Veritas Preparatory Charter School
Minutes
Academic Achievement Committee Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday August 10, 2017 at 8:00 AM
Location
Veritas Prep Charter School 1st Floor Conference Room or Dial-In Number: 866-848-2216, Conference Code: 7783935205
Committee Members Present
D. Janes, G. Moody (remote), R. Romano, R. Sela
Committee Members Absent
E. Baecher, M. Sweet
Committee Members who arrived after the meeting opened
G. Moody
Guests Present
G. Liquori
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
R. Sela called a meeting of the Academic Achievement Committee of Veritas Preparatory Charter School to order on Thursday Aug 10, 2017 at 8:08 AM.
II. Academic Achievement
A.
SY17-18 Launch Update
Rachel discussed the hiring process, her thoughts on the process based on past experiences, and lessons learned. She also explained the background of the recent hires and how their past employment history compared to what Veritas has to offer. Dale and Rebecca brought up points about how teacher salaries compare to other districts and how it'll affect the budget.
B.
Charter School Accountability
Rachel reviewed the Guide to Charter School Accountability and walked the committee members through the document. She explained the reasons behind the standards set for Charter Schools in comparison to other districts.
G. Moody arrived.
C.
Review Accountability Plan
Rachel walked through a draft of the accountability plan for 2017-2022 created by her and Emily. Challenges were discussed, includes the limitations of including strategies in the plan that might change in the future. The philosophies behind those strategies were explained and how they work in practice.
D.
District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP)
The committee members were informed about the underlying Massachusetts law that are involved with reducing Special Education referrals and hold teachers more accountable to ensure accuracy and accountability. Dale asked what Rachel to define special education and Rachel explained the process for identifying and supporting special education students.
Rachel would like to bring the DCAP to the board next week.
Rachel would like to bring the DCAP to the board next week.
E.
FY18 Goals
Rebecca began the discussion on the committee goals by reviewing FY16-17 and progressed into discussion on the goals for F17-18. Changes were proposed based on reflections as the committee progressed through the document.
Results from testing and the differences between online testing from traditional testing were explained. The results from available data were compared to the city district. Rachel talked about how staffing changes are likely to affect future scores.
Rachel proposed quarterly conversations about grade book averages and homework percentages to be included in future agendas for the committee.
Brief discussion about the formation of a Development Committee was had to support the development of programs at the school, such as Alumni matriculation.
Results from testing and the differences between online testing from traditional testing were explained. The results from available data were compared to the city district. Rachel talked about how staffing changes are likely to affect future scores.
Rachel proposed quarterly conversations about grade book averages and homework percentages to be included in future agendas for the committee.
Brief discussion about the formation of a Development Committee was had to support the development of programs at the school, such as Alumni matriculation.
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 9:08 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
D. Janes
D. Janes made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
R. Sela seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.