City on a Hill Charter Public School
Minutes
February 2024 Academic Excellence Committee Meeting
Date and Time
Monday February 12, 2024 at 5:00 PM
This meeting took place remotely pursuant to a supplemental budget bill which, among other things, extends the temporary provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2025 signed into law by Governor Healey on March 29, 2023. The meeting was held via Zoom at https://cityonahill-org.zoom.us/j/86514691965.
Committee Members Present
Alekz Hirschmann (remote), Edelyn Contreras (remote)
Committee Members Absent
Danielle Canty
Guests Present
Asha Ibrahim, Laura Edouard (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Alekz Hirschmann called a meeting of the Academic Excellence Committee of City on a Hill Charter Public School to order on Monday Feb 12, 2024 at 5:05 PM.
C.
Approve December 2023 Meeting Minutes
Alekz Hirschmann made a motion to approve the minutes from December 2023 Academic Excellence Committee Meeting on 12-11-23.
Edelyn Contreras seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Alekz Hirschmann |
Aye
|
| Danielle Canty |
Absent
|
| Edelyn Contreras |
Aye
|
II. SY2023-24 School Updates
A.
SY2023-24 Q2 Academic Data Review & School Updates
III. 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 5:31 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Alekz Hirschmann
Documents used during the meeting
None
Alekz Hirschmann, Committee Chair, directed the attention of the Committee to Laura Edouard, Principal. Edouard welcomed the Committee and directed the attention of the Committee to the Academic Data Updates. Edouard noted overall passing rates declined 4% from Quarter 1, which was likely a result of the two-hour length midterm exams.
Edouard emphasized the ongoing effort to narrow the gap between General Education, ESL , and Special Education students. She noted progress, indicating that the gap between these student groups was narrowing.
Edouard then discussed Academic Trends across subjects. She noted Math showed varied performance across different levels, particularly, Geometry Honors displaying significant improvement. She also noted Biology, Chemistry, and Physics exhibited exceptional performance compared to the previous year, with Anatomy and Physiology also showing improvement. Edouard mentioned a slight decline in ELD performance compared to the previous school year likely due to very small class numbers, possibly affecting overall performance. Overall, Edouard noted the overall trend indicates positive strides in academic progress.
Edouard transitioned into discussing ELA MCAS and Winter MAP testing. She noted overall significant improvements in ELA MCAS Practice Tests compared to previous years. The Committee inquired about what was included in the MCAS Practice Test. Edouard noted all portions of the MCAS were included and that the writing portion is pending grading. Edouard shared MAP results showed overall improvement and highlighted notable performance from students with IEPs, 504s, and English Language Learners.
Lastly, Edouard discussed the Schools ongoing action plans, including the Attendance Buyback Program and Saturday Practice Testing Sessions. She noted the School implemented a strategy where students with excessive absences attend Friday after-school sessions to catch up on missed work. These sessions are extended during professional development days, providing students with attendance credit. Additionally, Edouard mentioned they're continuing Saturday Practice Testing Sessions for ELA, Math, and Science. She noted following the Sessions teachers will analyze the results to offer targeted support and improve instruction.