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SKAN
(SK Action Notes)
February 14, 2006
SKAN is issued by the South Kingstown School Committee to inform staff members and interested others
of matters discussed and actions taken by the School Committee at its most recent meeting.~
SKAN does not represent meeting minutes.
Delegations
The school committee recognized SKHS students Katie Jones, Marlanea Peabody, Dylan Cashman and Brett Lehrman for outstanding school community leadership. Marlanea coordinated the student Talent Show and Katie was the driving force behind the Salon de Refuse art show featuring student art work. Dylan and Brett served as
major supports for both activities that showcased student work and built community.
Key Discussions
First reading of Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Policy recommended by legal counsel to cover the district’s legal obligations and provide guidance to administration in implementation. The policy will be placed on the Feb 28th agenda for a second reading.
Superintendent’s Report
Pamela Thompson, Director of Pupil Personnel Services provided a special education update. The provisions of the 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) went into effect in July 2005. SK strategies to address IDEA requirements include:
_ Elementary schools are in the process of examining inclusive and collaborative practices in effort to minimize the time special education students spend in a general education setting. Middle schools will maintain their collaborative model.
_ The high school is working to expand its current collaborative model and define an alternative support program. The elimination of B-level English/Language Arts classes provides evidence of moving away from the dual service delivery model (self-contained/resource) to the collaborative model.
_ The district has made progress reducing the over-identification of minority students in special education realizing a 9% decrease from a high of 39% in 1999 to 30% in 2006 and, out-of-district placements of minority special education students decreased by 40%. However, SK will continue to assess the identification and placement processes as well as the impact of cultural norms in our schools.
_ The district is working to implement the IDEA required Response to Intervention model to decrease likelihood of referrals to special education. The model focuses on methodologies and teaching approaches that make learning and progress possible. School-based teams are engaged in professional development offered by the state department of education.
_ Student support strategies include a review of mental health supports at the secondary level to ensure personal and academic success for all students.
_ Current data highlights include: decline in referral and identification rates across schools, reduction in number of 1:1 aides over past four years, reductions in out-of-district placements from 66 – 35 students, and reductions in outside evaluations.
Official School Committee Actions
Unanimously approved the superintendent’s recommended 2006 – 2007 Year School Calendar. The calendar includes 180 student days and 182 teacher days. August 31st 2006 is Teacher’s Orientation day and September 5th is first day of school for students; November 13th, Election Day, is a professional development day shared by all SORICO districts. Last day of classes is June 19, 2007. SKHS graduation date is June 15, 2007.
On the Calendar
02/28/06 School Committee Meeting 7:00PM SKHS Library
03/02/06 Middle School Redistricting Workshop 7:00PM Broad Rock Middle School Cafeteria
03/14/06 School Committee Meeting 7:00PM SKHS Library
03/15/06 Town Council-School Committee
Budget Work Session 7:00PM Town Hall
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