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D. Yilmaz, Chief Accountability Officer, discussed the AB699  background and explained how this new bill would affect our students. He noted that this has been brought to the committee because LAUSD had asked for documentation that the board adopted the policy. He also included the MPS Safe Zones Resolution in the packet to give a deeper understanding of the steps we have taken for our immigrant students and families, to make clear our concern, and to ensure that our MPS campuses are safe zones for our students and families.

E. Acar, Chief Academic Officer, presented the purpose of dual-enrollment and the benefits of implementing the program at MSA- Santa Ana. He further explained that students are more likely to meet college readiness benchmarks, enter college after graduation, have a higher second-year retention rate, and shorter time to complete an undergraduate degree. Mr. Acar informed the Academic Committee that MSA-Santa Ana and Santa Ana College have an established successful history with their students and community. He also noted that the MOU attached is a standard agreement and similar to other colleges that we have partnerships with. It would be a great opportunity for both parties to move forward with this agreement. It would be a smooth transition since Santa Ana College is offering courses on MSA-Santa Ana's campus as a result of their partnership. 

I. Soto, Director of Partnerships, gave the Academic Committee members background on how MPS had shifted from the STEM program to the STEAM program to incorporate the arts. He highlighted that the initial steps were to bring the Strategic Arts plan to a wider audience and that it was successfully implemented. However, we did not have the adequate resources to equally service all ten schools. MPS gained the attention of The Music Center Education Division because of the Strategic Plan and MPS involvement. He explained that the long-term vision for arts education is to improve pedagogy, student assessment and professional development in the arts. However, the new strategy for MPS is to appoint lead systematic arts integration for the visual and performing arts. The Advancement Grant funding will allow MPS to expand to two school sites and a coherent strategy to be brought to all ten schools. 

This item is a continuation from the Academic Committee Meeting that took place on August 7, 2018. E. Acar, Chief Academic Officer, updated the committee members on developments and events in the Academic Department. He also discussed the following items: a brief overview of the State test results, internal assessment data, update on vacant staff positions and programs to date, upcoming events or news, and what we are currently doing for science and our ELs. T. Lewin, Math Coach, spoke about her goals which are to build capacity, work with new and second-year teachers, support department chairs, and improve our intervention programs. A. Callaham, Director of Student Services, gave a shorter version of her goals which is to establish a more cost-effective and comprehensive SPED services and fine-tune Student services. B. Lopez, Assistant Director of Student Services, explained her focus was on school climate and the MTSS Framework rollout. E. Acar, Chief Academic Officer, discussed his main goal for the year is to increase STEAM enrichment programs and other projects since he came into the role. I. Soto, Director of Partnerships, discussed his four focus areas (development, marketing, communication, and community engagement) and the steps to support the schools. D. Yilmaz, Chief Accountability Officer, discussed his goals that would focus on Accountability plans and Compliance.  I.Ozkay, Data Manager / SIS Coordinator, presented his focus areas for the year which are Assessments and Illuminate SIS Transition. J.Obuchi, Academic Assistant, noted her areas of focus which are school site support and academic support. 

This agenda item was carried over from the last Academic Committee Meeting that took place on August 7, 2018. D. Yilmaz, Chief Accountability Officer, presented the goals for the Accountability Department for the school year and pointed out that some items that are being discussed during this meeting will be brought to the full board. The Powerpoint presentation also highlighted the department's commitment to the schools and how they support the schools in terms of compliance, policy, reporting, monitoring, and training. I.Ozkay gave an update on the programs that he oversees such as Illuminate, Teachboost, Coolsis, Schoolmint, and MyOn. He also discussed some of the projects that he is working on for the school year. L. Vega, Executive Office Manager, explained her role and discussed her goals for the year that include: office manager support, coordinating more training for admin and teachers, setting up PACE coordinators, and monitoring each program to ensure that we are compliant. 

B. Lopez, Assistant Director of Student Services, gave a presentation that covered Student Suspension/Expulsion data, due process procedures for students, and goals for the school year. She gave statistical data on suspension rates nationally, state-wide, and across MPS. She explained what the expulsion offenses and procedures are and what the level of involvement the board should play. Dr. Lopez emphasized we are trying to instill a solution-oriented mindset, using current programs with fidelity, how the structured processes that are in place will help support our students and staff, and the kind of student services we will be utilizing and implementing moving forward. 

A. Rubalcava, CEO & Superintendent, wanted to thank LACOE. As part of their report to us, it was recommended to do this training for the board. For the record, we would like to thank our wonderful authorizer. 
 

E. Acar, Chief Academic Officer, highlighted what we have in place for our students regarding health education. He explained the policies and procedures that are in place not only to keep our students healthy but our staff as well. He discussed the following topics: the School Wellness Policy, Suicide prevention support, Health and Physical Education classes, and available resources to help teachers and staff regarding mental health issues and the proper procedures for identifying and referring of students.  

A. Callaham, Director of Student Services, presented Historical and Current Data, Services and Funding/expenses. She reviewed and discussed the Special Education Program and current changes, service impact, fiscal impact and updates on the needs of some of the schools, and concerns that she observed.