Starting with material from the charter renewal findings related to how the Board interacts with data.

• What data is being reported?
• How is it being marked in the minutes?
• What is the frequency?
• What is being done to address any situations when the data does not reflect our goals?
• How do we generate disaggregated data?

There is also interest in identifying how the Board engages with data.

Discussion of the tie of the committee to the Charter Renewal Findings related to governance. This discussion included the following:
 

• The role of the committee is focused on outputs (data) and not the inputs.
• Forms of data that will need to be presented include:
  • MCAS scores
  • i-Ready scores
  • Trimester summaries
• Traditionally the Board has been presented a summary of MCAS findings.
  • Additional data is now being presented.

This data will be reviewed by the committee before being transmitted to the Board.

Also discussed was how data will be used, including avoiding a focus on only MCAS numbers given that MCAS does not necessarily reflect the school culture and project-based learning model.

• The purpose of analyzing data will be to identify if progress is being made toward goals.

Some discussion took place around i-Ready scores.

• Are i-Ready scores a reliable means of identifying MCAS scores?
  • It was noted that generally, the answer is yes, however, there are pockets in which this is not the case.
  • Additional analysis is needed.
  • A paid subscription to Open Architects may be useful.

Discussion related to trimester grades.

• Trimester grades are not necessarily an accurate predictor of MCAS scores and other metrics.
• Chris put forward that trimester grades might be treated qualitatively.

Role of the committee related to expressing how data is to be used.

• It was acknowledged that, especially when there is Board turnover, it is difficult for Board members to know how to best utilize data.
• One of the committee’s roles should be to present (train) how the Board can use data for oversight.
  • Chris will aim to put together a presentation for the Board retreat.

KD MacDonald hired as Director of Accountability and Academics.

• Significant charter school experience.
• Has been an instructional coach, team lead, etc...
• Math/Science background and offers significant data analytical skills.
• Works directly with a CAO.

KD will offer an additional eye for analysis of data.

Next meeting, Tuesday, July 15 at 12:00 PM.