intensive, pedagogical discussion of secondary school program planning needs to take place in future. The motion, as amended, was carried. On a motion by Trustee Scott, your Committee therefore recommends: A. That the International Baccalaureate (IB) program work plan be approved, subject to the replacement of "the plan" in numbers 6 through 9 of the work plan with either "consideration of placement(s)" or "recommendations" to reflect the actual stage in the process, and; B. That the accompanying letter be sent to all secondary principals and school council chairs, informing them of the ib work plan and of an information session for principals and school council chairs. 5. Survey Results for OCDSB System Course Calendar for Secondary Schools Your Committee had before it for consideration report No. 02 -111, presenting the survey results of the OCDSB system course calendar for secondary schools. The report included a compilation of the responses to six survey questions related to different aspects of the system course calendar. Principal Zion provided a brief overview of the report, noting that generally, the feedback on the system course calendar was favourable, and concerns expressed by the respondents will be addressed. He noted that the 2003 -2004 edition would likely be less expensive, approximately $1.00 a copy, given the removal of the OAC section from the calendar. Trustee Graham moved the recommendation in the report, viz: THAT the OCDSB continue its practice of developing and distributing a system course calendar for all of its secondary schools for the 2003 -2004 academic year. Trustees speaking in support of the motion noted that the calendar appears to be accepted as useful by users across the system In response to a number of trustee queries, Principal Zion noted that the purpose of the system course calendar is not necessarily a marketing tool, but is rather intended to replace individual school course calendars with a consistent, informative document that assists parents and students in making program decisions. He noted his hesitation in establishing a committee of calendar users to address the issues raised in the survey results, expressing the view that their work might compromise the consistency of the calendar by attempting to make it all things to all people. Superintendent Mason noted that the establishment of the system course calendar required a significant allocation of staff resources, and that, if the motion is approved, staff will focus on maintaining the calendar in its current format, with efforts to improve various aspects over time, for example, photos of schools, etc. A number of trustees expressed appreciation to staff for including the full set of survey comments in the report, both those of a positive and a negative nature. During the course of discussion, staff agreed to take under advisement, the following suggestions for inclusion in next year's system course calendar: * Recommendation dealt with at the 27 May 2002 Board meeting. Education Committee 4 21 May 2002 • the student transfer policy, to promote to parents and students the Board's mandate (W of school choice. (Trustee Spice) • a secondary school boundary map to assist parents and students, especially new residents to Ottawa in making decisions regarding secondary schools and programs. (Jane Thompson); • a brief contribution by the President of the School Council of each school. In response to Trustee Sheryl MacDonald's suggestion, Principal Zion noted that asking printing companies for donations of paper to print the calendars may be problematic, as the Board has an agreement with a printing company at the moment that includes using its paper, its layout designers, etc. He agreed to take the issue under advisement. In wrap -up, Trustee Graham congratulated staff on a successful initiative, and urged the trustees to support the motion to continue using the system course calendar format for the 2003 -2004 school year. The motion was carried. On a motion by Trustee Graham, your Committee therefore recommends: THAT THE OCDSB CONTINUE ITS PRACTICE OF DEVELOPING AND DISTRIBUTING A SYSTEM COURSE CALENDAR FOR ALL OF ITS SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR THE 2003 -2004 ACADEMIC YEAR. 6. OCDSB School Review Process Your Committee had before it report No. 02 -139 providing an update on the School Review Process. A draft School Review Guide was distributed at the meeting. (W Superintendent Mason provided an overview of the report, noting that the purpose of the school review process is to maximize the quality of education for all students, to identify those areas of education that should be celebrated, and those areas which should be a focus for future development. The review process also provides schools with a base for school improvement planning, and an opportunity to scrutinize themselves with respect to quality assurance and, public accountability. Superintendent Mason explained that the review process is designed as a self - review using fairly strict parameters. To assist a school in undertaking a review, and to ensure some form of quality control of the process itself, the model includes the use of a lead auditor, a principal external to the school who would work with the school -based review team to carry out the review and generate the report. In response to a query, Superintendent Mason expressed the hope that all schools would undergo the review process in the next three to five years. In response to Trustee Sheryl MacDonald's expressed concern about adding to principals' workloads, Principal Plato noted that while this is a concern, the overall benefit to schools and the system as a whole is worth the time and effort on the review process. Principal Irving concurred, noting that much of the process involves principals working on the review on their own time. She expressed support for the review process, noting the benefit to principals as auditors of learning from other schools and bringing that knowledge back to their own schools. Trustee Lange thanked staff, including Principal Irving and Principal Plato for their input on this excellent system initiative. Arts Review Update (oral) Marjorie Clegg reported on the status of the Arts Review, noting that the Quality Assurance Division is continuing to collect survey data from principals, teachers and students, is collecting case studies, and is planning student forums in late May at five different school sites. Education Committee 5 21 May 2002 yH The Division will be presenting a semi -final report to the Arts Review Committee in June, after which the Committee will analyze the report and begin to formulate recommendations to the Board. The division will present its final report to the Committee in September, and following a few Committee meetings, the Arts Review Committee will present its recommendations to the Board. 8. Update on Tracking the Double Cohort/Mathematics Marks Your Committee had before it for information report No. 02 -132 presenting an interim report on tracking the mathematics marks of the double cohort. The report included an analysis of the Toronto District School Board and the OCDSB mathematics marks for Grade 10 students, the results of a survey of OCDSB secondary schools regarding issues related to the Grade 11 math courses, and a list of Reach Ahead and Make -Up courses being offered at Merivale HS and the Adult HS by Continuing Education. Marjorie Clegg provided an overview of the report, noting that the issue of concern to teachers regarding the Grade 11 course marks is related to the proper placement of students in courses. Schools are addressing issues in a number of ways, including the counselling of students and parents. Ron Gaudreau referred to a symposium held earlier that day, providing an opportunity for mathematics department heads to address their concerns about the implementation of the Grade 9 Applied Mathematics course, as well as the EQAO Grade 9 Applied Mathematics results. The purpose of the workshop was to allow the teachers to share best practices, review resources, and identify needs and the next steps needed to improve Grade 9 students' performance in Applied Mathematics. Ms. Clegg noted that district -wide examinations are planned for mathematics courses at the Grade 11 level in Math 3U and 3M. The examinations should assist students and staff by training teachers in assessment and evaluation, providing exemplar booklets for students and staff, and providing an opportunity for conference marking of test papers. Ms. Clegg referred to the Ministry's advisory committee's analysis of student marks for Grade 10 advanced courses in 1999 -2000 with student marks for Grade 10 academic courses in 2000 -2001, noting that there was a difference of less than one percent between the test results of students in the former advanced course, and the current academic course. The pass -fail data indicated that the differences in difficulty between the former and current math courses are much more pronounced for the applied courses. During the course of discussion, Trustee Libbey expressed concern about Grade 11 students' being disadvantaged not only by the double cohort issue, but also by the possibility that there are significant problems with the Grade 11 math courses. He noted the importance for school boards to clarify the issue with universities and colleges, explaining to them that this year's marks may an aberration, given the new secondary school curriculum and the double cohort. Trustee Scott expressed concern about the registration deadline for the summer school programs, noting that last year, many students missed the Ottawa- Carleton Catholic School Board deadline, as well as the OCDSB's. As a result, a number of summer school classes were cancelled due to a lack of registrants. She asked that staff ensure that the OCDSB registration deadline for Reach Ahead and remedial courses for this summer be extended as long as possible. Principal Zion agreed to relay Trustee Scott's concerns to Anna Bowles, Principal, Continuing Education, and her request that the issue be addressed. 9. Results of Education Oualitv Indicators Program (EQUIP) Surveys Your Committee had before it for information report No. 02 -131 presenting the results of the Education Quality Indicators Program (EQUIP) surveys conducted in the spring of 2001. The report included an overview of EQUIP, a summary of the surveys and the participants, an overview of the numerous difficulties with the EQUIP survey designs and implementation, the survey results at the elementary and secondary level, and an analysis of the results. troucatron C;omrruttee 6 21 May 2002 FA Marjorie Clegg provided an overview of the report, emphasizing the concerns about the validity of (W the survey design, especially the school safety surveys. She noted that these design, implementation and content issues should be kept in mind when interpreting the results. Ms. Clegg also noted that principals will be provided with their own school's results for use in school improvement planning. Some trustees commented, and staff agreed, that the school review process will likely be far more useful to schools and to the system as a whole, than the EQUIP results. Trustee Trevor Robinson acknowledged the problems with the data collection, but noted that he does not necessarily disagree with all of the findings. He suggested that in future, that students be asked to assist in preparing the questions in the survey. 10. New Business Trustee Scott asked that staff confirm the date of the Junior Kindergarten information session, as the date indicated on the OCDSB web site is incorrect. Superintendent Mason agreed to follow -up with the Communications department. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m Margaret Lange, Chair Education Committee Education Committee 7 21 May 2002