September 20, 2011 at 6:30 PM - Education Committee - Regular School Board Meeting

1. Presentations  

1.A. 2010-11 MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) Science Test Results

Tawnyea Lake, Director of Assessment, Performance, and Evaluation provided an overview of the  State, District, and individual school 2010-11 MCA Science Test results, which are administered to students in grades five, eight, and once in high school. 

2. Process for Selecting Names for Middle Schools

There was discussion surrounding the process for selecting names for our new middle schools.

3. Presentation of Duluth Internet Safety and Duluth Public Schools Compliancy with CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act)

Keith Anderson, Supervisor of Technology, presented information on the Duluth Public Schools Compliancy with CIPA.

4. Starting and Ending Times for the 2011-12 School Year

An overview of the Duluth Public Schools 2011-12 starting and ending times was shared along with discussion regarding some minor adjustments to Morgan Park and Woodland's starting and ending times.

5. Closing Times for District-owned Playgrounds

There was discussion surrounding the possibility of implementing official opening and closing times for all District-owned playgrounds.

6. 2011 ACT Assessment Results

Tawnyea Lake, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, shared the local results of the 2011 ACT Assessment, which is a national college entrance exam and accepted by all United States colleges and universities.

7. Integration Specialists Update

Ron Hagland, Director of Education Equity, presented an update on the Integration Specialists who will be beginning their second year as part of the strategic plan to help close the student achievement gap and accelerate learning for all students.

8. Informational Items

8.A. MDE (Minnesota Department of Education) Approval of the 2011-12 Integration Budget

The Duluth Public Schools received written notification on August 19, 2011 that MDE has approved the District's 2011-12 Integration Budget in the amount of $2,088,016, which is the full amount of the District's proposal.  Ron Hagland and Bill Gronseth were available to answer any questions regarding the utilization of these funds.

9. Regulation 3187R - Internet Use Regulations

Attached for informational purposes are revisions to Regulation 3187R - Internet Use Regulations. 

10. Action Items

10.A. Resolution E-9-11-2928 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-9-11-2928 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards for the following organizations:

    MDE
    MDE/MN State Colleges & Universities
    Essentia Corporate Contributions

10.B. Access to Internet Student Data - Non-District Employees

It is requested that the following organizations be granted access to the Student Information System to support District functions from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012:

    MN Alliance with Youth
    Fathers and Children Together
    Grant Community School Collaborative
    Men of Peacemakers

10.C. Diplomas

The following students have completed all high school requirements and should be awared a diploma:

    Reuben Robert Smith - July 29, 2011
    Andrew J. Lisiecki - August 8, 2011
    Andrew D. Hanson - July 29, 2011
    Jacob Scott Vukelich - July 29, 2011
    Jordan K. Fedora - July 29, 2011