HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-09-16 BOT Agenda PacketThe Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees will begin immediately following the conclusion of the
Board of Trustees Workshop but not prior to the posted start time.
Mission Statement
Westlake Academy is an IB World School whose mission is to provide students with an
internationally minded education of the highest quality so they are well-balanced and
respectful life-long learners.
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WESTLAKE ACADEMY
Vision Statement
Westlake Academy inspires students to achieve their highest individual potential in a nurturing
environment that fosters the traits found in the IB Learner Profile.
Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled,
Open-Minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced and Reflective
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
AGENDA
May 9, 2016
1301 Solana Boulevard
Building 4, Suite 4202
2ND FLOOR, COUNCIL CHAMBER
WESTLAKE, TX 76262
Workshop Session 5:00 p.m.
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
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Work Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST: President and Trustee Reports on Items of
Community Interest pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.0415 the Board of
Trustees may report on the following items: (1) expression of thanks, congratulations or
condolences; (2) information about holiday schedules; (3) recognition of individuals; (4)
reminders about upcoming Board of Trustee events; (5) information about community
events; and (6) announcements involving imminent threat to public health and safety.
Recognitions: Valedictorian and Salutatorian, various Sports Teams, NASA Students, and
the 2015-2016 National Merit Scholar.
Presentation of the Grade 10 student Personal Projects.
4. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE MAY 9, 2016, TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
5. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion regarding School start times and student success.
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated,
Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the duty of
the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional
Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this chapter: student rights and
restrictions for senior events.
7. RECONVENE MEETING
8. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
9. ADJOURNMENT
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Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST: President and Trustee Reports on Items of
Community Interest pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.0415 the Board of
Trustees may report on the following items: (1) expression of thanks, congratulations or
condolences; (2) information about holiday schedules; (3) recognition of individuals; (4)
reminders about upcoming Board of Trustee events; (5) information about community
events; and (6) announcements involving imminent threat to public health and safety.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS: This is an opportunity for citizens to address the Board on any
matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda. The Board cannot by law take action
nor have any discussion or deliberations on any presentation made to the Board at this
time concerning an item not listed on the agenda. Any item presented may be noticed on
a future agenda for deliberation or action.
4. CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of
Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence.
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the April 11, meeting.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 16-06, Amending the Primary (K-G5)
Assessment and Grade Reporting Policy. Policy No. 6.09.
c. Consider approval of Resolution 16-07, Authorizing the Approval of an Interlocal
Agreement with the Education Service Center Region 11 Benefits Cooperative
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated,
Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the duty of
the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional
Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this chapter: student rights and
restrictions for senior events.
6. RECONVENE MEETING
7. TAKE ANY ACTION, IF NEEDED, FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS
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8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or
Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future
Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the Superintendent
with the requested item and the Superintendent will list it on the agenda. At the
meeting, the requesting Board member will explain the item, the need for Board
discussion of the item, the item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the
amount of estimated staff time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the
requesting Board member receives a second, the Superintendent will place the item on
the Board agenda calendar allowing for adequate time for staff preparation on the
agenda item.
9. ADJOURNMENT
ANY ITEM ON THIS POSTED AGENDA COULD BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE
SESSION AS LONG AS IT IS WITHIN ONE OF THE PERMITTED CATEGORIES UNDER
SECTIONS 551.071 THROUGH 551.076 AND SECTION 551.087 OF THE TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice was posted at the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake, 1301 Solana Blvd,
Building 4, Suite 4202, Westlake, TX 76262, on May 4, 2016, by 5:00 p.m. under the Open Meetings
Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.
_____________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Town Secretary
If you plan to attend this public meeting and have a disability that requires special needs, please advise
the Town Secretary 48 hours in advance at 817-490-5710 and reasonable accommodations will be made
to assist you.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 2 – Pledge of
Allegiance
Texas Pledge:
“Honor the Texas flag;
I pledge allegiance to
the, Texas, one state
under God, one and
indivisible.”
ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST: President and Trustee Reports on Items of Community Interest
pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.0415 the Board of Trustees may report on the following
items: (1) expression of thanks, congratulations or condolences; (2) information about holiday schedules;
(3) recognition of individuals; (4) reminders about upcoming Board of Trustee events; (5) information
about community events; and (6) announcements involving imminent threat to public health and safety.
An Evening in Seville; Benefiting the Allegro Classical Guitar Society with support from Westlake Public Arts Program
Sunday, May 15, 2016 at 3:00 pm
Home of Former Mayor Scott & Kelly Bradley, 1 Paigebrooke
Town Council Meeting – Election canvass & Oath of Office
Thursday, May 16, 2016; 6:00 pm
Town Council Workshop/Meeting
Monday, May 23, 2016; 5:00 pm
Class of 2016 Seniors’ Special Event Day
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
9:00 am - Award Ceremony, Gym
10:30 am – Alumni Walkway Brick Laying ceremony, outside Gym
11:30 am – Baccalaureate Service, MPH
Teacher of the Year Ceremony
Tuesday, May 24, 2016; 3:30 pm
WA Campus – MPH (multi-purpose hall)
Annual PYP Strings Concert (Westlake community invited)
Tuesday, May 24, 2016; 6:00 pm
First Baptist Church, Keller
Board of Trustees/Town Council – Annual Planning Day
Wednesday, May 25, 2016: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Hilton Garden Inn-Alliance, 2600 Westport Parkway 76177
Nat’l Honor Society & Nat’l Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Thursday, May 25, 2016; 5-8:00 pm
WA Campus – MPH (multi-purpose hall)
Annual PYP Exhibition (Westlake community invited)
Thursday, May 26, 2016; 3:30-4:30 pm
WA Campus – Grade 5 classrooms
WA School Holiday (No bad weather make-up day needed)
Friday, May 27, 2016
Westlake Municipal Offices & Academy Closed for Memorial Day
Monday, May 30, 2016
Board of
Trustees
Item # 2 – Items of
Community Interest
Westlake Annual Decoration Day; Hosted by the Westlake Historical Preservations Society
Monday, May 30, 2016; 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Westlake I.O.O.F. Cemetery, 3101 JT Ottinger Road
Senior Banquet
Thursday, June 2, 2016; 6:30 – 10:00 pm
The Marq Southlake, 285 Shady Oaks Drive 76092
Last Day of School & Whole School End of Year Picnic
Friday, June 3, 2016; 12:00 pm
WA Campus – Town Green
2016 Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, June 4, 2016; 2:00 pm
Hurst Conference Center, 1601 Campus Drive 76054
Coffee & Conversation with the Mayor (last one until Sept!)
Monday, June 6, 2016; 8-9:30 am
Marriott Solana – Great Room
Board of Trustees Workshop/Meeting
Monday, June 6, 2016; 5:00 pm
*For WA Athletic events, please check the appropriate sport’s category box on the WA
Calendar webpage for times.
REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the April 11, meeting.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 16-06, Amending the Primary (K-G5) Assessment
and Grade Reporting Policy. Policy No. 6.09.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 4 – Review of
Consent Agenda Items
DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion regarding School start times and student success.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 5 – Discussion
Items
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP/MYP/DP Meeting Date: May 9, 2016
Staff Contact: Jennifer Furnish Workshop
Student Services Administrator
Subject: School start times and student success
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the board with a summary of current research on
school start times and the impact on student achievement. The academy is also suggesting a
school start time of 7:55 a.m.
PLAN DESIRED OUTCOMES
High Student Achievement
Strong Parent & Community
Connections
Financial Stewardship & Sustainability
ACADEMY VALUES
Maximizing Personal Development
Academic Excellence
Respect for Self and Others
Personal Responsibility
Compassion and Understanding
Effective Educators & Staff
GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
Why do we need governance guidance? Westlake Academy is seeking guidance on the new
recommended school start and end times.
Which policy governs this? Policy Number 3.02 covers attendance
What additional direction is necessary? Direction from the board to determine if our
recommended school start time meets the needs of all learners at Westlake Academy.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Direction on school start time for the next school year.
ATTACHMENTS
Memorandum
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 9, 2016
TO: Superintendent, Honorable President and Board of Trustees Members
FROM: Jennifer Furnish, Student Services Administrator
SUBJECT: Report on School Start Times and Student Achievement Below is a summary of information related to school start times and student sleep. The leadership at Westlake Academy took all of the information into account when selecting a start time for the 2016-2017 school year. As a result of being a K-12 campus, we had to compromise in regards to school start times given the wide range of student ages. Westlake Academy is proposing a start time of 7:55am and a school end time of 3:10pm. According to a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, school start times prior to 8:30am can contribute to “insufficient sleep, as well as circadian rhythm disruption.” The Academy also states that “delaying school start times is an effective countermeasure to chronic sleep loss and has a wide range of potential benefits to students with regard to physical and mental health, safety, and academic achievement.” Despite the increasing attention given to making sleep a priority for middle and high school aged students, fewer that one-third of high school students get the recommended eight hours of sleep per night according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control). Research has demonstrated that as students enter puberty, there is a shift in melatonin secretion resulting in a natural later “bed time.” Children who are going through puberty often can not fall asleep until much later than children who have yet to reach puberty. In addition to biological changes, multiple studies recognize poor “sleep hygiene” as a contributing factor to poor sleep. Poor “sleep hygiene” results from inconsistent bedtimes and the presence of televisions, cell phones and other electronic devices in the bedroom that interrupt sleep cycles. While delayed start times are suggested for this particular population, earlier start times are recommended for younger children. Delaying start times by as little as fifteen minutes has been found to have the following positive impacts: 1. Decreased number of traffic accidents among teen drivers 2. Improvement in overall student attendance 3. Decreased student self reporting of sleepiness, fatigue, and lack of focus
4. Decreased behavior issues related to lack of focus/ability to stay awake While there is evidence suggesting a correlation between later start times and academic achievement, no direct causal relationship has been identified. Several studies suggest that delaying school start time is not enough to ensure quality sleep for students. Schools and health professionals must educate students and families on healthy sleep habits and the dangers of poor “sleep hygiene.” Sources: School Start Times for Adolescents. Adolescent Sleep Working Group and Committee on Adolescence, and Council on School Health. Pediatrics; originally published online August 25, 2014. Basch C.E., Basch C.H., Rajan S., Ruggles K.V. Prevalence of sleep duration on an average school night among 4 nationally representative successive samples of American high school students, 2007–2013. Prev Chronic Dis 2014;11:E216. Croft, Janet B. Ferro, Gabriella A., Wheaton, Anne G. School Start Times for Middle School and High School Students — United States, 2011–12 School Year. Weekly. August 7, 2015 / 64(30);809-813. Croft J.B., Eaton D.K., Lowry R., McKnight-Eily L.R., Perry G.S., Presley-Cantrell L. Relationships between hours of sleep and health-risk behaviors in US adolescent students. Prev Med 2011;53:271–3.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated,
Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the duty of
the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional
Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this chapter: student rights and
restrictions for senior events.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 6 – Adjournment
Regular Session
Board of
Trustees
Item # 7 – Reconvene
Meeting
BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Board of
Trustees
Item # 8 – Board Recap /
Staff Direction
Board of
Trustees
Item # 9 – Adjournment
Work Session
CITIZEN COMMENTS: This is an opportunity for citizens to address the Board on any matter
whether or not it is posted on the agenda. The Board cannot by law take action nor have any
discussion or deliberations on any presentation made to the Board at this time concerning an
item not listed on the agenda. Any item presented may be noticed on a future agenda for
deliberation or action.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 3 – Citizen
Comments
CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of
Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence.
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the April 11, meeting.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 16-06, Amending the Primary (K-G5) Assessment
and Grade Reporting Policy. Policy No. 6.09.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 4 – Consent
Agenda
BOT Minutes 04/11/16
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WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
April 11, 2016
PRESENT: President Laura Wheat, Trustees: Alesa Belvedere, Carol Langdon, and Wayne
Stoltenberg.
ABSENT: Michael Barrett and Rick Rennhack
OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent Tom Brymer, Assistant to the Superintendent
Amanda DeGan, Board Secretary Kelly Edwards, Executive
Principal & Director of Education Dr. Mechelle Bryson, MYP
Principal Dr. Andra Barton, DP Principal/Coordinator Stacy
Stoyanoff, MYP Coordinator Terri Watson, PYP Principal Rod
Harding, PYP Coordinator Alison Schneider, Student Services
Administrator Jennifer Furnish, Registrar Ange Bumgarner,
Finance Supervisor Jaymi Ford, Assistant to the Town Manager
Jarrod Greenwood, Director of Information Technology Jason
Power, Director of Human Resources & Administrative Services
Todd Wood, Director of Communications Ginger Awtry and
Communications Specialist Susan McFarland.
Work Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the work session to order at 5:05 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Wheat led the pledge of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
BOT Minutes 04/11/16
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3. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE APRIL 11, 2016, TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
No additional discussion.
4. REPORTS
a. Report of the Quarterly Financial “Dashboard” report for the quarter ended
February 29, 2016.
Discussion ensued regarding the format of the report, Blacksmith contributions,
and grant contributions.
5. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Presentation and discussion of the MYP Site Visit.
Dr. Barton and staff provided a presentation and overview of the site visit.
Mrs. Watson, Mrs. Estrada, Ms. Milton, Mrs. Cawthra, Mrs. Erin Britain, Ms.
Cussen, and Mr. Mueller provided an overview of each analysis.
Discussion ensued regarding vertically aligning TEKS, Managebac, horizontal
alignment, contributions to the success of the reauthorization process, double
booking of Mathematics and previous site visit reports.
b. Presentation and discussion of the proposed amendments to the Primary (K-G6)
Assessment and Grade Reporting Policy. Policy No. 6.09.
Mr. Harding and Ms. Schneider provided a presentation and overview of the
proposed amendments.
Discussion ensued regarding the implementation, parent and teacher feedback,
assessments, addressing comments made regarding grade inflation, and
standardizing the assessment language.
6. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
No additional direction.
7. ADJOURNMENT
President Wheat adjourned the work session at 6:24 p.m.
BOT Minutes 04/11/16
Page 3 of 4
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the regular session to order at 6:24 p.m.
2. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Presentation of the Distinguish Budget Award to Westlake Academy and to the Director
of Finance Mrs. Debbie Piper.
Director Awtry and Superintendent Brymer provided an overview of upcoming events.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
No one addressed the Board.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the March 7, 2016, meeting.
MOTION: Trustee Langdon made a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Trustee Belvedere seconded the motion. The motion carried by
a vote of 3-0.
5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
No future agenda items.
BOT Minutes 04/11/16
Page 4 of 4
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat asked for a motion to
adjourn the meeting.
MOTION: Trustee Stoltenberg made a motion to adjourn the regular
session. Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion
carried by a vote of 3-0.
President Wheat adjourned the regular session at 6:34 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON MAY 9, 2016.
ATTEST:
____________________________
Laura Wheat, President
_____________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary
Page 1 of 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP Meeting Date: May 9, 2016
Staff Contact: Rod Harding Consent
PYP Principal
Subject: Consider a Resolution amending the ‘Primary (K-G6) Assessment and
Grade Reporting Policy’ – No. 6.09
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Consider the resolution to amend the ‘Primary (K-G6) Assessment and Grade Reporting Policy’.
These changes take into consideration a review by the school lawyer Mrs. Janet Bubert, annual
parent feedback and teacher recommendations of the need for increased transparency and
justification of performance descriptors in both the subject-based and unit of inquiry reports.
This allows teachers, administrators and parents greater clarity in how teachers determined
ratings for student performance.
PLAN DESIRED OUTCOMES
High Student Achievement
Strong Parent & Community
Connections
Financial Stewardship &
Sustainability
ACADEMY VALUES
Maximizing Personal Development
Academic Excellence
Respect for Self and Others
Personal Responsibility
Compassion and Understanding
Effective Educators & Staff
GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
Why do we need governance guidance? School policy is a responsibility of the Board of
Trustees.
Which policy governs this? Previous policy and authority of the Board of Trustees.
What additional direction is necessary? Input and questions from the Board of Trustees.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Recommended approval of amended policy.
ATTACHMENTS
• Resolution
• ‘Primary (K-G5) Assessment and Grade Reporting Policy’ – No. 6.09
WA Resolution 16-06
Page 1 of 6
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION 16-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AMENDING AND ADOPTING THE ‘PRIMARY (K-G5) ASSESSMENT AND GRADE
REPORTING POLICY’ - NO. 6.09
WHEREAS, the policy was originally adopted on April 5, 2010, and amended by the
Board of Trustees on October 3, 2011 with an effective date of October 3, 2011; and,
WHEREAS, this amendment reflects the development of assessment and reporting
guidelines by the International Baccalaureate Organization and staff work groups in order to
allow greater transparency for assessment and reporting to parents; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and faculty of Westlake
Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1: That, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true and
correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2: That, the Board of Trustees Westlake Academy, hereby approves the
‘Primary (K-G5) Assessment and Grade Reporting Policy’ for Westlake Academy attached
to this resolution as Exhibit “A”.
SECTION 3: If any portion of this resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Council hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the
invalid provision.
WA Resolution 16-06
Page 2 of 6
SECTION 4: That this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 9th DAY OF MAY, 2016.
___________________________________
Laura Wheat, President
ATTEST:
________________________________ ___________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
Janet S. Bubert or L. Stanton Lowry,
School Attorney
WA Resolution 16-06
Page 3 of 6
Exhibit “A”
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 6.09:
Date Board Adopted: April 5, 2010
Date Board Amended: May 9, 2016
Effective Date: May 9, 2016
Policy Category: Student Achievement
Policy Name: Primary (K-G5) Assessment and Grade Reporting
Policy Goal: Definition and Transparency in the Primary (K-G6) Student Assessment
and Grading Policy
Policy Description:
The purpose of this assessment policy is to help all members of the school community
understand and use educational assessment in a consistent and successful way. Our
goal is to create a community that embraces assessment as a valuable and essential
part of the learning cycle.
1) Our Purposes for Using Assessment
a) For learners, assessment does the following:
i) Promotes efficient learning by focusing the student's attention on what is
important
ii) Promotes understanding and life-long learning
iii) Promotes self-evaluation and self-monitoring by the use of well-defined
expectations and criteria
iv) Motivates learning by communicating progress concerning what a
student knows and is able to do
v) Helps understand how school learning relates to present world and
future goals.
b) For teachers, assessment does the following:
i) Provides formative and summative data about student learning
ii) Provides diagnostic data to improve learning
iii) Assists instructional planning by providing informed feedback
WA Resolution 16-06
Page 4 of 6
iv) Helps to determine teaching effectiveness - what approaches and
methods work
v) Helps to determine whether the program is achieving desired goals
(program accountability)
vi) Is a tool for communicating to others
c) For administrators, assessment does the following:
i) Assists in determining the effectiveness of programs
ii) Assists in determining school and grade-level learning goals
iii) Assists in allocation of resources, including professional development
iv) Monitors student achievement and supports student learning
d) For parents, assessment does the following:
i) Provides formative and summative data about student learning and
attainment.
ii) Provides information about the child’s learning experience in school.
iii) Provides information about future educational opportunities.
iv) Helps provide information of the strengths and weaknesses of both the
instructional program and the individual learner.
In consideration of the need to establish relevant and comprehensive grade reporting
and assessment policies for the PYP student body of Westlake Academy, the following
ratings and descriptors will be utilized by the Staff to indicate academic performance, as
well as effort in subject-based and unit of inquiry reports with regard to higher order
thinking, critical concepts, content and skills on primary report cards.
Higher-Order Thinking Skills Command Terms
Create design, construct
Evaluate justify, synthesize, appraise, comment
Analyze deduce, investigate, argue
Apply measure, present, calculate, predict
Understand describe, recognize, classify, explain,
Remembering list, identify, define, recall, label
Lower-Order Thinking Skills
PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTORS (Kindergarten-Grade 5)
Meets w ith
Excellence
4
The learner evaluates and creates new and deeper
understandings that are applied beyond grade level standards.
The learner consistently applies knowledge and skills to
unfamiliar situations through independent investigation, uses
higher-order thinking to demonstrate understandings through
reflections, work samples, and discussions. The learner takes
responsibility through student-initiated actions and strives to
achieve his/her highest individual potential in all endeavors.
WA Resolution 16-06
Page 5 of 6
Meets w ith
Proficienc y
3
The learner meets grade level standards by applying and
analyzing knowledge. The learner uses higher-order thinking
with knowledge and skills in familiar situations to communicate
understanding through reflections, and work samples.
Developing
Proficienc y
2
The learner is approaching the proficient level of
remembering and understanding. The learner can use
lower-order thinking (to demonstrate knowledge. Teacher
support is sometimes needed to encourage self-directed
learning. Grade level standards of knowledge and skills
continue to develop with increasing independence.
Require
Support to
Meet
Proficienc y
1
The learner is struggling to reach proficiency in relation to grade
level standards. Teacher support is regularly given for the
student to engage in lower-order thinking. The teacher must
guide learning and skill development because the learner has
not reached an independent level.
Not
Applicable
(N/A)
This strand has not been formally assessed at this point in the
school year. In- depth study in this area will be addressed next
semester.
*See relevant command terms for Higher and Lower Order Thinking Skills in Student-Parent
Handbook
EFFORT DESCRIPTORS (Grade 3-5)
Exceptional Effort 4
Motivated, active
learner
The learner consistently and confidently demonstrates a
willingness to work hard and is driven by external (peer
and parental expectations), as well as internal (interest
and desire to achieve their highest individual potential)
factors.
Organized/Prepared The management of time is used effectively and
appropriately to plan and carry out activities. The learner
is reflective about sharing information with an audience
and is always well prepared with materials and resources.
Very Good Effort 3
Motivated, active
learner
The learner demonstrates willingness to work hard and
appears driven by external (peer and parental
expectations), as well as internal (interest and desire to do
well to achieve their potential) factors.
Organized/Prepared The management of time is not always used effectively
and appropriately to plan and carry out activities. The
learner shares information but not always with the
audience in mind, and could be better prepared with
materials and resources.
WA Resolution 16-06
Page 6 of 6
Good Effort 2
Motivated, active
learner
The learner works to meet the minimum expectations and
does not demonstrate the independence and drive.
External motivation is needed on a regular basis to
achieve more than is required.
Organized and
prepared
Support is needed in the management of time and to plan
and carry out activities. The learner needs support in
organization of materials and resources.
Improvement Needed 1
Motivated, active
learner
The learner seldom demonstrates willingness to work
hard to potential. External factors (peer and parental
expectations) and teacher intervention tend to be the only
source of motivation to accomplish work of a satisfactory
or better standard.
Organized and
prepared
Time is not used effectively and appropriately to plan and
carry out activities. The learner shares information
without care and does not see a purpose. The learner is
always assisted in the preparation of materials and
resources.
Details for Bloom’s Taxonomy and Command terms are expanded and explained
in the PYP Student-Parent Handbook.
Report Cards - Westlake Academy will send home two (2) primary report cards each
year. The report cards will be sent home in December and May of each year.
Parent-Student-Teacher-Meetings – Staff will conduct two (2) parent/student/teacher
conferences per year for every primary student: a goal-setting conference during the
first semester and a student-led conference during the second semester. This will allow
parents/students to meet with teachers to discuss student progress, and, in the case of
student-led conferences during the second semester, witness the demonstration of
understanding firsthand. Parents or teachers may request additional conferences at any
time during the school year to discuss student progress and concerns.
In addition to the above meetings, parents and students will be invited to attend
conferences at the beginning of October to discuss how their son or daughter has
settled into their new class and their initial learning goals.
Dates Amended:
10/03/11
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WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP / MYP / DP Meeting Date: May 9, 2016
Staff Contact: Todd Wood Consent
Dir. of HR & Administrative Services
Subject: Consider a Resolution authorizing Westlake Academy to renew
participation with the ESC Region 11 Benefits Cooperative for the 2016-
2017 school year.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Westlake Academy expanded and enhanced its employee benefit package by joining the ESC
Region 11 Benefits Cooperative in August 2008. The Cooperative, currently serving many
school districts consisting of thousands of members, offers Westlake Academy a more
comprehensive and competitive benefits package at lower costs. By leveraging the numbers of
its members, this program is capable of obtaining products and services more efficiently than the
Academy can obtain on its own. It is necessary to renew the Academy’s participation by
Interlocal Agreement on an annual basis. This renewal is for the 2016-2017 school year.
PLAN DESIRED OUTCOMES
High Student Achievement
Strong Parent & Community
Connections
Financial Stewardship &
Sustainability
ACADEMY VALUES
Maximizing Personal Development
Academic Excellence
Respect for Self and Others
Personal Responsibility
Compassion and Understanding
Effective Educators & Staff
GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
Why do we need governance guidance? School policy is a responsibility of the Board of
Trustees.
Which policy governs this? Previous policy and authority of the Board of Trustees.
What additional direction is necessary? None.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
There is no additional budgetary impact in renewing participation with the ESC Region 11 Benefits
Cooperative.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Staff recommends the Board of Trustees adopt ESC Region 11 Benefits Cooperative Interlocal
Resolution and Agreement, renewing Westlake Academy’s participation for the 2016-2017
school year.
ATTACHMENTS
ESC Region 11 Benefits Cooperative Interlocal Resolution and Agreement
Resolution WA 16-07
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WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION 16-07
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AUTHORIZING THE APPROVAL OF AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE
EDUCATION SERVICE CENTER REGION 11 BENEFITS COOPERATIVE.
WHEREAS, Westlake Academy, an open-enrollment charter school operated by the
Town of Westlake, Texas, (“Participant”) pursuant to the authority granted under Chapter 791
Government Code, as amended, desires to join together with other school districts, charter schools,
or governmental entities to participate in employee benefits offered by the Education Service
Center Region 11 Employee Benefits Cooperative (the “ESC Region 11 BC”), holding the opinion
that participation in these programs will be beneficial to the school district, charter school, or
governmental entities and its employees; and,
WHEREAS, the ESC Region 11 BC is managed by a committee called the Board of
Record that consists of the superintendents or chief executive officers or their designees from
each of the Participants in the Coop; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and faculty of Westlake
Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Board of Trustees of Participant
requests the ESC Region 11 BC to include Westlake Academy as a participant. Participant
acknowledges and agrees to the following:
1. The purposes of the ESC Region 11 BC are governmental functions or services that each
party to this agreement is authorized to perform individually;
2. Any obligation to pay any fees will come from current revenues available to the
Participant;
3. Such fees fairly compensate the parties performing the functions and services under the
agreement;
4. This agreement incorporates the Operational Procedures developed by the Board of
Record as it currently exists or may be hereafter amended by action of the Board of
Record;
5. Participant delegates to the Board of Record authority to modify the Operational
Procedures as the Board of Record deems in the best interests of the ESC Region 11 BC;
6. Participant delegates to the Board of Record all purchasing functions related to the
purposes of this interlocal agreement to the maximum extent permitted by law;
7. Participant shall comply with the Operational Procedures as established, modified, and/or
approved by the Board of Record;
8. The ESC Region 11 BC shall comply with the purchasing requirements for the purchase
of personal property and services as required by Chapter 44 of the Education Code and
Chapter 791 of the Local Government Code;
Resolution WA 16-07
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9. The term of this agreement shall be one year, from September 1, 2016, to August 31,
2017, and
10. Participant or the ESC Region 11 BC may terminate Participant’s participation in the ESC
Region 11 BC for any reason by giving written notice to the ESC Region 11 BC Board of
Record sixty (60) calendar days before the anniversary date of this agreement.
SECTION 1: That, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true and
correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2: That, the Board of Trustees Westlake Academy hereby approves this
resolution and agreement for Westlake Academy to participate in the ESC Region 11 BC for the
2016-2017 school year.
SECTION 3: If any portion of this resolution and agreement shall, for any reason, be
declared invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the
remaining provisions hereof and the Council hereby determines that it would have adopted this
Resolution without the invalid provision.
SECTION 4: That this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of Participant authorizes its
Superintendent to execute any and all documents and take whatever action necessary to carry out
the desires of the Board of Trustees as stated herein.
Resolution WA 16-07
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I certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the resolution and agreement adopted by
the Board of Trustees of Westlake Academy and that the same is reflected in the minutes of the
Board meeting held on May 9, 2016.
In witness thereof, we hereunto affix our signatures this 9th day of May, 2016.
BY: __________________________________ Laura Wheat
Signature of School Board or Charter Typed Name of School Board or Charter
School Board President School Board President
__________________________________ Kelly Edwards
Signature of School Board or Charter Typed Name of School Board or Charter
School Board Secretary School Board Secretary
__________________________________ Thomas Brymer
Signature of School Board or Charter Typed Name of School Board or Charter
School Superintendent School Board Superintendent
Name of Agency: Westlake Academy
Address: 2600 JT Ottinger Road
Westlake, TX 76262
Name of Contact Person: Todd Wood
Phone Number: (817) 490-5711
__________________________________ Wes Eversole
Signature of ESC Region 11 BC Board Typed Name of ESC Region 11 BC Board
President President
__________________________________ William Stokes
Signature of ESC Region 11 BC Board Typed Name of ESC Region 11 BC Board
Secretary Secretary
__________________________________ Dr. Clyde W. Steelman, Jr.
Signature of ESC Region 11 BC Executive Typed Name of ESC Region 11 BC
Director Executive Director
__________________________________
Date Approved by ESC Region 11
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated,
Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the duty of
the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional
Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this chapter: student rights and
restrictions for senior events.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 5 – Adjournment
Regular Session
Board of
Trustees
Item # 6 – Reconvene
Meeting
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated,
Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the duty of
the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional
Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this chapter: student rights and
restrictions for senior events.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 7 – Necessary Action
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or
Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future Board
meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the Superintendent with the
requested item and the Superintendent will list it on the agenda. At the meeting, the
requesting Board member will explain the item, the need for Board discussion of the item,
the item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the amount of estimated staff
time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the requesting Board member receives
a second, the Superintendent will place the item on the Board agenda calendar allowing
for adequate time for staff preparation on the agenda item.
- None
Board of
Trustees
Item # 8 – Future Agenda
Items
Board of
Trustees
Item # 9 – Adjournment
Regular Session