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The meeting convened at 1:15 p.m.
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CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP: CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH PERFORMING
SCHOOLS
Ms. Russlynn Ali, Executive Director, Education Trust West, advised that there is a pervasive and destructive myth in this country that poor children and children of color cannot learn at the same rate and rigor as their peers.
Ms. Ali showed a number of overheads that compared the scores of White and Asian students with Latino and African American students on Stanford 9 and the high school exit examination; the number of students who graduate from high school; and the number of students entering the CSU and UC systems.
Ms. Ali advised that on December 13, 2001, the Education Trust West produced a report citing high performing, high minority, and high poverty schools in the state and the nation. She reviewed the data that pertained to District schools.
Ms. Ali reported that the lowest performing schools in the District are 2 1/2 times more likely to have an unlicensed teacher than the top performing schools. Students in schools with high Black and Latino enrollments and students in poorer schools are more likely to have an unlicensed teacher.
Ms. Ali announced that on February 21, 2002, Senator Alarcon introduced Senate Bill 1731 which would
require that all high schools enroll every student in the A-G curriculum unless, after the students are made
aware of their choices, they opt out of the rigorous curriculum, falling back into the minimum curriculum
with their parents' and school's consent.
Ms. Ali responded to questions raised by the Committee.
IMPLEMENTING CULTURALLY RELEVANT EDUCATION WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE STANDARDS
Ms. Hayes reported that she recently participated in a book reading and classroom visitation at 68th Street School. She was amazed to see 4th and 5th grade students doing algebra. Ms. Hayes invited Ms. Rosalinda Lugo, Principal, 68th Street School, to discuss how a high performing, high poverty, high students of color school succeeds.
Ms. Lugo advised that in 1997, 68th Street School was identified as one of the 100 lowest performing schools in the District. Under the leadership of the previous principal, the school applied and received the comprehensive school reform demonstration grant and selected "Success for All" as a reform passway. Test scores have improved steadily. Ms. Lugo's goal is for students to read at grade level and to reach academic success.
Mr. Alan Rosenberg, Technology Specialist at 68th Street School, highlighted the school's accomplishments and goals.
Ms. Deborah Todd, SFA Literacy Coach at 68th Street School, described the Success for All reading
program.
Mr. Alberto Lopez, 5th grade teacher at 68th Street School, spoke about effective instruction, academic
rigor, teacher attitude, and administrative support.
Mr. Lance Mitchell, 4th and 5th grade teacher at 68th Street School, discussed Standards-based instruction and using instructional materials and resources to improve student achievement.
Ms. Marina Villatorro, President of the Bilingual Advisory Committee at 68th Street School, spoke about parent involvement, increased attendance at parent meetings, and parent activities.
Ms. Lugo and Ms. Todd responded to questions raised by the Committee.
UPDATE ON MATHEMATICS PLAN
Ms. Shannon advised that the item "Evaluation of District Math Plan Baseline Report" on the agenda pertains to a report from Program Evaluation and Research Branch which provides baseline data for what was occurring in math before the District began its math initiative.
Ms. Masters reported that the purpose of the Mathematics Plan is to improve mathematics instruction at all grade levels in order to promote higher mathematics achievement; deepen the mathematics content knowledge of teachers, coaches, coordinators and administrators; and to provide access to a rigorous mathematics curriculum for all students.
Ms. Masters spoke about the structure of the Central Office, the structure of the mathematics departments and the allocation of mathematics coaches at each Local District office, professional development, mathematics training sessions, Third Grade LAUSD/UCLA Collaborative Institute, textbook adoptions, pacing plans and assessments, two new proposed high school courses (High School Exit Exam Prep course and Integrated Math course), the baseline report on Algebra and Algebra Prep, the Fall 2000 and
2001 grades for Algebra 1A, the elementary intersession/summer school, the Carnegie pilot for Districts C and I, and future programs that are being developed.
Ms. Masters responded to questions raised by the Committee.
Mr. Dale Virgil, Superintendent, Local District J, spoke about the implementation of Algebra I in District J.
Mr. Virgil, Mr. David Harris and Mr. Fernando Bustamante, Math Teachers at Nimitz Middle School, and Ms. Barbara Gee, Coordinator, Instructional Services, District J, responded to questions raised by the Committee.
EVALUATION OF DISTRICT READING PLAN‹YEAR 1
Dr. Oliver provided the Committee with a copy of the District Reading Plan Evaluation for 2000-01. The report includes data from interviews, questionnaires, classroom observations, and student outcome measures. Dr. Oliver reviewed the findings of the report.
Dr. Oliver advised that in 2001-02, the evaluation will continue to focus on both implementation and impact as schools phase the program into third grade. This will provide the first opportunity to examine if students are literate by third grade.
Dr. Oliver responded to questions raised by the Committee.
DISTRICT MATHEMATICS PLAN EVALUATION BASE REPORT
Dr. Bartell provided the Committee with a copy of the District Mathematics Plan Evaluation and indicated that it was a receipt item.
Notes by: Dinah Edwards, Board Secretariat
AGENDA
PRESENTATION DISCUSSION
FOCUS: CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP PRESENTERS TIME TIME
1. Closing the Achievement Gap: Characteristics Russlynn Ali 10 Min. 10 Min.
of high performing schools Executive Director
Education Trust West
2. Implementing culturally relevant Rosalinda Lugo, Principal 20 Min.
education within the context of the Deborah Todd,
standards. SFA Literacy Coach
Presentation by 68th Street School Lance Mitchell, Teacher
(Handouts) Alberto Lopez, Teacher
Marina Villatorro,
President-Bilingual Committee
Daisy Moran, President-Title I
INSTRUCTIONAL INITIATIVES
3. Mathematics Plan Sue Shannon, Assistant
Superintendent, Instructional
Support Services
4. Evaluation of District Reading Plan-Year 1 Ted Bartell, Director 10 Min. 10 Min.
Presentation of findings regarding content and Program Evaluation and
focus of reading instruction in the District prior Research Branch
to initiation of the District Reading Plan
(Handouts)
RECEIPT OF COMMUNICATION
5. Evaluation of District Math Plan Ted Bartell, Director
Baseline Report Program Evaluation and
Findings regarding content and Research Branch
focus of math instruction in the
District prior to initiation of the
District Math Plan
(Handouts)
"The Committee may consider and act upon motions, Board Reports, or other business referred to it by the Board of
Education or Committee of the Whole, with respect to any properly posted matter at a meeting immediately preceding
the committee meeting, where the time between that meeting and this meeting is less than 72 hours. Members of the
public are encouraged to review the order of business or agenda for the meetings of the Board of Education and
Committee of the Whole."