September 9th Minutes

ELEMENTARY ALTERNATIVE REVIEW STEERING COMMITTEE

MINUTES

A meeting of the Elementary Alternative Review Steering Committee was held on Wednesday, 9 September 2009 in the Trustees’ Committee Room with Superintendent Adams in the Chair and the following in attendance:

TRUSTEE MEMBERS:      Trustee Jennifer McKenzie

                                          Trustee Lynn Scott

STAFF:                              Jennifer Adams, Superintendent of Curriculum

                                          Neil Yorke-Slader, Superintendent of Instruction

                                          Pino Buffone, System Principal – Elementary

                                          Joan Oracheski, Manager, Quality Assurance

                                          Steve McKibbin, Research Officer, Quality Assurance

                                          Jeff Frith, Principal, Elizabeth Park ES

                                          Lori Lovatt, Principal, Lady Evelyn Alternative School

                                          Tonia Ovens, Teacher, Summitt Alternative School

                                          Dan Martin, Teacher, Roberta Bondar ES

                                          Lynn Laide, Recorder

OTHERS:                           Richard Deadman, Representative, Alternative Schools Advisory Committee

                                          Madelaine Stewart-Dmaj, Representative Ottawa-Carleton Association of School Councils

                                           Chris Ellis, Observer

1.                  The meeting was called to order at 1:00 pm and the members of the committee introduced themselves.

2.         Approval of Agenda was moved by Jeff Frith and seconded by Lori Lovatt.

3.         Review Process                                                         

            Superintendent Adams provided the Steering Committee with an overview of the review as defined in a report to Education Committee on 16 June 2009 and approved by the Board on 23 June 2009. She reviewed the report with the Steering Committee and explained that at subsequent meetings, information will be brought forward to the committee from a variety of sources as outlined in plan for the review.

            Superintendent Adams described the make up of the committee, as per board direction. She

            explained that other staff may be invited to attend when appropriate.

The Steering Committee was provided with information regarding the consultation process which will be taking place over the fall. In addition to surveys of selected parents, teachers, administrators and grade 10 students, a link will be available on the board website for public input. Education Committee will receive an interim report in December and the final report with recommendations in January 2010.

            Discussion followed regarding the upcoming meetings and the nature of the final report.

4.                  Mandate of Committee

Superintendent Adams reviewed the role and responsibilities of the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will be involved in discussions with respect to information coming forward through the review process (e.g., surveys, central data, document analysis). The Steering Committee is not a decision making body; recommendations will be made by senior staff to trustees.

5.          Stakeholder  Surveys                                                  

            Joan Oracheski distributed the draft surveys. She listed the survey recipients: all elementary school administrators, all teachers in alternative programs, a sample of teachers in non-alternative programs, all parents of students currently in alternative programs, a sample of parents of students in non-alternative programs, and current grade 10 students who were in an alternative program in grade 8 and their parents.

            Joan Oracheski and Steve McKibbin, Research Analyst, walked the committee through the

            surveys.

            A fulsome discussion ensued regarding the draft surveys. Committee members requested an opportunity to gather additional feedback from constituent groups. It was agreed upon that this input would be submitted to Quality Assurance by 16 September for consideration.

6.         Future Dates

            Concerns were expressed that day time meetings may prevent some individuals from participating in the committee.

            NOTE: Superintendent Adams has booked the following dates and times:

                                      Wednesday, 14 October from 4 to 6 pm

                                      Wednesday, 11 November from 4 to 6 pm

                                      Wednesday, 13 January from 9 – 12 am

7.         Adjournment came at 3:30 pm

Distribution – Information:

All Trustees

Director’s Executive Council

For information:  Contact Lynn Laide, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent of Curriculum,

 (613) 596-8211 ext.8573