Elgin Math & Science Academy

Minutes

Academic Excellence Committee

Date and Time

Monday December 6, 2021 at 4:45 PM

Location

EMSA Conference Room, Neil Building
1600 Dundee Ave
Elgin, IL 60120

Committee Members Present

B. Lane, G. Swick, J. Willer, K. Kelly

Committee Members Absent

K. Shaw, L. Sterba

Guests Present

S. Said

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

B. Lane called a meeting of the Academic Excellence Committee of Elgin Math & Science Academy to order on Monday Dec 6, 2021 at 4:54 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

II. Academic Excellence & 3 Dimensions of Student Achievement

A.

EL Education 3 Dimensions of Learning

J Willer added to the discussion that staff sets specific goals related to the 3 Dimensions and that she'll share these with the committee.  

B.

Test Scores Update

Staff work plan goal is based upon growth:  55% of students meet their projected growth, 50% for multilingual learners.  What percent of students are at grade level--do we want to set goals on this?  
ACCESS is in January.

 

The committee reviewed IAR EMSA and U-46 scores. 

III. EMSA's Academic Model & Policies

A.

New Behavior Policy

J Willer reviewed new student behavior policy.  There has been success with 5/6 students spending time in primary/neil building for discipline.
Consequences of tardies.
Reverse suspension being tried--parents come to school with student.
Escalated consequences have been implemented to deal with escalated behaviors.  B Lane reported that the parent meeting on this subject went very well. 

B.

Review of EMSA's Staffing Model

This school year, no major changes except creating the Director of IT--which will only reflect an increase a small percentage of hours.
With middle school teacher specialization, will allow EMSA to increase differentiation.
Many students receiving intervention supports.
2d additional assistant principal recommended could also have role as an instructional coach, also recommended to add a FT nurse, FT gifted/enrichment, FT PE. 
Growing EMSA's mentoring program was discussed, as was creating a directory of every staff members' skills so others can go to that person with questions/feedback.
Also, a permanent sub option was discussed.
Creating lead TA's as stipend position discussed for improving longevity.
Summary of '22-23 positions:
Interventionalist
Multilingual teacher
Add'l K teacher
Asst princ/instructional coach
Nurse as FT
Gifted/enrichment teacher
FT Sub

 

'23-'24 Will have teachers dedicated to math, ELA, science, social studies
FT School psychologist desired--Also, speech pathologist limit is 60 students, EMSA's is serving 50+
Add'l SpEd teacher
Expedition coordinator/after school activities (including sports)/Enrichment 
Foreign language teacher being considered--what can our electives be?

 

 

K. Kelly made a motion to Recommend to the board adopting '22-23 and '23-'24 staffing model, including as it relates to TA and instructional coach staffing.
B. Lane seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

Neil Building Academic Space

Want to avoid students transitioning to a second building for break-out services.  
Additions needed include adding doors to kindergarten wing; adding 3 pull-out spaces for special services, relocating reception desk to front of the building.

IV. 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 6:15 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
K. Kelly