Monrovia School Link

Monrovia School Link ~ Number 93 ~ September 22, 2004

A few items struck me from the meeting article below. First is that the district is down by 74 students in the elementary schools, and there has been some collapsing of classes as a result. If this is a trend, it's not a good one. As I mentioned before, it means less money from the state. Also, a little discussion about whether there are enough textbooks at Clifton caught my eye, and a bit of discussion about the board's vision and goals project. And, of course, many thanks to our intrepid reporter, Julie Sprein, for this report.
~ brad@sacklunch.net


By Julie Sprein

The board meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. and President Betty Sandford introdouced Frank Zepeda, Monrovia High's new principal. He comes from Norwalk High and has only been in his new position for six days. All board members were present except Monina Diaz.

The board recognized three employees for outstanding service:
- Charles Young, bus driver with 14 years of service
- Deni Axtell, instruction aide at Mayflower Elementary for 12 years
- Julie Baltau, first grade teacher at Mayflower for four years

Donna Baker - President of the Quota Club, which serves the deaf and the hard of hearing - donated $1,800 to MUSD for hearing aids. Also, Big M Boosters donated $1,000. Ed Gilliland, of Big M, spoke about the Big M project [a snack bar and restrooms at the MHS football stadium]. He said the group will be finishing plans by October and groundbreaking may begin by January. Donating $100 or more will get you a plaque on the side of the building. Send donations to PO Box 1983, Monrovia.

Mrs. Schamadan announced that the Krikorian will be the first theater east of Los Angeles to be offering open caption films. There will be five films showing on October 8-10 with open captioning.

Cryus Kemp had a hypothetical question for Betty Sandford, asking at "what point she believes a person elected to council might be performing a disservice because of circumstances." He will call her for an answer, or visa-versa. [Huh? What are you talking about, Cyrus? - Brad]

Board member Clare Chesley said she went to Bradoaks and Santa Fe for Back to School Night. She said it was a good opportunity for parents to meet teachers. She also attended CELC (Canyon Early Learning Center) and was very impressed with the high learning standards the district is expecting of kindergarteners there. She said that the CELC doesn’t have a PTA and that the site council makes all the decisions. The council uses site-allocated money for field trips, including on-site field trips, such as a snow day, which Clare had originally questioned, but on finding out more information, is okay with the decision made by the site council.

Bryan Wong went to Bradoaks, where he said everything was running smoothly. He also attended Clifton Back to School night. He said teachers are happy with new accommodations and air conditioning.

Betty Sandford attended CELC and Santa Fe and noted a much larger parent turn out.

Debby Collins reported that the district has had to reduce CELC classes by two and redistribute the students into other classes. Also, two teachers were re-assigned. Also, the district had to collapse a class at Wild Rose. Overall, the district is down 74 students in the elementary schools.

Linda Dempsey reported on the Mayflower after-school program. She said she met with representatives of the Boys and Girls Club, which will be able to provide service for Mayflower. The only obstacle, she said, is insurance.

Irma Walling, a parent of a Clifton student, spoke out about the lack of textbooks at Clifton. Her daughter was told she had to complete her homework in class. She went to the school and the librarian told her she could not take home the science book. What, she asked, is to be done about that?

Dr. Joel Shawn responded, saying here is a formal process in Monrovia for adopting textbooks. Every single student will have his or her own textbook. He added that it is not appropriate for the school to say a child has to use books at school only. The quantity of science textbooks purchased for Clifton two years ago, he said, isn’t sufficient for today. He said the district needs to ensure that teachers and all students have their own books. All books have been ordered that have been requested at the middle school level. They usually take one month to be delivered.

Debby Collins spoke about the Certificate of Personnel Attendance Report, which is a report on attendance patterns of certified personnel during 2003-04 school year. She said there were far more maternity and family care leaves. She also talked about a report on the certified employee credentials held by all teaching staff during 2004-2005 school years. she said she is proud that 96.4 percent of all teachers are fully credentialed.

Parent Clarence Shaw spoke about the District Vision and Goals. Shaw asked whether #2 a measurable goal? [I believe this is the goal that states: "All Monrovia teachers will utilize specified research-supported instructional strategies" - Brad]

Dr. Taylor responded that the purpose of the strategic goals is to track and continue progress. It is a tool for the public to chart progress. She requested more public input to the board and mentioned there will be a study session on Oct. 27.


Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com. www.monroviaschoollink.com."

Monrovia School Link ~ Number 92 ~ September 19, 2004

I know that you all are perfectly clear on the different state and federally mandated tests that students have to take, but they're a tad confusing to me. So, because some new numbers were released recently, I decided to talk to Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Joel Shawn, down at the district office, about what it all means. Well, I still don't pretend to understand, but like any good CBS reporter, I'm not going to let mere ignorance prevent me from explaining it to you...
~ brad@sacklunch.net


To start off, there are two different testing routines - at least. There's the state testing that results in the API (Academic Performance Index) and the federal testing that results in the AYP score (Adequate Yearly Progress), and what's a bit weird is that you can be doing well on one test and lousy on another.

For example, Monrovia schools passed all the federal requirements this year. But while the schools are okay according to the Feds, some problems show up in the state tests.

Think of the federal program as a high-jumping contest. The bar is first set at a nice low level. If you can clear the bar, you're okay by the Feds. It makes not the slightest difference how much above the bar you go. Then, after a bit, they raise the bar, but the same rules apply. If you clear the bar, you're cool.

The state, on the other hand, measures year-by-year changes. So, let's say that one Monrovia school can jump six feet and the federal bar is set at four feet. If the school only jumps five feet, it clears the bar, but obviously something bad has happened if it has previously jumped six feet.

That's exactly what happened to Mayflower School. It passed the Feds' high jump test (AYP), but took a dive in the state's API scores, dropping 20 points. Yeah, 20. Lest I sound too negative, there is good news, too. But let's take a look at the numbers before we get into the details:


API SCORES

Elementary 03 04 Diff.
===========================
Bradoaks 735 742 7
Mayflower 814 794 -20
Monroe 739 741 2
Plymouth 740 736 -4
Wild Rose 707 726 19

Middle
======
Clifton 713 739 26
Santa Fe 660 679 19


High School
===========
MHS 637 641 4


On the positive side, the middle schools and Wild Rose did wonderfully. Those schools were recently lagging behind the other elementary schools, which were racing ahead. So clearly they're getting their racing shoes on and are starting to catch up. I'll also put Bradoaks on the positive side. Its scores are getting up there, and the higher you are the harder it is to make big improvments, so a seven point increase seems pretty respectable.

On the mediocre side, Monroe moved ahead a smidge, two points.

On the negative side, Plymouth dropped four points, Mayflower dropped a scary 20 points, and MHS, despite having the lowest scores in the district, moved up an anemic four points.

I asked Shawn what's up - or "down," I guess - with Mayflower.

First he gets the caveats and secondary causes out of the way: Growth in elementary schools statewide has been lower. It is just one year's data. Higher scoring schools tend to fluctuate more [I don't understand why, but I'll buy it]. The problem at Mayflower is at the third grade level, and for some reason - maybe a stray question or the number of questions on the test - third grade scores have been droopy statewide.

But with that said, Shawn added that the dive at Mayflower is a lot bigger than any dips statewide, and the third grade dip is more severe than statewide. "We're very concerned and we're working to see why it went down."

He said the problem (or "challenge," as Shawn prefers to call it) at Mayflower is with two "subgroups," the English language subgroup (those who don't speak English well), and the lower socioeconomic subgroup. [Why do they always say "socioeconomic?" How does tacking "socio" on to "economic" add to the meaning? Oh well, whatever.]

Anyway... "This tells us," Shawn said, "that we're not meeting the needs of all of our students."

The scores of these two subgroups had been a problem (uh, challenge) at Mayflower the previous year, and Shawn said the district had implemented a program to fix the challenge. He said the program may not have had enough time to work yet, but if the district still sees the situation next year, it will mean the program wasn't properly implemented, or there's something else wrong.

Okay, Joel. Howz about them middle schools?

Well, he was pretty pleased about them. He said Santa Fe was "at risk" the previous year because it failed the federal high-jump test. If it had also failed this year, it would have meant the school would have had to comply with a bunch of extra federal regulations. But now, Santa Fe is not only out of the dog house, but it appears to be advancing nicely.

He credits the staff, new programs, and staff training.

And Monrovia High?

"Not doing so well," he said.

Shawn said the district is working to align the high school curriculum with the state standards, but he notes that while students are not doing well on the API, they're "killing" on the California exit exams. He said one reason for the low API scores may be because the tests that determine API don't mean anything to the students. They don't affect their grades or chances to get into college or nuthin' [Is that correct grammar?], so he thinks some of them may just "blow it off." Shawn said the district needs to emphasize the tests' importance. And talking about this sets him off about how many tests students have to take.

Shawn said he's an advocate of testing, but thinks there are just too many of them, and it's confusing. He said students spend eight to 12 days out of the school year doing tests - a significant chunk of time. Also, he said that the way to prepare students for one test may not be the best way to prepare them for another. He'd like the state and Feds to settle on one game plan and stick with it.

As I was preparing to go, Shawn asked me to emphasize that if anybody has questions about the standardized tests, feel free to call him. He'd be happy to chat. You can reach him by calling the district office at (626) 359-9183. Okay, Joel, consider it emphasized.

Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.

Monrovia School Link ~ Number 91 ~ September 10, 2004

A couple things strike me about the report below. First is the drop in the number of students enrolled in the district. This - unfortunately - means less money for the district from the state. I suspect the absurd price of housing has a direct relationship to this problem. Can young families even afford to move in? Second, it appears the district is doing pretty well overall on the standardized tests. Thank you very much to Sigrid Caldera for taking time out to report on the meeting!
~ brad@sacklunch.net


Wednesday, September 8th, 2004 School Board Meeting

By Sigrid Caldera

Superintendent Louise Taylor introduced the new student body representative, Ryann Blackshere, an impressive young senior at MHS who seeks an early admission at Stanford University. By the way she has a 4.2 GPA!

Bruce Carter said that a lot of legislative alerts on the federal and state level are being voted on presently and encouraged everyone to e-mail their congressmen or women.

Clare Chesley reported on the dress code and said that a uniform policy for the elementary schools is in place, but for the middle schools and high school this is almost impossible to enforce. The existing policy was revised over the summer, but is not yet on the website. She said parents should make sure theirs kids are dressed appropriately - common sense should be used. She said dress matters in regards to academic performance. She also pointed out the website for the STAR testing results to be used to find your child’s booklist suggestion according to his/her performance on the API.

Monina Diaz reminded parents to get their kids to bed early every day and feed them a good breakfast before school.

I didn’t quite catch Betty Sanford’s explanation of where she went with some community member, something about model personal training, an idea that Clare at one point had suggested...(?).

Ryann Blackshere reported on the high school. She said that next week there will be an opportunity for all students to approach the different clubs on campus and find out what they are all about. She also mentioned a special dress-up week for the kids, red on Monday, sunglasses on Tuesday, etc. She mentioned a sports rally, that homecoming is October 27, and that the homecoming dance is scheduled for October 23.

Dr. Taylor commented on the smooth opening for all the schools and gave out a bunch of kudos. Everyone feel "kudosed" for good work, staff, teachers, service people, parents...
She’s expecting a great year. The new principal for the high school couldn’t make it tonight due to a scheduling conflict. His name is Frank Zepeda(sp?) and he comes here from Norwalk high school where he was the principal. He was an English teacher before, a coach, counselor and assistant principal. He’ll start on 9/14.

Debby Collins gave an update on the enrollment at all the schools. Overall, she mentioned that the expected enrollment at all schools is down, way down at some schools. The kindergarten classes at Mayflower are over their 20-student limit and some kids will be transferred out to Canyon Early Learning Center. All other classes in the lower grades will be leveled by this Friday (K-3 can only have 20 kids). We have more than 1,700 students at the high school and that’s the only school that met the projected enrollment. The final figure states a shortage of about 180 enrollees, which will affect the budget, of course, and adjustments of some sort will have to be made. Final enrollment figures will be available soon, and the expectation is that more students will enroll this week.

Dr. Taylor reported good news for Mayflower: The Boys and Girls Club of Monrovia will provide after school care on campus!

Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Joel Shawn gave a detailed explanation of the STAR testing and other tests, their meaning and target. It was very informative and he invited anybody with questions to call his office. Basically what I got out of his information is that the proficiency rating on the STAR is a very high standard set by the No Child Left Behind Act and that the basic rating is a good average indicator. Eventually, by 2013, everybody is expected to a proficiency rating.

All of our schools met all of the requirements on the AYP (annual yearly progress). Measured on a federal criteria we’re doing a remarkable job, he said. Over a six year period all schools have progressively done better each year on the API. Even though there is still some concern in certain areas and he listed 13 points of what is being done in the schools to improve or enhance the performance. By the way Santa Fe is no longer an at risk school. Way to go Santa Fe!

I liked Bruce Carter’s remark at the end. In his opinion we’re over emphasizing testing, and are, in fact, over testing constantly. For him motivation matters most. If students are motivated to learn, that’s what truly matters and ensures success.

I had to leave at that point.


This fine publication is also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com.

Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 90 ~ September 6, 2004

Hot topic is a public hearing for the district's vision and goals. (I've reproduced the draft vision and goals stuff at the bottom). Also, Brad gets on his high horse and probably offends half of you, and... well, I guess that's enough for one issue.
~ brad@sacklunch.net

5:30 p.m. Study Session on the budget; 7 p.m. Regular Meeting

Here's the agenda for the regular meeting:


~ 4.1 "Public hearing for items not on the agenda." Your chance to say whatever you like.

~ 4.4 Reports on enrollment & staffing and an update on "parent request regarding an after-school program at Mayflower."


~ 8.5 and 8.6 Public hearings on initial proposals to modify contracts with employee groups.... At least I think that's what the agenda means. You know, I'm actually not sure what it means. Here, you tell me. It says: "Hold a public hearing on the initial proposal topics for modification of the current CSEA/District collective bargaining agreement and approve the initial proposal for 2004-2005 negotiations." And, the same wording but with MTA instead of CSEA. Did anybody do really well in school at parsing sentences? Do they still do that anymore?

~ 9.1 Hold a public hearing about the district's vision and goals. I'm reproducing the vision and goals stuff below so you'll have an idea what they're thinking about. This is a public hearing, so feel free to show up and have your say.

~ 9.2 Here's an interesting one: "Call for nominations for CSBA directors-at-large, either Asian / Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic. Discussion and possible nomination for CSBA Directors-at-Large, Asian/Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic, two-year seats." CSBA is the California School Boards Association, I believe. So, if you know someone good - just as long as he or she ain't one of them there black or white folk - let the district know. Sorry. While I understand the desire to hear from different groups, making race a qualification just seems really wrong. Also, notice that the CSBA thinks an Asian can - for example - adquately represent the needs of Hispanics, or vice versa, but a black or white person cannot. What's with that? I'm sure this is not the district's fault, but I gotta say I really think it sucks rotten eggs. I know I'm stepping on toes here, so if you think differently, write me a note and I'll try to include the best comments I get in an upcoming newsletter.

~ 9.3 The board is going to nominate somebody or other, or maybe somebodies or other, to the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization.


=================


VISION FOR MONROVIA SCHOOLS

1. Distinguished Schools
2. Instructional Excellence
3. Graduates of Distinction



STRATEGIC 5-YEAR GOALS: 2004 - 2009

1. All Monrovia Schools will be designated California and Monrovia Distinguished Schools, with API (Academic Performance Index) scores of 800 or higher

2. All Monrovia teachers will utilize specified research-supported instructional strategies

3. All Monrovia Schools will provide programs to guide students to become high school graduates who:
- Aim toward college and a meaningful career
- Complete course requirements for UC/CSU
- Participate in leadership, the arts, and/or extracurricular activities
- Demonstrate responsibility through attendance, behavior, academic performance, and civic involvement /service



STRATEGIC 5-YEAR GOAL MEASURES

1. All Monrovia Schools will be designated California and Monrovia Distinguished Schools, with API scores of 800 or higher
- All schools will be designated California Distinguished Schools
- All schools will be designated Monrovia Distinguished Schools, based upon local criteria and measures (to be developed)
- All school API scores will exceed state targets annually, and reach or exceed 800

2. All Monrovia teachers will utilize specified research-supported instructional strategies
- All teachers will demonstrate use of specified instructional strategies according to established criteria and based upon classroom observations
- Examples of specified instructional achievement-enhancing strategies include: tiered vocabulary instruction; Everybody Plays/Cooperative Learning for student engagement, monitoring progress, and adjusting instruction; classroom procedures (Harry Wong); and standards-based instruction.

3. All Monrovia Schools will provide programs to guide students to become high school graduates who aim toward college and a meaningful career; complete course requirements for UC/CSU; participate in leadership, the arts, and/or extracurricular activities; and demonstrate responsibility through attendance, behavior, academic performance, and civic involvement /service
- All schools provide services and programs to produce graduates of distinction including:
* Personalized counseling and guidance, and instructionally-imbedded encouragement to be college-bound, assume challenging coursework, and prepare for a meaningful career
* Opportunity to participate and gain skills in leadership, the arts, and extracurricular activities
* Guidance and acknowledgment of success in demonstrating exemplary responsibility in attendance, behavior, academic performance, and civic involvement /service
- High school records show that the graduates, according to specified criteria:
* Plan to attend college or further training or preparation for a meaningful career
* Completed course requirements for UC/CSU
* Participated in leadership, the arts, and/or extracurricular activities
* Demonstrated responsibility through attendance, behavior, academic performance, and civic involvement /service

Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 90 ~ September 6, 2004

Hot topic is a public hearing for the district's vision and goals. (I've reproduced the draft vision and goals stuff at the bottom). Also, Brad gets on his high horse and probably offends half of you, and... well, I guess that's enough for one issue.
~ brad@sacklunch.net

5:30 p.m. Study Session on the budget; 7 p.m. Regular Meeting

Here's the agenda for the regular meeting:

~ 4.1 "Public hearing for items not on the agenda." Your chance to say whatever you like.

~ 4.4 Reports on enrollment & staffing and an update on "parent request regarding an after-school program at Mayflower."

~ 8.5 and 8.6 Public hearings on initial proposals to modify contracts with employee groups.... At least I think that's what the agenda means. You know, I'm actually not sure what it means. Here, you tell me. It says: "Hold a public hearing on the initial proposal topics for modification of the current CSEA/District collective bargaining agreement and approve the initial proposal for 2004-2005 negotiations." And, the same wording but with MTA instead of CSEA. Did anybody do really well in school at parsing sentences? Do they still do that anymore?

~ 9.1 Hold a public hearing about the district's vision and goals. I'm reproducing the vision and goals stuff below so you'll have an idea what they're thinking about. This is a public hearing, so feel free to show up and have your say.

~ 9.2 Here's an interesting one: "Call for nominations for CSBA directors-at-large, either Asian / Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic. Discussion and possible nomination for CSBA Directors-at-Large, Asian/Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic, two-year seats." CSBA is the California School Boards Association, I believe. So, if you know someone good - just as long as he or she ain't one of them there black or white folk - let the district know. Sorry. While I understand the desire to hear from different groups, making race a qualification just seems really wrong. Also, notice that the CSBA thinks an Asian can - for example - adquately represent the needs of Hispanics, or vice versa, but a black or white person cannot. What's with that? I'm sure this is not the district's fault, but I gotta say I really think it sucks rotten eggs. I know I'm stepping on toes here, so if you think differently, write me a note and I'll try to include the best comments I get in an upcoming newsletter.

~ 9.3 The board is going to nominate somebody or other, or maybe somebodies or other, to the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization.

Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 90 ~ September 6, 2004

Hot topic is a public hearing for the district's vision and goals. (I've reproduced the draft vision and goals stuff at the bottom). Also, Brad gets on his high horse and probably offends half of you, and... well, I guess that's enough for one issue.
~ brad@sacklunch.net

5:30 p.m. Study Session on the budget; 7 p.m. Regular Meeting

Here's the agenda for the regular meeting:

~ 4.1 "Public hearing for items not on the agenda." Your chance to say whatever you like.

~ 4.4 Reports on enrollment & staffing and an update on "parent request regarding an after-school program at Mayflower."

~ 8.5 and 8.6 Public hearings on initial proposals to modify contracts with employee groups.... At least I think that's what the agenda means. You know, I'm actually not sure what it means. Here, you tell me. It says: "Hold a public hearing on the initial proposal topics for modification of the current CSEA/District collective bargaining agreement and approve the initial proposal for 2004-2005 negotiations." And, the same wording but with MTA instead of CSEA. Did anybody do really well in school at parsing sentences? Do they still do that anymore?

~ 9.1 Hold a public hearing about the district's vision and goals. I'm reproducing the vision and goals stuff below so you'll have an idea what they're thinking about. This is a public hearing, so feel free to show up and have your say.

~ 9.2 Here's an interesting one: "Call for nominations for CSBA directors-at-large, either Asian / Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic. Discussion and possible nomination for CSBA Directors-at-Large, Asian/Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic, two-year seats." CSBA is the California School Boards Association, I believe. So, if you know someone good - just as long as he or she ain't one of them there black or white folk - let the district know. Sorry. While I understand the desire to hear from different groups, making race a qualification just seems really wrong. Also, notice that the CSBA thinks an Asian can - for example - adquately represent the needs of Hispanics, or vice versa, but a black or white person cannot. What's with that? I'm sure this is not the district's fault, but I gotta say I really think it sucks rotten eggs. I know I'm stepping on toes here, so if you think differently, write me a note and I'll try to include the best comments I get in an upcoming newsletter.

~ 9.3 The board is going to nominate somebody or other, or maybe somebodies or other, to the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization.

Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 90 ~ September 6, 2004
Hot topic is a public hearing for the district's vision and goals. (I've reproduced the draft vision and goals stuff at the bottom). Also, Brad gets on his high horse and probably offends half of you, and... well, I guess that's enough for one issue.
~ brad@sacklunch.net

5:30 p.m. Study Session on the budget; 7 p.m. Regular Meeting

Here's the agenda for the regular meeting:

~ 4.1 "Public hearing for items not on the agenda." Your chance to say whatever you like.

~ 4.4 Reports on enrollment & staffing and an update on "parent request regarding an after-school program at Mayflower."

~ 8.5 and 8.6 Public hearings on initial proposals to modify contracts with employee groups.... At least I think that's what the agenda means. You know, I'm actually not sure what it means. Here, you tell me. It says: "Hold a public hearing on the initial proposal topics for modification of the current CSEA/District collective bargaining agreement and approve the initial proposal for 2004-2005 negotiations." And, the same wording but with MTA instead of CSEA. Did anybody do really well in school at parsing sentences? Do they still do that anymore?

~ 9.1 Hold a public hearing about the district's vision and goals. I'm reproducing the vision and goals stuff below so you'll have an idea what they're thinking about. This is a public hearing, so feel free to show up and have your say.

~ 9.2 Here's an interesting one: "Call for nominations for CSBA directors-at-large, either Asian / Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic. Discussion and possible nomination for CSBA Directors-at-Large, Asian/Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic, two-year seats." CSBA is the California School Boards Association, I believe. So, if you know someone good - just as long as he or she ain't one of them there black or white folk - let the district know. Sorry. While I understand the desire to hear from different groups, making race a qualification just seems really wrong. Also, notice that the CSBA thinks an Asian can - for example - adquately represent the needs of Hispanics, or vice versa, but a black or white person cannot. What's with that? I'm sure this is not the district's fault, but I gotta say I really think it sucks rotten eggs. I know I'm stepping on toes here, so if you think differently, write me a note and I'll try to include the best comments I get in an upcoming newsletter.

~ 9.3 The board is going to nominate somebody or other, or maybe somebodies or other, to the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization.

Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 90 ~ September 6, 2004

Hot topic is a public hearing for the district's vision and goals. (I've reproduced the draft vision and goals stuff at the bottom). Also, Brad gets on his high horse and probably offends half of you, and... well, I guess that's enough for one issue.
~ brad@sacklunch.net

5:30 p.m. Study Session on the budget; 7 p.m. Regular Meeting

Here's the agenda for the regular meeting:

~ 4.1 "Public hearing for items not on the agenda." Your chance to say whatever you like.

~ 4.4 Reports on enrollment & staffing and an update on "parent request regarding an after-school program at Mayflower."

~ 8.5 and 8.6 Public hearings on initial proposals to modify contracts with employee groups.... At least I think that's what the agenda means. You know, I'm actually not sure what it means. Here, you tell me. It says: "Hold a public hearing on the initial proposal topics for modification of the current CSEA/District collective bargaining agreement and approve the initial proposal for 2004-2005 negotiations." And, the same wording but with MTA instead of CSEA. Did anybody do really well in school at parsing sentences? Do they still do that anymore?

~ 9.1 Hold a public hearing about the district's vision and goals. I'm reproducing the vision and goals stuff below so you'll have an idea what they're thinking about. This is a public hearing, so feel free to show up and have your say.

~ 9.2 Here's an interesting one: "Call for nominations for CSBA directors-at-large, either Asian / Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic. Discussion and possible nomination for CSBA Directors-at-Large, Asian/Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic, two-year seats." CSBA is the California School Boards Association, I believe. So, if you know someone good - just as long as he or she ain't one of them there black or white folk - let the district know. Sorry. While I understand the desire to hear from different groups, making race a qualification just seems really wrong. Also, notice that the CSBA thinks an Asian can - for example - adquately represent the needs of Hispanics, or vice versa, but a black or white person cannot. What's with that? I'm sure this is not the district's fault, but I gotta say I really think it sucks rotten eggs. I know I'm stepping on toes here, so if you think differently, write me a note and I'll try to include the best comments I get in an upcoming newsletter.

~ 9.3 The board is going to nominate somebody or other, or maybe somebodies or other, to the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization.

Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 90 ~ September 6, 2004

Hot topic is a public hearing for the district's vision and goals. (I've reproduced the draft vision and goals stuff at the bottom). Also, Brad gets on his high horse and probably offends half of you, and... well, I guess that's enough for one issue.
~ brad@sacklunch.net


5:30 p.m. Study Session on the budget; 7 p.m. Regular Meeting

Here's the agenda for the regular meeting:


~ 4.1 "Public hearing for items not on the agenda." Your chance to say whatever you like.

~ 4.4 Reports on enrollment & staffing and an update on "parent request regarding an after-school program at Mayflower."


~ 8.5 and 8.6 Public hearings on initial proposals to modify contracts with employee groups.... At least I think that's what the agenda means. You know, I'm actually not sure what it means. Here, you tell me. It says: "Hold a public hearing on the initial proposal topics for modification of the current CSEA/District collective bargaining agreement and approve the initial proposal for 2004-2005 negotiations." And, the same wording but with MTA instead of CSEA. Did anybody do really well in school at parsing sentences? Do they still do that anymore?

~ 9.1 Hold a public hearing about the district's vision and goals. I'm reproducing the vision and goals stuff below so you'll have an idea what they're thinking about. This is a public hearing, so feel free to show up and have your say.

~ 9.2 Here's an interesting one: "Call for nominations for CSBA directors-at-large, either Asian / Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic. Discussion and possible nomination for CSBA Directors-at-Large, Asian/Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic, two-year seats." CSBA is the California School Boards Association, I believe. So, if you know someone good - just as long as he or she ain't one of them there black or white folk - let the district know. Sorry. While I understand the desire to hear from different groups, making race a qualification just seems really wrong. Also, notice that the CSBA thinks an Asian can - for example - adquately represent the needs of Hispanics, or vice versa, but a black or white person cannot. What's with that? I'm sure this is not the district's fault, but I gotta say I really think it sucks rotten eggs. I know I'm stepping on toes here, so if you think differently, write me a note and I'll try to include the best comments I get in an upcoming newsletter.

~ 9.3 The board is going to nominate somebody or other, or maybe somebodies or other, to the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization.

Monrovia School Link Preview ~ Number 90 ~ September 6, 2004

Hot topic is a public hearing for the district's vision and goals. (I've reproduced the draft vision and goals stuff at the bottom). Also, Brad gets on his high horse and probably offends half of you, and... well, I guess that's enough for one issue.
~ brad@sacklunch.net


5:30 p.m. Study Session on the budget; 7 p.m. Regular Meeting

Here's the agenda for the regular meeting:


~ 4.1 "Public hearing for items not on the agenda." Your chance to say whatever you like.

~ 4.4 Reports on enrollment & staffing and an update on "parent request regarding an after-school program at Mayflower."


~ 8.5 and 8.6 Public hearings on initial proposals to modify contracts with employee groups.... At least I think that's what the agenda means. You know, I'm actually not sure what it means. Here, you tell me. It says: "Hold a public hearing on the initial proposal topics for modification of the current CSEA/District collective bargaining agreement and approve the initial proposal for 2004-2005 negotiations." And, the same wording but with MTA instead of CSEA. Did anybody do really well in school at parsing sentences? Do they still do that anymore?

~ 9.1 Hold a public hearing about the district's vision and goals. I'm reproducing the vision and goals stuff below so you'll have an idea what they're thinking about. This is a public hearing, so feel free to show up and have your say.

~ 9.2 Here's an interesting one: "Call for nominations for CSBA directors-at-large, either Asian / Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic. Discussion and possible nomination for CSBA Directors-at-Large, Asian/Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic, two-year seats." CSBA is the California School Boards Association, I believe. So, if you know someone good - just as long as he or she ain't one of them there black or white folk - let the district know. Sorry. While I understand the desire to hear from different groups, making race a qualification just seems really wrong. Also, notice that the CSBA thinks an Asian can - for example - adquately represent the needs of Hispanics, or vice versa, but a black or white person cannot. What's with that? I'm sure this is not the district's fault, but I gotta say I really think it sucks rotten eggs. I know I'm stepping on toes here, so if you think differently, write me a note and I'll try to include the best comments I get in an upcoming newsletter.

~ 9.3 The board is going to nominate somebody or other, or maybe somebodies or other, to the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization.


=================


VISION FOR MONROVIA SCHOOLS

1. Distinguished Schools
2. Instructional Excellence
3. Graduates of Distinction



STRATEGIC 5-YEAR GOALS: 2004 - 2009

1. All Monrovia Schools will be designated California and Monrovia Distinguished Schools, with API (Academic Performance Index) scores of 800 or higher

2. All Monrovia teachers will utilize specified research-supported instructional strategies

3. All Monrovia Schools will provide programs to guide students to become high school graduates who:
- Aim toward college and a meaningful career
- Complete course requirements for UC/CSU
- Participate in leadership, the arts, and/or extracurricular activities
- Demonstrate responsibility through attendance, behavior, academic performance, and civic involvement /service



STRATEGIC 5-YEAR GOAL MEASURES

1. All Monrovia Schools will be designated California and Monrovia Distinguished Schools, with API scores of 800 or higher
- All schools will be designated California Distinguished Schools
- All schools will be designated Monrovia Distinguished Schools, based upon local criteria and measures (to be developed)
- All school API scores will exceed state targets annually, and reach or exceed 800

2. All Monrovia teachers will utilize specified research-supported instructional strategies
- All teachers will demonstrate use of specified instructional strategies according to established criteria and based upon classroom observations
- Examples of specified instructional achievement-enhancing strategies include: tiered vocabulary instruction; Everybody Plays/Cooperative Learning for student engagement, monitoring progress, and adjusting instruction; classroom procedures (Harry Wong); and standards-based instruction.

3. All Monrovia Schools will provide programs to guide students to become high school graduates who aim toward college and a meaningful career; complete course requirements for UC/CSU; participate in leadership, the arts, and/or extracurricular activities; and demonstrate responsibility through attendance, behavior, academic performance, and civic involvement /service
- All schools provide services and programs to produce graduates of distinction including:
* Personalized counseling and guidance, and instructionally-imbedded encouragement to be college-bound, assume challenging coursework, and prepare for a meaningful career
* Opportunity to participate and gain skills in leadership, the arts, and extracurricular activities
* Guidance and acknowledgment of success in demonstrating exemplary responsibility in attendance, behavior, academic performance, and civic involvement /service
- High school records show that the graduates, according to specified criteria:
* Plan to attend college or further training or preparation for a meaningful career
* Completed course requirements for UC/CSU
* Participated in leadership, the arts, and/or extracurricular activities
* Demonstrated responsibility through attendance, behavior, academic performance, and civic involvement /service