Access Board Meetings Online: Community members can stay informed by watching every board meeting on our YouTube channel, MCPASD TV. In the recap below, we have provided timestamps for the various sections of the meeting. These will help you follow along and jump directly to the parts of the video that interest you the most.
12:37 - The Board of Education meeting began with the Superintendent's report delivered by Dr. Dana Monogue.
Dr. Monogue highlighted that September 16 marked the first professional development day of the school year. The staff engaged in diverse learning and training activities in various areas including the new literacy curriculum, encore-department collaboration, Developmental Designs, Next Path data entry and implementation, and equity. She expressed gratitude to everyone who planned and facilitated these professional development opportunities.
She also emphasized that it is Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) and the District is enthusiastic about honoring the contributions of our Hispanic neighbors and colleagues throughout the month. She encouraged everyone to check the District's website for resources and information.
https://www.mcpasd.k12.wi.us/page/hispanic-heritage-month
Dr. Monogue extended congratulations to the 23 Middleton High School (MHS) students recognized as National Merit Semifinalists, noting that MHS boasts the largest number of semifinalists in the state of Wisconsin. This year, there are 120 high schools with semifinalists.
14:40 - AI Work Group Progress Update
Director of Technology Services Brian Miles presented an update on the MCPASD AI Workgroup to the Board of Education. The report highlighted the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on traditional learning environments and the need for the District to thoughtfully consider its implementation. Miles emphasized the importance of educating District staff, students, and families on how to ethically and safely use AI tools while protecting student and staff data.
The AI Workgroup, formed in Spring 2024, initially consisted of four representatives but plans to expand to about 15 members from various roles within the District. The group's goals include identifying AI benefits and cautions, recommending policies, outlining ethics guidelines, and developing strategic goals for AI use in the District.
Miles reported on the workgroup's progress, including the drafting of initial MCPASD District Guidelines for AI, which were communicated to staff and families in August 2024. The District has also sent representatives to AI conferences to gather insights and learning opportunities. Currently, the workgroup is exploring the use of Brisk AI for teaching and learning, with over 50 teachers testing the tool in various forms.
Looking ahead, the AI Workgroup plans to continue developing teaching strategies, policies, and outreach based on the District's needs. A technology information night for families is scheduled for December. Miles stressed the workgroup will focus on creating sustainable and supportive policies for the community, students, and staff. He concluded by stating that the AI Workgroup will provide regular updates to the Board of Education as they navigate this evolving landscape in education.
43:48 - Code of Conduct Update
Members of the Code of Conduct (CoC) workgroup presented updates. The presentation focused on revisions made to improve the District's Code of Conduct, last approved in 2021-2022. Key improvements include:
Elementary-Level Guidance: A new clause allowing principals to ensure developmentally appropriate consequences for younger students.
Streamlined Content: Providing clear summaries of strategies, interventions, and potential consequences for easier reference.
Prioritized Learning & Relationships: Shifting focus to how behaviors affect others' right to learn, fostering supportive school communities.
Title IX Compliance: Incorporating updates to align with regulations effective August 1, 2024.
The workgroup plans to distribute the updated CoC to all stakeholders and will continue meeting in 2024-2025 to monitor behavior data and emphasize a restorative approach. Their goal is to help students understand the impact of their behavior, fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom.
1:06:32 - Teaching and Learning Report
Directors Dr. MaryBeth Paulisse and Dr. Jan Chynoweth, along with Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Silvia Romero-Johnson, presented an update regarding the K-8 Literacy/Biliteracy Implementation.
The presentation focused on the implementation of the new K-8 Literacy curriculum for the 2024-2025 school year. For grades K-5, the District is using Savvas myView Literacy/miVisión Lectura, while grades 6-8 are implementing Savvas myPerspectives. These curricula were chosen after a thorough renewal process during the 2023-2024 school year and are grounded in the Science of Reading.
The directors highlighted the professional development plan, which began in August 2024 with opportunities for principals and instructional coaches. Teachers have since received two full days of training with Savvas trainers, with an additional session scheduled for October 14, 2024. The plan emphasizes ongoing support, allowing time for team processing and application between sessions.
Implementation monitoring is being conducted through instructional coaching support, administrator feedback, and classroom walkthroughs. The team is considering using the Savvas Listen and Lookfor Tool for additional implementation data in the future.
The update also touched on the District's efforts to implement new requirements of Act 20, including the use of Aimsweb+ by Pearson for statewide literacy assessments in 4K-3 and the implementation of required reading plans. Elementary staff will continue LETRS professional development in the second semester to meet Act 20 requirements.
1:29:03 - Enrollment Update
Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Jerrud Rossing, provided another update on student enrollment. This is the final update before the next board meeting, where a comprehensive report with final numbers will be presented. Enrollment continues to fluctuate. Since the last board meeting, we are down 34 students as the beginning-of-the-year shuffle of ins and outs is finalized. However, we are up 126 students compared to last year's data.
The Official Third Friday Count took place last Friday. Rossing wanted to update the board before the next meeting, which will have the final numbers.
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