Nuasin Next Generation Charter School
Minutes
Monthly Education Committee Meeting
Date and Time
Friday May 19, 2023 at 11:00 AM
Location
Join Zoom Meeting https://metlcs.zoom.us/j/91652815455?pwd=UzU4ZXJwdHhRNWlmOHVjdWpLSGhXdz09
Meeting ID: 916 5281 5455
Passcode: 189310
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Rigor:
We use the word “rigor” not in the stringent or inflexible sense, but in the sense of an unyielding need to challenge and push our scholars because we understand and believe in the potential, talent, and ability of our scholars and community. We challenge our scholars to build their confidence and help them realize what they can achieve.
Self-Advocacy:
Our scholars are empowered to advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities. As our scholars come to understand that their voices are valued and needed, they learn to advocate for themselves. Our scholars are seen and valued; they understand that not only do they have the right to express their opinions, views, and perspectives, but it is their obligation to do so.
Community:
Our scholars will embrace community and understand that as a member of a community you have certain
inalienable rights, the right to be seen, the right to be heard, the right to be protected and the right to be loved and
cherished. Our students will also learn of their obligations. As a member of a community you have the obligation to
respect, listen, support and only want and assume the best in all others. Every member of our community must understand that they are active participants in the Nuasin community and the community goes as we go.
Committee Members Present
A. Bothner (remote), E. Chen (remote)
Committee Members Absent
C. Barnes-Watson, J. Boulet, K. Shabazz
Guests Present
A. Brown, K. Davidson
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
II. Education
A.
Kurt: k-8
B.
Anthony: 9-12
- pushing hard on regents; AP exams (all new to teachers and students): results will be available in June; AP lang and comp: all 11th grade (test was optional - 16 scholars volunteered); AP lit: 50% self-selected; AP Calc: small % (pre-calc selection) - 4 scholars to participate in AP Calc AB; AP World: all scholars who are in the class selected to take the AP test. Teachers adjusting to teaching AP: AP training is not enough - workshops throughout the school (mastery is for regents and mastery - pace and test strategies) - support groups.
SATs: the goal is to bring in-house support groups in test-taking strategies; no seniors; ~30% in each grade focused on SAT prep; goal: every scholar over 1100 (results in June if not sooner)
Graduation progress: 1 concerning scholar (summer plan); those who need credits are mandatory to stay in the support group
Summer school: no program for CPA due to staffing and commitment to the student population.
Staffing: 100% retention of senior staff; 90% overall
- no data point this month; final IA May 31 and June 1 - finished state exam - math growth confident; 3rd and 4th grade (number sense) and conceptual math improving and will help overall; middle grade (building content knowledge); growth is higher in lower grades.
End of year: emphasize mastery of science and math (algebra and living environment) - 3rd -7th and 8th grade
K-2: focused on math (backing up to the assessment); planning backward; humanity push; summer school to close gaps
Secured teach for America this summer (60 core members K - 8th grade) - having our strongest teachers to coach and head the program (having low teachers student ratio) - smooth transferring of mastery knowledge - the Bloomberg grant (and Leviniant group) - competitive salary for the summer
Summer school: summer boost grant - 120 students (mandatory lower grades and/or absentees) - recommended ones (50% success rate) - 20 families for child care reasons - k-4 (50%); 5-8th (30%) from last year
Staffing: ~80% retention; filling gaps w/ NYU; ICT needs 1 (8th grade)