- - -
The meeting convened at 10:05 a.m.-
- - -

MIDDLE SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY PROJECT

Dr. Sparangis reported that the Middle School Technology Project is a two-year research study that uses the No Child Left Behind Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) funds (Title IID - Competitive Grant funding of $5.5 million and augmented with Title IID EETT formula funding). The project focuses on the relationship between student achievement and the following:

• Increased access to technology and related resources
  
• Technology professional development for teachers

Mr. Oliver spoke about the targeted school selection process, the equipment, software, and staff development received by the study classrooms. The study consisted of teacher use of technology, expanded access of student use of technology, and the achievement of students in mathematics and science.

Teacher proficiency was determined by using a subjective measure (self-assessment that is done on line) and an objective measure (open-ended questions, interviews, and classroom observations).

Dr. Robinson talked about student achievement tests (norm referenced tests, standards-based tests in mathematics and science, and criterion-referenced tests) and professional development.

Mr. Oliver advised that each teacher received a laptop, a laptop cart consisting of 20 Apple iBook computers, a Proscope digital microscope kit, Vernier probes, an electronic whiteboard with an LCD projector, a digital camera, a camcorder for each school, a network printer, a scanner, and electronic content software to go with this material.

Mr. Oliver spoke about lesson plan builders, digital content delivery systems, software and web resources that are linked to content and professional development, video resources, and support personnel.

EVALUATION OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY PROJECT - YEAR 1

Ms. Hoffer presented the Committee with a copy of the "Evaluation of the Middle School Technology Project - Year 1." The report contains findings from the first year of a two-year evaluation of the Middle School Technology Project (MSTP) and focuses on the implementation of the Plan during the 2003-04 school year. The following were key findings:

• MSTP teachers did use some of the technology provided to them by the Spring of 2004. Technology was more prevalent in science classrooms than in mathematics classrooms.

• Most teachers used technology to maintain existing practices rather than enhance student development of problem solving and reasoning skills and student understanding in mathematics and science.

• With respect to professional development, many teachers did not attend the formal training provided to them.

• There were inconsistencies in the delivery of site-based support for teachers.

• Enhance the opportunities for on-going, in-depth professional development at the school sites focused on integration into the curriculum equally across both content areas.

• Coaches' time should be spent one-on-one with teachers, modeling lessons, and providing examples of ways to integrate technology into the curriculum.

• Program staff should deliver a consistent plan across schools and across subject matter.

• Coaches should meet with teachers regularly.

• Opportunities should be provided for teachers to meet with colleagues across program schools in order to learn from one another and share lessons learned.

WORK EXPERIENCE PLAN

Ms. Rattay provided the Committee with a copy of the revised Work Experience Education Plan and application. The District is required to have an updated and approved plan on file with the California Department of Education.

Ms. Rattay spoke about the career academies, the non-academy partnerships, career technical education, the types of work experience, the First Break Employment Program, and the school-to-career program.

Ms. Rattay and Mr. Nicholas responded to questions and comments raised by the Committee.

Chairperson Lauritzen and Committee Member LaMotte voted to place the revised Work Experience Education Plan and application on the Regular Calendar for the Board of Education meeting on January 11, 2005.

MOTION ON CLASS SIZE REDUCTION

Board Member Tokofsky presented his motion on class size reduction.

The Committee requested that the Superintendent provide information on elementary, middle, and high school class size, the cost per student, facility issues, off-norm positions, the number of schools participating in PHBAO (Predominantly Hispanic, Black, Asian or Other Nonwhite), and collective bargaining issues.

Dr. Ott, Ms. Ephraim, and Ms. Brown responded to questions and comments raised by the Committee.

Chairperson Lauritzen requested that the motion be reviewed again at an upcoming Augmented Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting.

Chairperson Lauritzen announced that the next meeting will be held on January 13, 2005, at 10:00 a.m.

REVISED

Committee Members Superintendent's Representatives
Jon Lauritzen, Chairperson Maria G. Ott, Ph.D.
Marlene Canter Sr. Deputy Superintendent, Educational Services
Julie Korenstein Ronni Ephraim
Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte Chief Instructional Officer, Instructional Services
Linda Guthrie, United Teachers Los Angeles Jean Brown
Judith Perez, Associated Administrators of Los Angeles Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services
Dale McIntire, Retired DACE James Morris, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent
Instructional Services
Liza Scruggs, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent
Instructional Services
Santiago Jackson, Ph.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Division of Adult
and Career Education

AGENDA

PRESENTATION DISCUSSION
INSTRUCTIONAL INITIATIVES PRESENTERS TIME TIME

1. Middle School Technology Project (MSTP): Dr. Themy Sparangis 10 minutes 20 minutes
Enhancing Education Through Technology Chief Technology Director
Competitive Grant Update Sharon Valear Robinson
Information Technology Division Administrator
Joe Oliver
Specialist (MSTP)

Evaluation of the Middle School Rina Hoffer 10 minutes
Technology Project (MSTP) Project Director
Program Evaluation and Research Branch

2. Work Experience Plan Kathy Rattay 10 minutes 10 minutes
Career Development Branch Director

3. Motion on Class Size Reduction Discussion Item 10 minutes

Future agenda items: Evaluation of Extended Learning Program / Achievement Gap Committee Report/Secondary
Education - Science, Literacy, Mathematics - Instructional Guides and Periodic Assessments / Evaluation of the
Secondary Literacy Plan / Civic Education and History - Social Studies Instruction / Program Improvement Schools /Charter Schools / No Child Left Behind and Title I (School-wide Program and Targeted Assistance)

"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 Committee meeting is less than 72 hours. Members of the public are encouraged to review the order of business or agenda for the meeting of the Board of Education or Committee of the Whole."