December 17, 2015 at 6:30 PM - Bethel Board of Education Regular Meeting - Annual Meeting

• Congratulations to the Board on winning the CABE Board of Distinction Award - Level II! The Awards ceremony took place as part of the CABE/CAPSS Conference, on Friday, November 20th.  This is the third year the Board has received Level II. 

Gifts the School System:

Bethel Middle/High School, a collection of The History Channel books, DVDs, and games, from A+E Networks, Stamford, CT.

Bethel High School, $9,640.00 donation for BHS EMT program for the BHS EMT Trip to JEMS EMS Today Conference, Mr. Arnhold, Arnhold Foundation, NY, NY.

• Letter to Selectmen from T. Yonsky regarding the Capital Project Plan.
• CABE Press Release regarding CABE Board of Distinction Award.

1. Flexible, anytime, everywhere learning

2. Redefine teacher role and expand "teacher" to facilitator

3. Project-based, authentic learning

4. Student-driven learning path

5. Mastery-based progression

The Global Studies Pathway is an experience for students interested in pursuing a future career in a field requiring a global perspective (i.e. politics, finance, travel). Students would have the opportunity to engage in career-based experiences, attend professional learning conferences, become affiliated with national organizations, participate in educational travel or mission trips, and complete a Capstone project related to global studies.   

Currently, the Bethel Board of Education has a policy and Regulation for the SRO. We aligned the policy with the goals and objectives of the SRO as outlined in the MOU.   The MOU itself will be the regulation, as it outlines the duties, responsibilities and guidelines of the positions.  

Parent groups are requesting to have access to Directory Information.  The current policy and regulations limit the distribution of Directory Information to specific groups, which do not include parent groups.  In reviewing the current policy, there do seem to be inconsistencies regarding the type of groups that have access to directory information, that needed to be addressed.

There were several changes within the legislation which a shift in legislation regarding restraint and seclusion.  The major changes include:  

1. Limits the use of restraint and seclusion except under certain circumstances (emergencies when the student is in danger to themselves or others);
2. Previous legislation only applied to special education students on Individualized Education Plans (IEP); the law now applies to all students; 
3. Provides guidelines on the physical structure of seclusion rooms;
4. Training requirements for staff;
5. Eliminating the use of seclusion as part of the IEP; and 
6. Prohibits prone restrains.  

I reviewed the Board's current policy and regulation and Shipman and Goodwin's model policy and regulation with Mrs. Budris, Ms. DiBiase and our two BCBA's.  We all are recommending using Shipman's model policy as our current policy needs significant revision.    The administration has made suggested changes to the policy to meet Bethel's needs.  

There were many changes in the legislation regarding attendance and tardiness to school.  As discussed at the Policy Committee, the administration reviewed the Shipman model policy and compared it to our existing policy.   They are recommending the BOE consider the adoption of the Shipman policy and regulation as amended by the administration.  Before coming to the BOE, the policy has been reviewed by the Central Office and building level administration.  The major changes in the legislation include:  

1. Absences associated with children of active service members when they are on leave.  
2. A new definition for chronic absenteeism.  
3. Requirements for a district committee when chronic absenteeism reaches a threshold.  

This mathematics presentation is to inform the Board of Education on math instruction and our efforts to improve student achievement and our teachers’ efficacy in teaching mathematics within the district.