Raising Achievement/Closing The Gap Task Force - Executive Committee Minutes

Raising Achievement/Closing The Gap Task Force
Executive Committee Minutes
November 10, 2009

Present: Carol Caffee, Pat Regan-Alston, George Greger-Holt, Daniel Haithcox, Robin McCoy, Robert Logan, Maria Soto, Esther Coleman, Pete Rubinas, Herlinda Bryan

Carol opened the meeting and reviewed the agenda.

Carol reported that Norman Clark is considering serving as Co-Chair, but would like to attend a meeting before making a decision.

The Minority Achievement Award Celebration was discussed.

Chief Tyson has been confirmed as a guest speaker. Carol will ask Mr. Logan to confirm Judge Fox. The plaque for Mary Harris has been delivered. Carol will have students put the ribbons on the medals on Thursday. Medals will cost approximately $860. Carol has ordered balloons and flowers.

It was agreed to begin setup at Northwood at 9:00. Mr. Blice has agreed to open the building.

George provided copies of the program. Corrections were offered. Special thanks to Herlinda for her expertise in translation. It was agreed to make 300 copies for each site.

Daniel created a list of schools for each site. It was suggested that Dr. McCoy call the schools.

George suggested that at some point, the group should discuss whether to invite this year’s ninth graders to honor their achievement as eighth graders last year.

Maria asked who would be responsible for giving out the interpretation equipment. Herlinda and Maria agreed to help pass out the equipment and programs. Others will be needed to help.

It was agreed that Carol should present the award to Mary. George agreed to get the banner from storage.

The Dismantling Racism presentation was discussed. Esther distributed handouts with some ideas on how the session might be presented. She has contacted Monica Walker, Diversity Officer for Guilford County Schools, as a facilitator. She suggested using the December 8 meeting as a time the group could talk about where the group wants to go with the session. It was agreed that there needed to be a focus for the group, is it racial or economic disparities that cause the achievement gap? Mr. Logan offered that the legislation clearly speaks to a gap around racial lines but added that the group could decide for itself how to define the target.

Robin suggested that the topic for the session could be achievement, opportunity, culture, ability – what undergirds the gap? Esther then suggested moving the Raising Achievement/Closing The Gap Steering Committee session to sometime in February. She added that February will be named the Margie E. Ellison Human Relations Month and that the session would complement the month. Tentative dates of February 16 or 18 were suggested, with a time of 5:30 – 7:30 including dinner. Esther will suggest those dates to Ms. Walker to see what works for her. Pete suggested addressing the issue of race head on so that the participants become comfortable talking about race so they can then talk to staff at the school level. The agreed upon topic is, “Exploring Issues Around Race in Schools.” The goal would be to eventually broaden the discussion to staff at the school level.

Pete then asked how we could get faculty to discuss racial biases in a safe and supportive environment that would result in an honest dialog. Maria said that it was important to talk about institutional racism and not personalize it. Carol suggested that it would important for the facilitator to keep the group focused so that the discussion centered on system and not personal issues. Esther offered to pay an honorarium for the speaker. Robin also suggested using staff development funds for any other costs.

Mr. Logan agreed to send an email to principals reminding them of the event and the importance of their attendance.

Mr. Logan reported that he has talked to the school district’s auditors and legal council concerning using school district funds to support the Task Force. Neither could find a reason why the school district couldn’t use funds to support the Task Force’s initiatives. The committee is created by state law and mandated. He also reported that other school systems use funds for racially identifiable student recognition programs. He said they will check with the state Attorney General’s Office for final approval, but barring any unforeseen problems, will be able to support the Task Force’s program.

Pete reported on the Pre-K – 2 subcommittee. They are piloting their first program at Perry Harrison and Moncure. It is entitled, “Read With Me.” The school district has purchase materials for the program and has created kits. The focus on the program is on vocabulary development, comprehension and relationship building. A Read With Me buddy will be paired with each student.

Daniel reported on the 3-8 subcommittee. He asked for additional members to help with their projects.

Carol reported that the Graduation Rate subcommittee has not met. Mr. Logan reported that data analysis on drop out characteristics has begun.

Pete suggested developing a new name for the Raising Achievement/Closing the Gap Task Force. He thought that a more community friendly title might help with participation.

Robin reported that all School Improvement Plans have as their goal for every student to achieve proficiency. Baseline is being computed by taking each subgroup’s score and subtracting it from 100. Mr. Logan reported that an analysis of the gaps shows that progress is being made in closing the gaps in every area except one subgroup and subject.

Mr. Logan suggested that parents need help in understanding the testing program. Parent education sessions were discussed. These sessions could also help parents learn to help their children reduce stress.

Robin suggested using pre-post tests on programs to help better assess the effect the program is having on achievement. She suggested that any program created be mindful of evaluation.

It was agreed to cancel the December 8 meeting in lieu of a meeting in January to be determined at a later date.

No further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,


George Greger-Holt