Review of achievement scores for math, reading, and language. Math showed highest levels, language lowest. Discussion included impact of percentage of students with dyslexia (8% at last count but more being tested) and SpEd (20% at last count), as well as being in the lowest-performing school district in the city. Although achievement levels are still not at a desirable level, progress of students is very encouraging. Also, with the additional training from the Lavinia group, teachers are growing in their ability to present the curriculum the best way, with an example how best to encourage critical thinking (language scores).

An addition to the curriculum will be a new program called Number Stories, which will assist students with being better able to learn and use math skills.

162. One family (two children) withdrew after being unwilling to comply with Truancy Prevention Program. Several new students have enrolled. 

Attendance rate was down in 3rd semester (to 92%) due to illness and children not coming to school when the temperature drops, but is back up to 93.9%. A waiver may be requested if it is not automatically given by TEA.

1. Some families have graduated from the program with satisfactory results.

2. Even with the addition of entering families with excessive tardiness (vs. absences), there have been enough slots in the program to include all families referred.

3. Ms. Lewis believes the program is enhancing the school culture of recognizing the importance of attendance and punctuality.

4. Ms. Lewis states she will have accounting firm pull up data on efficacy of Truancy Prevention on budget.

1. We are fully staffed. SpEd teacher is working out very well.

2. Re: Aides, Ms. Lewis has explored the levels for paraprofessional certification, which are based on education and experience She is not satisfied that it adequately addresses qualifications for paying and promoting aides. She will produce by April an Aide job description enumerating criteria for pay and promotion.

3. A staffing retention spreadsheet has been produced by the Board but needs data to be input. Ms Lewis states that she will have data input by backoffice staff.