J Willer reviewed benchmark and growth statistics for the winter NWEA test results which results were attached summary document.  She noted that the results were pretty typical for winter and while they were below the goal of 55%+ meeting/exceeding growth targets, she felt the students were on their way to meeting these targets.  J Willer highlighted 80th+ percentile and 20th and below percentiles in relation to their respective growth targets.  EMSA is tracking African American female students in math and planning supports to help these students grow.

Some teachers are providing extra supports such as small group instruction to support students' learning.

EMSA is looking at the Amplify curriculum.  It has been recommended by EMSA's EL Education designer, Sarah Miller, as well as IMSA and ISBE.

G Swick noted that supporting teachers to incorporate science and the outdoors can create positive outcomes for students and teachers, especially when it is a topic that the teacher is interested in.  One challenge is in building teachers' comfort level and confidence in the outdoor & science realms.  Other challenges, noted by K Harris, include addressing NGSS standards, incorporating local interests, the costs of resources, and operating within an ELed curriculum.

K Kelly noted that EL Ed promotes learning expeditions to incorporate science vs separate classrooms for each subject.  Could a science resource staff person push in on science to help?

S Said shared her enthusiasm in the developing partnership with the Illinois Math & Science Academy.  

EMSA will have a grade 6-8 middle school model.

S Said shared her initial draft of EMSA's middle school model--the aim being to have EMSA students high-school ready.  The rotating class schedules included:  ELA, math, science, social studies, PE, art, music, and foreign language.

S Said noted that the next steps include sharing and discussing the draft and getting it ready for adoption.

J Willer reviewed the staffing proposal for middle school which includes specialized math, science and ELA teachers, a possible foreign language teacher, one TA per grade.  An enrichment position is used at other schools to help i.d. and support students levels for adequate challenge.  EMSA loses approximately 5-7 students per year to U-46 gifted programs, reducing the balance in the classrooms.

J Willer reported that 4 staff and more than 40 families reported being sick and/or covid positive, with 2 additional reporting in the last 2 days.  Staff met on Monday and supported a two-week adaptive pause, which was allowed by IDPH as a part of EMSA's outbreak plan. This week showed a 95% attendance rate for remote learning.  Only five families need additional contact--which J Willer is personally overseeing.  Staff vaccination rate is 98%; the student rate is 11%.  J Willer and S Said are working to help find childcare options for families.