S Said shared the spring testing schedule:  MAP will be 5/2-13; IAR 4/11-22

S Said reviewed the rubric for curricula adoption and how Amplify Science fits well within this rubric.  The Committee discussed budget questions--Amplify will be covered by grants this year and future years will be worked into the curriculum budget.  The Committee liked the adaptability to EMSA's future expedition-based curricula.  Using STEM and tech as tie-ins and potential electives and/or specials was discussed.

S Said is investigating History Alive as a middle school pilot program.

S Said reviewed the proposed bell schedule for middle school.  Everything will be in 45-minute blocks.  J Willer shared that electives will depend upon the talent that she can hire--she is optimistic about bringing in some dynamic science and social studies teachers.  The 45 min blocks are similar to local middle schools (u-46 high schools have 50 min blocks).  Longer block scheduling was discussed and J Willer shared that EMSA students have demonstrated a need for more movement and shorter class times.  

B Lane noted that these will be the focus of our next meeting.

The Committee reviewed the Enrichment Teacher job description and S Said, A Tanhauser and L Beavers answered questions about percentages of students scoring above 80th percentile and need for enrichment support.

While this teacher is not in charge of counseling students on their high school options, it was noted that this committee will revisit this topic.