Chairperson Nick Round welcomed senior class social studies teacher, Carmen Ross, who presented information about her Senior Portfolio and Assessment Project. The project was introduced to seniors last year and has progressed into a very successful project. Items which seniors include in their portfolios are: letters of application, resumes, personal statements, (3 or more) letters of reference, high school transcripts, attendance records, score reports for SAT’s, ACT’s and ASVAB’s, and academic, athletic and civic accomplishments. Ms. Ross explained that next year she will not require actual written recommendations, but require students to identify references on their resume instead.

Roger Wells reported on the "Seniors as TA’s" committee. The committee has met several times with different people each time. Hopefully more people will participate at the next meeting. Interested people should contact Roger for information on time and place of next meeting.

It is undecided if students should receive credit for the course. So far it has been suggested that a credit should be given to seniors who participate – this would help to increase the number of other seniors participating. Steve Preuss will check into that possibility. Teachers will be surveyed to get a list of interested people to be on the committee, to list tasks and/or needs for a TA, and to take a student-TA. This could be for students going into education but not limited to education. An example: student helping a teacher in science labs. There would be an agreement made between student and teacher to set goals and complete them yearly.

They want to create a list of teachers interested in creating jobs. The next step would be to pick student and teacher groups who would work well together. Students should fill out a survey for teachers, including their interests, what they want to learn, service projects, etc. Teachers would list times, places, etc. to create a good experience. It would run for a semester with one-half credit. Also, a form will be generated for student information so that the teachers could have a "menu" of what each student can offer. Teachers would select from the list of students interested and available. Next step is to get survey out to teachers. The ideas for this program are very much in the formative stage and open to suggestion.

Other Discussion:

Dance Protocol has been generated and sent home to parents. The dance this weekend will be the first dance using the new protocol.

GED/TEP Course – On the March 23^rd Staff Development Half-Day – Nancy Lashway and Barb Conner will be working on a presentation about GED & TEP courses, which will be given at April faculty meeting.

ISS – question about students using IPods at last meeting. After meeting with assistant principal and ISS monitor, Dave explained the use of Ipods is up to the discretion of the supervisor. The suggested guidelines are that the student is quiet, doing constructive work and cooperative.

CSE Communication Sheets by e-mail: A brief discussion followed resulting in it being the decision of those involved.

Dave distributed a handout entitled, "Mile Guide for 21^st Century Skills. Discussion followed concerning ways of teaching to the future. In most classes we are already doing this through: student groups working together on projects, group speaking, presentations, use of technology both in house and through world-wide connections, offering higher-level classes, developing better communication skills and people skills. It was concluded that teachers should not be overwhelmed by the 21^st Century information coming out as many teachers are already incorporating the 21^st Century skills into their plans and not even aware of it. That is why Dave is having teachers review their curriculum maps on Staff Development Day to identify the areas where they are already dealing with these skills.

Items to discuss with constituents:

Discuss Seniors as TA’s and try to get more involved. Have them contact Roger.

Clarification on 21^st Century skills – not just technology skills

Communication between Special Education and General Education

Blackboard User Groups – Some constituents expressed interest in having a users group to share ideas.

Drugs/Alcohol Concerns – Should we be doing more?

Should we consider silent reading times in a rotating schedule to encourage more reading? It could be in content areas or self-selected reading.

Next meeting on Tuesday, April 17^th (week after vacation)