KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools

Minutes

Academics Committee Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday March 24, 2021 at 4:00 PM

A regular meeting of the KIPP Philadelphia Charter School Board of Trustees Academics Committee in joint session with regular meetings of the KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School Board of Trustees Academics Committee, KIPP DuBois Charter School Board of Trustees Academics Committee, KIPP West Philadelphia Charter School Board of Trustees Academics Committee, KIPP North Philadelphia Charter School Board of Trustees Academics Committee, and KIPP Parkside Charter School Board of Trustees Academics Committee, with Committee Chair Gail Lewis presiding.

Committee Members Present

A. Aerts (remote), A. Keyes (remote), C. Johnson (remote), G. Lewis (remote), N. Scharff (remote), S. Beaser (remote), S. Wilson Jones (remote), T. Algarin (remote)

Committee Members Absent

None

Committee Members who arrived after the meeting opened

C. Johnson

Guests Present

J. Cole (remote), J. Cunningham Akoto (remote), M. Eigen (remote), V. Days (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

G. Lewis called a meeting of the School Health Committee of KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools to order on Wednesday Mar 24, 2021 at 4:02 PM.

C.

Exhibit A(1) - Approve September 2, 2020 Minutes

N. Scharff made a motion to approve the minutes from Academics Committee Meeting on 09-02-20.
S. Beaser seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

Exhibit A(2) - Approve November 9, 2020 Minutes

S. Beaser made a motion to approve the minutes from Academics Committee Meeting on 11-09-20.
S. Wilson Jones seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

E.

Exhibit A(3) - Approve January 20, 2021 Minutes

N. Scharff made a motion to approve the minutes from Academics Committee Meeting on 01-20-21.
S. Beaser seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Academics Update

A.

Reopening Timeline Update

  • J. Cunningham opened the meeting by presenting to the committee with the progress of the reopening plan and the timeline of the reopening plan for the remainder of the grades
    • 4/14: 2nd-4th grade return
    • 4/19: 5th-6th grade return
    • 4/26: 9th & 11th return
    • Grades selected for reopening are based on success rates
    • Reopening dates are based on COVID numbers
  • J. Cunningham updated the committee on the safety guidance recommendations from the CDC that 3 feet of physical distance with masks on is sufficient for grades K-6.

B.

Winter MAP Context

  • J. Cunningham updated the committee on the Winter MAP data and logistics
    • Fewer students were tested than last year
    • Younger students were tested less frequently
    • Growth measuring from Fall to Winter for most students
  • J. Cunningham presented the headlines for grades 3rd - 8th
    • Growth was tested in Math and Reading, both on track
    • Overall growth ranges by school

C.

Accountability

  • J. Cunningham updated the committee on the requirements for the PSSA and Keystone testing timeline
    • Winter Keystone testing took place in March
    • PSSA and Spring Keystone testing will take place in late May

III. Strat Planning

A.

Updates

  • J. Cunningham continued the meeting by updating the committee on the Strategic Plan

B.

Equity Meets Design

  • J. Cunningham presented to the committee the Equity Meets Design model which is designed to move toward equity based learning
  • J. Cunningham addressed the 2 problems that need to be resolved with the Equity Meets Design model

C.

Talent

  • J. Cunningham presented the worst and best case scenarios for talent retention based don historical data
    • Trends have indicated that total retention could reach up to 81% which hasn't happened in 6 years

IV. KTCC

A.

Updates

  • J. Cunningham gave an update on the KIPP Through College & Career program and data based on indications during COVID
    • Highlights reflect 70% minority completion rate
    • Early decision and admission have contributed to college acceptance rates

V. KFA

A.

Updates

  • A. Keyes updated the committee on the KIPP Family Association
C. Johnson arrived at 5:01 PM.

VI. Curriculum

A.

Curriculum changes for SY 21-22

  • M. Eigen presented to the committee the potential curriculum changes to the committee which include:
    • Elementary Literacy and Individualized Learning Support
    • Curriculum changes will need to be approved in the June Board meeting

VII. Stimulus 2021

A.

Stimulus Money

  • J. Cunningham gave an update about the recently approved stimulus package that has allocated millions of dollars to be spent across schools

VIII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 5:27 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
G. Lewis