Quarter 3 Middle School Report Review
Amy presented the quarter 3 middle school report, highlighting improvements in academic success and growth.
 

The goal was to achieve 60% of students meeting or exceeding expectations in academic success.
 

Students took the ELA MCAS test, and the results showed significant growth, particularly in ELA and math.
 

The new curriculum was credited for the improvements, with a notable increase in the number of students projected to meet or exceed expectations.
 

Seventh grade showed the most significant improvement, attributed to a strong team culture, new curriculum, and the addition of a new teacher.
 

The discussion also touched on the challenges of teacher dependency and the need for better staffing solutions.

Math Achievement and Curriculum Discussion
Amy discussed the math achievement data, noting that while there was growth, it was not as pronounced as in ELA.

ESL and special education students were identified as struggling the most in math. The hiring of a math interventionist was mentioned as a strategy to address math achievement gaps.
 

The national trend of slower recovery in math compared to ELA was acknowledged.
 

The need for a more strategic approach to teaching fifth-grade math was emphasized, with a focus on filling foundational gaps.
 

The current middle school math curriculum was questioned, with plans to observe its effectiveness for another year before considering changes.
 

The suggestion was made to look into successful math programs at other schools for potential curriculum improvements.

Innovative Career Pathways Program
Amy and Rachel discussed the Innovative Career Pathways (ICP) program, which aims to integrate career-focused learning with the early college program.

The school has applied for and received a designation to launch an advanced manufacturing pathway, with plans to add more pathways in subsequent years.

The program allows students to earn certifications and work-based learning credits, enhancing their resumes and college applications.

The pathways are designed to be fluid, allowing students to explore different career options and make informed choices.

The school is working on articulating the program clearly to students and parents, using examples from other successful schools as inspiration.