September 18, 2014 at 7:00 PM - Bethel Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

• Congrations to Bethel High School student, Nicki Shaner-Bradford. She was selected as a student representative on the State Board of Education.   Nicki will provide student voice to educational issues that come to the State Board of Education.  We are honored that she has been selected to serve.
  
  Gifts to the School System
  
  BMS, 50 books in brand-new condition to BMS library, Stan Garby, Bethel, CT.

Rationale: 

• Letter Dr. Carver from CSDE regarding Educator Evaluation and Support Plan Waiver Request Response.

Rationale:  Scot Haney, Reporter (Channel 3) will visit Rockwell on October 9th at around 1:30 p.m. to film a story on the unveiling of our Buddy Bench (http://buddybench.org/) that was partially paid for by the Rockwell PTO along with donations of materials and labor by two parents at Rockwell.  

Rationale: 

RENOWNED TEACHER EVALUATION EXPERT CHARLOTTE DANIELSON IS COMING BACK TO BETHEL TO PRESENT  “TEACHING THE CORE PROJECT”  BASED ON HER  STUDY OF EXEMPLARY TEACHING AND COMMON CORE INSTRUCTION IN THE BETHEL SCHOOLS

 

TEACHING THE CORE PROJECT

November 4, 2014

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Bethel Middle School Auditorium

600 Whittlesey Drive

Bethel, CT 

 

Bethel, CT, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014:  Bethel Public Schools was selected in May 1013 by Charlotte Danielson as a site for her study of distinguished instructional practices connected to the Common Core State Standards. Through a grant funded by the Helmsley Foundation, The Danielson Group in conjunction with Student Achievement Partners examined teacher practices that align to the Common Core State Standards. Bethel, was selected as a site for the study because of its sustained efforts at improving instruction using Danielson’s research validated framework for instruction.

 

On November 4th Charlotte Danielson will be back to present “Teaching the Core Project” an  overview and findings of the study.

 

 

Agenda

 

Welcome  (5-10 minutes)

Big Picture Overview of the Project (10 minutes) Charlotte

Findings Report (50 minutes) (Researchers)

Conversation with Charlotte about experiences (20 minutes)

Teach the Core website/video update (15 minutes) (School Achievement Partners)

Other and adjourn (5 minutes) ALL

 

Rationale: 

As we are adjusting the language changes in the contract from Paraprofessional to Paraeducator, the administration felt it made sense to update the job description to reflect the accurate title.  There were no other changes made to the job description. 

 

The Paraeducators requested the change in title, because they felt it created a more accurate representation of their role in the school system.  They also felt that the change in title presented a more professional role.  The administration supports that change in title and revisions to job description. 

Rationale: 

Topic:

Revisions to the Professional Learning Council Chairperson job description

 

Importance of this topic to the Board:

Understand the revisions made to the Professional Learning Council Chairperson’s job description

 

Key Points of the Briefing:

1. The Professional Learning Council (formally the Professional Development Council) serves to help plan, coordinate, and approve the professional learning opportunities provided across the district. It works with the building-based committees to be sure we are meeting the needs of teachers.
2. The State Department of Education no longer requires teachers and districts to track the CEUs (continuing education units) accumulated through professional learning, as they see professional learning as much more than just “in-service” days, but embedded in the work occurring during our PLCs and data teams as well.
3. Revisions have been made the chairperson’s job description, as he/she no longer must maintain CEU records. 
4. Revisions have also been made in that the chairperson will have the responsibility of using technology to efficiently and effectively manage the professional learning sessions offered throughout the district and track the feedback provided by teachers.
5. Language throughout the document was also revised to reflect the position of Assistant Superintendent and Director of Teaching and Learning, as these positions will work closely with the Professional Learning Chairperson.