Ask Deb – Superintendent Bowers answers ADTA’s Questions
Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 3:30pmTopic: Math Curriculum

Topic: Math Curriculum
Q: ADTA believes it is time to have district-wide teachers of grades Six through Algebra Two teachers get together to discuss the topic” “What’s the rush with regards to the placement of students in math courses?”
A: There was discussion and information presented about AUSD students taking Algebra as 8th graders and how that affects the spiral of math courses down the education road. After discussion and reflection Dr. Bowers lest us know, “I will take this back to curriculum, get the vertical team together.” Tracy asked that more teachers be involved in this discussion. Dr. Bowers asked when a good time would be to do this. It was suggested that during a Friday PLC would be good. (Discussion continued with regards to backward mapping and looking at systems that could create solutions.)

Topic: Insurance -
Q: American Fidelity is the only company that is being offered. Is there a reason why? Can we look at having choices such as AFLAC and/or CTA Standard?
A: Tracy gave Dr. Bowers information from CTA and AFLAC. Dr. Bower said, that there has been some discussion with other companies in the past. (She noted that she will give that information to Kim Spinks, Kim Boyd, and Jackie Martin.)

Topic: - Negotiations
Q: We need to set dates after the district has Sunshined*. Will the meeting be in February?
A: Sunshine is February 7th. We are currently in the process of setting the meetings with John Miron and the Negotiating Team.
*Sunshining is the first step in the contract negotiation process. Each side “sunshines,” or presents at a public meeting (lets the sun shine on), the sections of the contract it wants to change via negotiations.

Topic: - MOU –
Q: The Leadership stipend was approved at the January school board meeting. Who will be responsible for notifying the teachers on the list?
A: Robin Merrill will email the teachers directly that were on the list. Also principals were to tell staff.

Topic: - FAA School
Q: What is the school(FAA) classified as? How are the teachers classified?
A: FAA it is a Middle School as designated by the state. The teachers are classified by their credential.

Topic: - Transitional Kindergarten (aka PreK)
Q: Transitional Kindergarten: What are the plans for next year regarding this program? Will there be written checklist of procedures for all sites to follow?
A: We are going to continue to look at the information that comes out with regards to T-K. State funding for T-K is in jeopardy. We will continue to provide what the law mandates. Regarding a checklist- We have some scheduled meetings with site secretaries to discuss enrollment and procedures.

Topic: - Kindergarten Boundaries
Q: With the implementation of thte new “neighborhood boundries” does the district have record of how many kindergarten students really went to their designated neighborhood school?
A: Data from August 28, 2011: Looking at all the schools the majority (93%) were at the school because of they were in the designated neighborhood boundry or they had a sibling at the school. It seems our system of priorities used for school placement is working.

Topic: - School Site Council (SSC)
Q: Can their be training for parents, administration, and teachers for next year? Then make this training part of the SSC every two years?
A: DAC actually offers training each year. Any site that asks for training will receive it. We are happy to go out and do it. (Discussion continued. It was suggested that all School Site Councils are asked to attend a single one-time meeting.) It was reference by all that this “seems like a good idea”.

Topic: - Subs for SCIA-2s (Regional Classes)
Q: When a sub takes a job they are surprised aat what the job entails. Who is responsible for informing the sub prior to accepting the job? Teachers feel that these are not trained enough.
A: The procedure that is suppose to be happening is: When a sub is planning to be in the substitute pool for SCIA-2 positions, Rolene Chubb meets with the person(s) and they go through the training about what the job responsibilities are. (Discussion continued on ways to make sure that a substitute that accepts a SCIA-2 substitute position is made clear about what the job entails. It was stated that there will be a discussion with multiple people: Kim Spinks(for HR substitute information) and Rolene Chubb for training.

Topic: Items brought to ADTA by Superintendent Bower.

Topic: - Data Analysis
FYI: Dan M has had recent meetings with some teachers about Data Management systems. I was glad to see teachers there participating.