February 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM - Bethel Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

Minutes -January 21, 2016 - Budget Presentation

Minutes -January 21, 2016 - Special Meeting

Minutes -January 26, 2016 - Budget Workshop

Minutes January 28, 2016 - Budget Workshop

Minutes February 2, 2016 - Budget Workshop

Minutes February 4, 2016 - Budget Workshop

Rationale: 

The State Department of Education required that districts receiving waivers to their teacher evaluation process must submit an explanation of why we requested the waiver, the benefits for teachers and student learning and challenges with implementation.  Dr. Brook prepared the attached document and submitted it to the Commissioner.  

ROTC Letter of Distinguished Unit

 

Rationale: 

The Bethel Education Foundation awarded over $30,000 in grants this year to support innovative and creative projects.   There was a front page article in the News Times, but wanted to provide you with a copy of the press release which outlines the grants. 

This year is the 10th anniversary of the Barnum Ball.  We are really hoping that you consider attending, as the Bethel Education Foundation does so much to support the Bethel Public Schools.   The attached flyer has all of the details.  

The Connecticut Association of Board of Education annually sponsors a "Day on the Hill".  The purpose of this session is for BOE members to advocate for issues at the state level.  Please let us know if you would like to attend and we will register you.  It is on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 8:30 AM.   It will be held at the Bushnell.   

As you are aware, we will be entering contract negotiations with the custodian, nurses, secretaries and administrators this spring (March/April).  We will need one Board of Education representative for each of the committees.   Given the amount of contracts and amount of meetings, we might want to assign a different Board of Education representative for each group.  

Annual Awards Dinner, May 26, 2016, 5 PM at the Amber Room - Save the Date

Rationale:  The purpose of this agenda item is to review the 10 year projected enrollment analysis completed by Milone and MacBroom.  This information needs to be considered in determining the Johnson and Rockwell renovation projects.  

Rationale: 

Presenter(s):  

Dr. Kristen Brooks

Mr. Mark Doolan

Ms. Lori Dight

Topic:

BHS Computer Science Course and wikibook

Summary of the Briefing:

• PA 15-94, An Act Concerning Computer Science Courses and High School Graduation, requires computer programming courses by July 1, 2016.  Additionally, we want students college and/or career ready for computer science positions, as there is a need in this field. The State Department of Labor indicates that 17% of job growth is in the computer science area, particularly computer systems analysts, software developers, and computer support specialists.

• This will be a year long exploratory course for 11th and 12th graders

• This course will be fully aligned to the ISTE Standards (International Society for Technology in Education), Connecticut State Career and Technical Education (CTE) Standards, the Connecticut Common Core Standards for Language Arts, and the Connecticut Common Core Standards for Mathematics

• The course will support the work in the Career Technical Pathway

• Students will need to complete prerequisites in order to register for the course

(Two of any of the below):

• Desktop and Web Publishing (1/2 year)

• Robotics (1/2 year)

• Graphic Design I (1/2 year)

• Computer Information and Applications (1/2 year)

• Course topics will include but are not limited to basic hardware components and their functions; digital security and networking; algorithms; basic tenants of Computer Science and career exploration within this field;  and an introduction to Javascript, HTML/CSS, SQL, and jQuery.

• The course will be a self-paced blended classroom approach delivered via Google Classroom.  The teacher will serve as facilitator and guide student interest and skill level.  

• This course will conclude with a student-selected, authentic, culminating project.

• No additional staff members are needed to teach this course.

• The wikibook, Introduction to Computer Information Systems, is proposed to support the learning of this course.  

• The wikibook was selected as it customizable, updated continuously, and offers numerous embedded projects, tests, quizzes, and challenges.

• A School membership to CodeHS - Introduction to Computer Science Course is needed to support the work. Offering 2 courses of Computer Science (50 seats) is $5,000 annually @ $100 per student. The Perkins Grant will continue to fund this after the initial set up.

Rationale: 

Presenter(s):  

Dr. Kristen Brooks

Mr. Mark Doolan

Ms. Lori Dight

Topic:

BHS AP Computer Science Course & E-Textbook

Summary of the Briefing:

• PA 15-94, An Act Concerning Computer Science Courses and High School Graduation, requires computer programming courses by July 1, 2016.  Additionally, we want students college and/or career ready for computer science positions, as there is a need in this field. The State Department of Labor indicates that 17% of job growth is in the computer science area, particularly computer systems analysts, software developers, and computer support specialists.

• This will be a year long AP course for 11th and 12th graders

• This course will be fully aligned to the ISTE Standards (International Society for Technology in Education), Connecticut State Career and Technical Education (CTE) Standards, the Connecticut Common Core Standards for Language Arts, and the Connecticut Common Core Standards for Mathematics

• The course will support the work in the Career Technical Pathway

• Students will need to complete prerequisites in order to register for the course

(Two of any of the below):

1. Desktop and Web Publishing (1/2 year)

2. Robotics (1/2 year)

3. Graphic Design I (1/2 year)

4. Computer Information and Applications (1/2 year)

• The AP Computer Science course will be designed to help students master the basics of Java and equip them to successfully pass the College Board AP Computer Science A Exam in the Spring.

• The course will be a self-paced blended classroom approach delivered via Google Classroom.  The teacher will serve as facilitator and guide student interest and skill level.  

• No additional staff members are needed to teach this course.

• The ebook, Java Methods Third AP Edition, will support the work within this course.

• The ebook cost is $1,200 (anticipating 15 students @ $80 per student).    

• CodeHS resources are also needed to support the work which will cost $1,500 (@ 100 per student). The annual price will be funded through our Perkins Grant.

• Total cost= $$2,700

Rationale: 

Presenter(s):  

Dr. Kristen Brooks

Mr. Mark Doolan

Mr. Gene Waring

Topic:

Principles of Engineering Course & E-Textbook

Summary of the Briefing:

• This will be a year long exploratory course for 11th and 12th graders

• This course will be fully aligned to the ISTE Standards (International Society for Technology in Education), Connecticut State Career and Technical Education (CTE) Standards

• The course will support the work in the Career Technical Pathway

• Students will need to complete prerequisites in order to register for the course

  • Tech Design,  and any of the two below:

  • Architectural Design 1

  • Architectural Design 2

  • Mechanical Design 1

  • Mechanical Design 2

• Students who complete the program will:

  • Understand technology as a tool for problem-solving

  • Understand the design process, scientific process, problem-solving in engineering, and the application of technology in engineering

  • Be prepared for the rigors of college-level programs in engineering or engineering technology

  • Understand technological systems and how they interact with other systems

  • Apply appropriate technological systems in analyzing and solving problems

  • Use mathematical principles to solve problems

  • Communicate effectively both written and verbal

  • Work well in a team environment

  • Survey various engineering fields such as civil, electrical, mechanical, computer, manufacturing, etc.

• The project-based course will call students to solve real-world problems.

• No additional staff members are needed to teach this course.

• The e-book, Engineering Fundamentals: Design, Principles, and Careers, is proposed to support the learning of this course.  

• The cost includes the following:

15 – Bundle (Text + Online 6yr Classroom Subscription     93.96   = 1409.40

1-    Instructor’s resource CD                                                 195.00 =195.00

    1-    Instructor’s Presentations for Power point                             180.00 = 180.00

15- Material/Supplies for projects                                         100.00 = 1500.00

Sub Total                                                                                  = 3284.40

Shipping 10% est.                                                         =  328.44

Total                                                                             =$3612.84

• This e-textbok has been selected for its comprehensive materials such as embedded  projects, quizzes, tests and challenge assignments.