Faculty Meeting Minutes
San Mateo High School
February 13, 2004
Miguel presented the new format of the department chair meetings with a rationale for the change. He then opened up the floor for comments from the larger group on the department chairs' established goals, which can be found in the minutes of the February 2 d.c. meeting. Nate took minutes, making an effort to be accurate yet surely making some mistakes along the way.
Here is what people said in reaction to the department chairs' prioritized list
Val: Great idea; thanks. #1 is the major priority. #3 and #6 (block) are part of the Academic Core issue. #4 is important, since it is something the school board forgets
L'Vannah: Increasing test scores shouldn't be the driving force; we should find what will work to meet the individual needs of the students.
Clay: Block schedule could be more flexible (would give us more options, if we examined it). We should use it even more creatively
Daria: We should examine tutorial time--its size and format. Block could be split in two.
Paul R.: Paul is still committed to developing a task force to create a technology plan for our school. He wants us to have vision.
Kirsten: Academic core will create even more of a 2-track school than we have now. A student would not have room in schedule for electives, if it goes through. We need to talk about it before the meeting. Kirsten would be willing to host a meeting to discuss a response.
Vicky: We could split the 6th block and have two 1-hour classes on A and B days. Would be good for Algebra Support and Reading Development.
Ann: A 7th period would be great for a support class
Brad: The Board presentation needs to be handled right; we need to give the Board a unified voice that doesn't overwhelm them. We need to offer a commitment and support to do the job.
Nate: The Dept. Chairs would gladly take input on the Academic Core discussion. The Chairs are here to represent the teachers and the school. Please find a department chair near you and let them know what you think.
