Ted Gildea, Vice Chair, directed the attention of the Committee to the School Year 2021-2022 Academic Data Review and School Updates. Laura Edouard, Principal, thanked the committee and gave an overview of her presentation. 

First, Laura shared a reminder of the new grading policy that includes a provision for all students to be offered retakes for mastery assignments. In addition, she noted there is a minimum of 50% for assignments completed in accordance with the new "good faith" policy. Alekz Hirschmann asked Laura to provide context around the decision to change the schoolwide grading policy for the 22-23 school year. Ollie Osinubi, Committee Member, asked about the impact of the new grading policy for special education students. Laura provided context on the previous grading policy and explained how the grading policy applies to students with IEPs. 

Then, Laura shared trends based on the academic data. Laura noted that Q1 Progress Report passing rates have increased compared to the 21-22 school year. Then, Laura shared a detailed breakdown by subject comparing the passing rates between 21-22 and 22-23 school year. Alekz asked about the lingering impacts of COVID-19 on academic outcomes. Laura noted both the recent improvement in academic data and the ongoing need for support in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Next, Laura shared the action plan based on 21-22 academic data. She detailed how the data was utilized to make hiring decisions and revise the curriculum. Alekz asked about support for new teachers and the potential to purchase curriculum materials. Laura shared the curriculum purchases that the school has made for 22-23 school year. 

Laura then shared information about recently released 21-22 MCAS data. Laura provided the Committee with context around the MCAS data including the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alekz and Annie inquired about how the data is being used to improve student outcomes. Laura shared the action plan based on MCAS and MAP results that includes placing the most experienced teachers in 10th grade subjects and providing additional professional development around data driven instruction. 

The Committee then invited Laura to review the Academic Goals for the 22-23 school year. 

First, Laura shared that Goal #1 is that at least 70% of students will meet or exceed expected growth on ELA and Math MAP tests. Laura also shared data from the spring 2022 MCAS and 22-23 Q1 progress reports. Alekz asked Laura about the long-term plan to meet the academic goals. Laura detailed the decision to hire a writing teacher and increase professional development opportunities for educators. 

Laura noted that Goal #2 is to increase daily average attendance rate to 85% or better for the 22-23 school year. Laura detailed the improvement plan that includes the hiring of a Family Engagement Coordinator, updating the attendance policy and partnering with Project 1647 for professional development. Laura shared the current daily average attendance rate of 81.5%. Alekz asked about the feasibility of reaching the 85% goal. Laura shared context around the decision including the recent uptick in daily average attendance and expressed confidence that City on a Hill is on track towards meeting the 85% target. 

Next, Laura shared that Goal #3 is 10% or fewer students suspended. She noted that City on a Hill is on track to meeting this goal as the current suspension rate is 0%. Laura shared information about new alternatives to suspension including collaboration with outside counseling services. Annie inquired about the focus on tier 1 behaviors. Laura then detailed the vision for teachers to effectively manage tier 1 behaviors inside the classroom. 

Laura then shared Goal #4 which is to increase enrollment to at least 229 for school year 22-23. Laura shared the current enrollment is 192 with two new students expected to start later this week. Laura invited discussion from the Committee for ideas to increase enrollment. Alekz shared ideas around the importance of advertising and utilizing influential community members to increase enrollment. Annie shared information about broader enrollment declines in Boston area charter schools. 

Finally, Laura shared Goal #5 which is to improve average course passing rates for students with IEPs to 70%. Laura shared the current rate has already improved from 61% in 21-22 school year to 65%. Laura shared information about the creation of a new position to support the Director of Specialized Services. 

The committee thanked Laura for her presentation.