HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-06-16 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
June 6, 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.PRESENTATION REGARDING THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP
SYMPOSIUM IN GERMANY.
4.REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS LISTED ON THE REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA. (10 min)
5.REPORTS
Reports are prepared for informational purposes and will be accepted as presented.
(there will no presentations associated with the report items) There will be no separate
discussion unless a Board Member requests that report be removed and considered
separately.
a.Report regarding STAAR Testing Processes – Spring 2016.
b.Report regarding the Year End Review Report for Fiscal Year 15-16 and a preview of
Fiscal Year 16-17.
6.DISCUSSION ITEMS
a.Presentation and discussion regarding the College Readiness Assessment
Continuum. (10 min)
7.BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
8.ADJOURNMENT
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
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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 May 9, 2016, meeting.
5. 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.
6. 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 June 1, 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.”
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: MYP Meeting Date: 06/06/2016
Staff Contact: Alan Burt Workshop Item
Assistant Principal/
Athletic Director
Subject: Presentation regarding the International Student Leadership Symposium in
Germany
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Six of our Grade 10 students attended the International Student Leadership Symposium this year,
which was held in Worms, Germany from April 3-13, 2016. Working in conjunction with
students from other countries, we focused on the topic of “Human Migration”. The students will
share their experiences as well as the projects they will be working on for the 2016-2017 school
year as a result of the symposium.
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
The report relates directly to Westlake Academy’s Vision of inspiring “…students to achieve
their highest individual potential…”
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Review of information and feedback regarding the proposed projects for the coming school year.
ATTACHMENTS
None
REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the May 9, 2016, meeting.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 4 – Review of
Consent Agenda Items
REPORTS
Reports are prepared for informational purposes and will be accepted as presented.
(there will no presentations associated with the report items) There will be no separate discussion
unless a Council Member requests that report be removed and considered separately.
a. Report regarding STAAR Testing Processes – Spring 2016
b. Report regarding the Year End Review Report for Fiscal Year 15-16 and a
preview of Fiscal Year 16-17.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 5 – Reports
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WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP/MYP/DP Meeting Date: June 6, 2016
Staff Contact: Jennifer Furnish Board Report
Student Services Administrator
Subject: Report regarding STAAR Testing Processes – Spring 2016
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to provide the Board with a summary of issues faced by Westlake
Academy in the most recent rounds of state testing. There is also information regarding broader
concerns posed by Texas Association of School Administrators. Some of this information has
recently received local press/news coverage, as well.
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 informing the board on state
testing to determine if any action should be taken.
Which policy governs this? N/A
What additional direction is necessary? Direction from the board to determine if any additional
communication with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is necessary.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Direction regarding follow-up with TEA.
ATTACHMENTS
Memorandum to the Board of Trustees
Texas Association of School Administrators Letter
MEMORANDUM
Date: June 6, 2016
TO: Superintendent, Honorable President and Board of Trustees Members
FROM: Jennifer Furnish, Student Services Administrator
SUBJECT: Report on STAAR Testing - Spring 2016
ATTACHMENT: TASA Letter Below is a summary of information related to STAAR testing during the spring 2016 administration. There is significant controversy throughout the state regarding the distribution of materials, online testing experiences for students, quality of test questions, and accuracy of grading on written assessments. I have summarized some of the issues Westlake Academy faced during this round of spring testing. 1. Westlake Academy did not receive shipments of pre-coded answer documents for grades 4 and 7 writing until two days before the exam despite having correctly uploaded all student data files. 2. Westlake Academy had one student impacted by issues with online test administrations. Westlake Academy followed the recommended corrective actions and the student was eventually able to submit their online test and initial results indicate that all student work saved appropriately. The student and parents were immediately notified of the situation and responded positively. The parents met with the District Testing Coordinator and composed a letter of concern to TEA. 3. During the May retesting for students in grades 5 and 8 who did not pass their STAAR exams in March, several pages in the Grade 5 test book were illegible. These pages were so poorly printed, students were unable to read key passages. Again, Westlake Academy followed the recommended corrective action and despite the inconvenience and anxiety brought about by this situation, all students remained focused and committed. Westlake received scores this week and all re-testers passed. 4. There were several issues with communication and being able to reach Educational Testing Services (ETS). The District Testing Coordinator was often on hold for more than an hour. There were also issues with conflicting advice from various ETS representatives. Finally, the ETS website “crashed” before testing in March and remained off line for two days.
Attached, is a copy of the letter sent by TASA to TEA outlining the various concerns school districts have regarding spring testing. Overall, Westlake Academy experienced fewer issues than large local educations agencies. Staff will continue to monitor all test results to ensure there are no additional concerns.
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May 10, 2016
Mr. Mike Morath
Commissioner of Education
1701 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
Dear Commissioner Morath:
We appreciate your recent response to certain STAAR testing irregularities as “unacceptable,”
and your ongoing discussions with superintendents statewide. As you know from news reports
and several summary reports that have already been shared with you, school districts across the
state have reported countless problems with the recent STAAR administrations. I am sure you
are aware of many of the issues described below, but we wanted to share the input we received
from superintendents and testing coordinators across the state.
Years of testing millions of Texas students have shown that some issues will always arise and
are inevitable. What is unprecedented this year is the scope and magnitude of issues associated
with the STAAR administration that affect students, teachers, and administrators. The high-
stakes nature of standardized testing requires that the state ensure, at a minimum, that
assessments are valid and reliable, that appropriate testing procedures are in place and testing
materials are secure, that those grading the assessments are qualified and available, and that
student data is secure.
The numerous testing irregularities reported this year do not encourage confidence in the
accuracy of student scores, the fairness of the administration across all student populations, or in
the security of student identifiable information. Assigning accountability ratings based on such
data will only compound the situation and will not reflect a true snapshot of either Texas
students or schools.
We believe the continued use of the assessments with the array of issues associated with them
will negatively affect state accountability ratings and the perception of our schools.
If the state continues to use these tests for grade promotion, graduation, and accountability
purposes, then it must ensure they are administered properly with appropriate security measures
in place. The state must be able to make assurances as to the security and reliability of the tests,
the integrity of the process for delivering the tests and accompanying materials, the protection
of student data, and the accuracy of test results reported back to districts.
Building upon the recent survey of districts in Region 4, TASA has gathered information from
districts across the state on the recent testing incidents in an effort to provide a detailed picture
of the serious flaws in the current testing system. Below is a sampling of the information we
have received. We have summarized our findings into five categories.
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I. Data Validity and Security
Maintaining the security and confidentiality of testing materials is critical for ensuring valid test results
and ensuring equity in testing opportunities for students. TEA has developed test security manuals and a
test security supplement to ensure districts are consistent in gathering, handling, administering, and
shipping testing materials. Certain district staff is required to sign oaths of testing security and
confidentiality, and violations of these procedures can result in staff being subject to sanctions or loss of
certification.
With the extensive security required for local district staff, it was alarming to find numerous occasions in
which the state testing contractor did not follow the same stringent guidelines required at the district level.
Key responses related to data validity and security are included below.
• Some districts received test results for students not enrolled in their districts and did not receive
results for students in their own districts.
• There were too many scores of “0” for short answer questions, and the justifications for those
scores were not acceptable.
• ETS staff was unaware that some districts received extra answer booklets — an indication that
appropriate inventory control measures were lacking.
• ETS staff appeared unaware of the importance of the chain of custody in accounting for materials.
• Demographic information and names were incorrect on the pre-coded answer documents.
• Students’ STAAR-A Algebra I end-of-course (EOC) exams were scored as STAAR EOCs.
Scores had not been corrected weeks later.
• Student results were missing from the December and March campus reports. Many of the
students with missing results from the December administration had to retest in March as it was
still unknown if they had passed the previous test.
• Districts did not receive Confidential Student Reports (CSRs) for some students, received other
reports late, and, in some cases, received multiple CSRs for one student.
• District personnel were told by ETS to plan on retesting when grades 5 and 8 results were missing
and ETS could not guarantee the student results would be found before the retest.
• Students were concerned with online testing glitches so they took extra time to complete their
answers. Students marked answers and wrote essays and then had to resubmit lost work.
Responses show concern that the data might not be valid. For example, did the system record the
first essay a student wrote that was lost? OR, was the second essay the student wrote the essay of
record? Neither ETS nor TEA could confirm.
• ETS sent testing materials with no staff designation, no “confidential materials” labels, and so
poorly packed that materials could be seen through the packaging.
• Student data files and scores were missing or incorrect. Some districts received multiple scoring
documents for the same student with different scores.
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• Districts followed procedure and contacted ETS to let them know when students’ names were
misspelled or other student information was incorrect. ETS instructed district staff to change the
data in the key fields themselves with no reassurance that ETS and TEA would have the updated
information.
• The demographic information on a Summary Report was incorrect for a campus.
• One district reported that approximately one-third of its schools found discrepancies when
comparing the answer documents submitted and the information returned via data files.
• The ETS system lacks the ability for test administrators to verify that students have answered
each online question.
• There was widespread concern with the accuracy of STAAR-A data (e.g., one report indicated
that certain students had passed the test, but a later report indicated that those same students had
not passed the test).
• ETS posted some fifth- and eighth-grade data files according to schedule, but the files were
blank. By the time the districts got the information three days later, many students missed out on
needed targeted instruction.
• Some districts reported receiving emails from ETS with personal student information in the
subject line and body of the email (Social Security numbers, PEIMS numbers, dates of birth). In
some instances, this student information was not even for students enrolled in the district. ETS
directed these districts to delete the emails containing the sensitive student information.
II. Online Testing
The responses throughout all 20 regions of the state related to the ETS online testing system consistently
indicated that the system lacked capacity for statewide testing both before, during, and after the actual test
administrations. This led to a particularly frustrating experience for students whose ARD committees had
determined that the STAAR-A was the most appropriate testing option. Many of these students were
unable to access the STAAR-A, or if they did have access, the accommodation tools did not work
efficiently or did not work at all. There was also widespread concern expressed for those students who
needed to pass the online STAAR-A EOC exams in order to graduate, but were prevented from doing so
as a result of online system problems. Responses related to online testing are included below.
• ETS did not provide sufficient training on how to use the online system to district staff. ETS
customer support staff gave inconsistent, inaccurate, or inadequate responses to district personnel.
One response noted that when ETS support staff were contacted after the online system crashed
the day before student testing began the staff they spoke with “were bewildered and unaware.”
• ETS did not provide adequate practice and preparation to students on the use of accommodation
tools available with STAAR-A. Online tutorials were unavailable to many. As noted, “There are
only 2 practice questions and children need more practice with online tools before the test, just as
they do with any classroom accommodation/tool.”
• STAAR-A online accommodations did not work well or did not work at all (e.g., text-to-speech
tool, pencil tool, highlighter tool, and graphing tool). In addition, the oral administration feature
was “too fast, would fade in and out, mispronounced words, and had speech boxes that
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disappeared.” Or as another response indicated, “the computerized voice reads the wrong words
(e.g., will substitute “a” for “the,” etc.).”
• STAAR-A, STAAR-L, and STAAR student responses were lost, erased, or disappeared. Often
the system indicated that a student was still “actively” taking the test even after the student had
completed the test and submitted his/her responses. Students were logged out of the test and
unable to regain access. Individual student test scores were missing altogether from rosters.
Students took the STAAR-L but their results indicated they were scored as STAAR-A (and vice
versa). “I was told by TEA to have students go back the same day and answer questions lost. So
how is TEA/ETS going to know we had trouble or who those kids were? How valid are those
scores?”
• Some students were never able to access the STAAR-A as the ARD prescribed, causing the most
immediate harm to those needing to pass a STAAR-A EOC in order to graduate. “We were
completely unable to test online, which will prevent seniors from the opportunity to graduate in
May because their results will not be available.”
• The TEA test administration instruction manual mandates monitoring of a student’s progress, but
the ETS system didn’t allow this; therefore, there was no way to track student progress or to
verify that all answers were complete. This added to the confusion and made it difficult to discern
the cause of the problems. For example, had a student answered all of the questions that were
then lost in cyberspace? This also initiated the belief that there were other problems that
invalidated student responses that were not detected by district staff, TEA, or ETS. As noted, “I
do not trust the results from the online testing we did in March. I THINK we only had 5 students
who had issues with the online tests, but not confident that will be accurate.”
• Student distress at having to answer questions and write compositions numerous times, and
observing similar struggles their peers were encountering, sometimes over several days, was
noted numerous times. “These testing anomalies were enough of a distraction to this group of
already lower performing students to skew any validity of these tests.”
• The ETS online system was not prepared to effectively account for students who had transferred
from one district to another, making it particularly difficult for a receiving district that struggled
to get information from the student’s former school district in time for a student to test. “When I
had to enroll a student who was late coming to our district, I had to enroll her in only online tests
even though two of the tests would be paper. So now I have a student who shows to be testing
online who won’t even be logging in. ETS reps told me to select any online test because it doesn’t
matter.”
III. Communications
While a few districts reported no issues with regard to communication with ETS and TEA, the vast
majority of districts reported problems as summarized below.
• Many districts expressed concerns with the excessive amount time they spent on hold on the
telephone with ETS (30 minutes, 2 hours, 5 hours). Some districts reported being disconnected
after extensive time on hold or going directly to voicemail.
• Districts received conflicting information. ETS would advise one way, and TEA would advise
another.
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• Tier 1 responders were unable to answer many questions after district staff was placed on hold for
extended time periods. Then they would be forwarded to Tier 2 and sometimes Tier 3 responders.
• ETS would say they would call back with answers and never did.
• Reports of ETS customer service ranged from polite and helpful to unsure and rude.
• There were support ticket (case number) issues but districts received no return/follow-up calls
from ETS on how to resolve the problems.
• ETS representatives gave inconsistent or inaccurate information/answers.
• ETS staff was unable to track testing materials in the shipping process.
• The ETS system did not have the capacity for district staff to locate historical student data and
test history from Pearson.
• ETS representatives were unfamiliar with the Texas assessment system, thus unable to provide
adequate support to school districts.
• Many districts reported that the ETS website was not user-friendly and was difficult and time-
consuming to navigate.
• The entire ETS online system crashed a day prior to the test administration.
• ETS call hours were not on Central time and therefore ETS staff often was not available to assist
Texas educators when needed.
• ETS provided no advance notice of shipments and no pallet detail lists.
• Many districts were frustrated because the ETS system did not allow campus professionals to
view student-testing history as they had been able to in the past.
IV. Shipping Materials
Responses related to shipping materials are included below.
• Test booklets were shipped to the incorrect address, and in many cases, to the wrong school
district or campus. Campus testing materials in some cases were mixed with materials for another
campus, and materials were not properly labeled for campus distribution.
• Testing materials did not arrive in a timely manner, and, in some cases, they arrived damaged in
damaged boxes. Some boxes were not properly labeled. (In one district, secure testing materials
were delivered in a Home Depot box.) Tracking numbers did not matching tracking numbers in
the ETS online system.
• It was difficult for districts to track shipments. Staff was unable to get answers from ETS
regarding materials received for another district.
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• Districts experienced significant delays in receiving Braille materials. ETS was unable to locate
orders. Materials were shipped in unmarked boxes and therefore opened by individuals without
security training.
• Secure materials were left at wrong locations. The packaging was not clearly marked or labeled.
There were too many unnecessary packages with little or no information included.
• There was difficulty in getting answers or return calls regarding missing or delayed shipments.
V. Other Issues
Other responses highlighted issues that seemed to be most detrimental to students. It was noted by many
that in the 10 to 30 years they had spent working through various iterations of the state test, the problems
with this year’s tests were the most egregious. Responses overwhelmingly indicated that the myriad of
problems before, during, and after testing brought into question the validity, accuracy, and security of
student results. A brief summary of those issues is included below.
• Student score reports that were missing were still not received by districts weeks after testing was
concluded, causing anxiety for students and their parents. As noted, “We are very disappointed,
and we expect to hold kids accountable when the system has failed them?”
• There was not a process for verifying updates or corrections to students’ data, identification,
testing history, etc. Also, since the TELPAS and STAAR-A have different platforms, it was
asked “How will it be confirmed that all student data is up to date across the board?” Another
example of information not being up to date identified students who had already taken a test in
December, but were shown to be taking the test for the first time in March.
• Many indicated there were serious quality control problems such as social studies and science test
columns flipped, answer document paper that was too thin and easily torn, files that were not pre-
coded, non-standard shipping boxes, and delays in receipt of test materials.
• Some noted that items pertinent to testing were never made available. For example, “ETS was
supposed to develop a teacher portal where districts could access student testing history. This
still hasn’t happened.”
• There was grave concern that student outcomes negatively affected by the flawed online test
environment will be masked. “We are very concerned that the scope of students affected will not
be reflected in any data file. Testing sessions that were interrupted may appear to be complete,
when they were actually compromised by excessive anxiety on part of the students.”
• Several survey respondents noted that students in special populations were not reported, or not
reported accurately, including gifted and talented (GT), special education, and Limited English
Proficient students. “Our 5th grade reports had zero GT students, when we actually have 35 GT
students.”
• Grave concerns were expressed that high school students who are dependent on the test results to
graduate were completely let down by the system due to scoring errors. “Some were failed that
actually passed, and the May results will not arrive until after graduation.” Other problems
included test administration errors, or poorly constructed procedures to register transfer students.
For example, a student on track to graduate enrolled in a new district immediately prior to the
December 2015 EOC administration. The receiving district struggled to get test history in time to
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register the student as needed for the EOC. In another case, a district had five December tests
rescored, and the rescores showed that one student had actually passed the English I EOC. This
caused the teachers, students, and parents to have lack of faith in the system.
• Several questioned the validity and reliability of the March STAAR grade 8 reading and math
tests because students who “historically and consistently reach Level III-Advanced” did not do so
on this administration.
• District testing coordinators could not register transfer students without contact and approval of
the students’ previous districts (previously the process allowed the district testing coordinator to
register a new student). Frustration was expressed that campus testing coordinators could no
longer access student test history at all.
• Test administrators who are already instructed to monitor for cheating, unallowable items, and
other important issues were told to document the time a student took to stretch in one-minute
segments, and to document the amount of time a restroom break took.
• Expectations for district staff continue to rise, yet many felt TEA and ETS were not being held to
the same standard. As one response noted, “We would be required to do a needs assessment, an
improvement plan, a plan of action, and tons of paperwork for years trying to explain what had
happened and how we were going to fix it.”
• This survey response sums up the comments in this category well: “Our main concern is the way
these issues have and will negatively impact our students and community, not only on
accountability ratings but on the already controversial idea of testing and how it affects the well-
being of our children. With the expectation on districts to hold the test with high standards of
integrity, security, and confidentiality, we expect the same from both TEA and ETS.”
We appreciate your continuing focus on the critical issues related to STAAR administration and hope that
these concerns will be thoroughly considered as you determine how STAAR results can be used in this
year’s accountability ratings. In the final analysis, parents, students, teachers, and administrators must
have a high level of confidence in the system for it to be successful.
Sincerely,
Johnny L. Veselka
Executive Director
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WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: All Programs Meeting Date: June 6, 2016
Staff Contact: Dr. Mechelle Bryson Report
Executive Principal/
Director of Education
Subject: Report regarding the Year in Review for 2015-2016 and Preview of 2016-
2017
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report is designed to inform the board of the major highlights of the 2015-2016 school year
and to preview upcoming initiatives for the 2016-2017 school year. The attached PowerPoint
was shared with parents at the May Danish and Dialogue meeting. It reflects Westlake
Academy’s commitment to strategic planning and initiatives that support the Academy’s
mission, vision and values. Westlake Academy’s grandest purpose is to be a college preparatory
school. Throughout each program in the IB continuum, the Academy’s objective is to prepare
students for post-secondary success and beyond. There is no doubt that today’s graduates will
compete on a global stage and will need specific 21st century skills to be able to successfully
navigate an ever-changing internationally minded marketplace. As such, the Academy needs to
continue to align what they say and do to that mission.
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? This is a report for the Board of Trustees to review.
Which policy governs this? N/A
What additional direction is necessary? Review of report.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Review of report
ATTACHMENTS
• PowerPoint
Dream … Create … Achieve
Building a Collective
Legacy of Excellence
Danish and Dialogue
Westlake Academy
May, 5, 2016
A Year in Review
O IMES 2016
O Global Engagement
O Kinder
O Art
O Grade 4
O Multilingualism
O Curriculum Alignment
O Student Exchange with Costa Rica
O Summer Spanish Immersion in San Miguel
O Intercultural Understanding
Dream … Create … Achieve: Building a Collective Legacy of Excellence.
A Year in Review
O Communication
O New Website
O New Design for Communiqué
O Rankings
O State Test Scores
O Expectation to take IB Exams
O PSAT to Grade 10 & 11
Dream … Create … Achieve: Building a Collective Legacy of Excellence.
A Year in Review
O Professional Development
O Know Your Impact
O Assessment Capable Learners
O IB Reauthorization
O MYP IB Report
O DP IB Report
Dream … Create … Achieve: Building a Collective Legacy of Excellence.
A Year in Review
O Mathematics
O Alignment
O PYP Math Coach
O PYP Math Night for Parents
O Double Blocked MYP Math
O Impact on DP
Dream … Create … Achieve: Building a Collective Legacy of Excellence.
A Year in Review
O Class of 2016
O Athletics
O Private Donations Raised
O $1.5 Million
O WA Foundation
Dream … Create … Achieve: Building a Collective Legacy of Excellence.
Preview of 2016-2017
Know Your Impact: Ignite…Innovate...Inspire
O 21 st Century Library
O Physical to Virtual
O Consumer to Creator and Producer
O Traditional Space to Flexible Space
O Technology Literacy
O Information Literacy
O Research Hub
Preview of 2016-2017
Know Your Impact: Ignite…Innovate...Inspire
O Outdoor Learning Lab
O Hands on Learning
O High Tech and High Touch
O Inquiry-Based Instruction
O Constructivist Approach to Learning
O East and West Coast College Visit Trips
O Replace 10th Europe Trip
O Grade 10 – West Coast Trip
O Grade 11 – East Coast Trip
Preview of 2016-2017
Know Your Impact: Ignite…Innovate...Inspire
O International Mindedness
O French Summer Immersion
O Student Exchange with Thailand
O Professional Development Training
O Lucy Calkins Teacher Training
O Formative Assessment Training
O Effective Feedback Training
kgibbons@scred.k12.mn.us
sbrown@scred.k12.mn.us
DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Presentation and discussion regarding the College Readiness Assessment
Continuum. (10 min)
Board of
Trustees
Item # 6 – Discussion
Items
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP/MYP/DP Meeting Date: June 6, 2016
Staff Contact: Jennifer Furnish Workshop
Student Services Administrator
Subject: Presentation and Discussion of the College Readiness Assessment
Continuum
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to provide the board with a summary of our current assessment
continuum and how it promotes our goal of producing college bound, future ready students.
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 informing the board on how we
are preparing students to compete in selective and highly selective universities while using
testing data to improve daily classroom instruction.
Which policy governs this? NA
What additional direction is necessary? Seeking board input regarding the creation of an
assessment continuum.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
None Needed
ATTACHMENTS
Memorandum to Board of Trustees
MEMORANDUM
Date: June 6, 2016
TO: Superintendent, Honorable President and Board of Trustees Members
FROM: Jennifer Furnish, Student Services Administrator
Carl Tippen, College Counselor
SUBJECT: Report on College Readiness Assessment Continuum
Westlake Academy Assessment Continuum
Westlake Academy staff members have identified two issues in relation to assessment that
would benefit from discussion and governance guidance. The first involves utilizing data to
identify students in need of acceleration and those who require remediation. The second
issue is tied to providing students the foundation needed to make them competitive at
selective and highly selective colleges and universities; to make students truly “college
ready.” Both of these issues necessitate the need for a structured assessment
continuum. Staff has developed a plan to strengthen certain areas and enhance strengths on
an individual basis. Additionally, our staff can use this data as benchmarking, which will
enable us to identify gaps in student performance by grade level.
PROPOSED ASSESSMENT CONTINUUM
STAAR/
EOC
SAT/PSAT
(PSAT 8/9, Duke Tip) ISA ACT
SAT
Subject
Tests
AP
Exams
IB
Exams
Grade
3
*
Grade
4
*
Grade
5
*
*
Grade
6
*
Grade 7 * *
TEST OPTIONAL
Grade 8
*
*
Grade 9 * **
TEST OPTIONAL
*
Optional
*
Optional
Grade 10 * * *
*
Optional
*
Optional
Grade 11 * *
* *
Optional
*
Optional
Grade
12
**
* *
Optional
*
Optional
*
BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Board of
Trustees
Item # 7 – Board Recap /
Staff Direction
Board of
Trustees
Item # 8 – Adjournment
Work Session
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.
Senior Banquet
Thursday, June 2, 2016; 6:30 – 10:00 pm
The Marq Southlake, 285 Shady Oaks Drive 76092
Last Day of School & All School End of Year Picnic
Friday, June 3, 2016; 12:00 pm
WA Campus – Sports Court (food), Arts & Sciences (petting zoo), Secondary Bldg. (sno-cones)
2016 Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, June 4, 2016; 2:00 pm
Hurst Conference Center, 1601 Campus Drive, Hurst, TX 76054
Coffee & Conversation with Carol, Mayor Pro Tem (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
Town Council Workshop/Meeting
Monday, June 13, 2016; 5:00 pm
Municipal Offices closed for Independence Day holiday
Monday, July 4, 2016
Looking ahead…
Board of Trustees Workshop/Meeting
Monday, August 8, 2016; 5:00 pm
Westlake Academy First Day of School
Thursday, August 25, 2016
*For WA Athletic events, please check the appropriate sport’s category box on the WA
Calendar webpage for times.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 2 – Items of
Community Interest
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 May 9, 2016, meeting.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 4 – Consent
Agenda
BOT Minutes 05/09/16
Page 1 of 5
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
May 9, 2016
PRESENT: President Laura Wheat, Trustees: Alesa Belvedere, Carol Langdon, Rick
Rennhack and Wayne Stoltenberg.
ABSENT: Michael Barrett
OTHERS PRESENT: 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, Student Services Administrator Jennifer Furnish,
Assistant to the Town Manager Jarrod Greenwood, Director of
Information Technology Jason Power, and Director of
Communications Ginger Awtry.
Work Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the work session to order at 5:02 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Wheat led the pledge of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
BOT Minutes 05/09/16
Page 2 of 5
3. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Mr. Stoyanoff provided an overview of the Texas High School Juniors who were invited to
Join NASA on the #JourneyToMarsprogram and announced the NASA Scholars: Enzo
Carino, Cadence King, Zach Malik, Alex Nguyen, Julian Sanders, and Mitch Thompson
Mr. Stoyanoff announced the Salutatorian as Andrés Martínez Murillo and Valedictorian
as Victoria Kubyshko which is also received a National Merit Finalist Scholarship.
Coach Alan Burt announced the follow awards:
Golf State Champs (3rd straight year) - Grant Gibbs, Ben Jeppesen
Tennis Coach - Karon Gopffarth
District Champs for a 2nd year row and State Runner Up Men’s Doubles
Champion for a 2nd year Alex Nyugen and Mitchell Withers
Track & Field Coach Ray Cheatham – 3rd place overall in the State Meet
Cassie Stoltenberg - 3200 Meters
Audrey McQuietor - 100M & 400M
Charlie McCartney - Shot put & Discus
Women’s 4x100 Relay - Marissa Williams, Grace Rennhack, Sarah Mayhew, and
Rina Mitchell
Women’s 4x400 Relay - Marissa Williams, Grace Rennhack, Rina Mitchell, and
Audrey McQuietor
Girls Basketball - Coach Nick Barrows
4 time State Champs, Emily Moren, Cassie Stoltenberg, Riley Timmerman, Lauren
Cortinas, Brynn Jones, Meredith McCune, Elizabeth Garabedian, Rina Mitchell, and
Sydney McQuietor
Dr. Barton provided an overview of the student’s Personal Projects. The following
students presented their projects to the Board.
Aiden Mesa – wrote a short fictional novel ‘Dropped Into Nowhere’
Anna DesHotels – The World from the Perspective of a Horse
Jillian Long – wrote a noval ‘A Reason to Live’
John Luke Miller – AC Motor Design and Creation
Austin Peterson – Created a lego Star War short film
Josh Makaron – built a city in India regarding poverty Out of Poverty
President Wheat acknowledged everyone’s hard work and thanked parents.
Assistant to the Superintendent DeGan provided an overview of the calendar of events.
Director Awtry provided a correction regarding the time of the Evening in Seville event.
4. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE MAY 9, 2016, TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
No additional discussion.
BOT Minutes 05/09/16
Page 3 of 5
5. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion regarding School start times and student success.
Mrs. Furnish provided an overview of the new law regarding the calculation of
school hours in minutes. The Leadership Team recommends a start time of 7:55
a.m. and ending the day at 3:10 p.m.
Discussion ensued regarding the additional time for content in the primary years,
flex time allowing clubs/groups to meet, adding additional time to lunch or
morning break time, poor sleep hygiene, impact on working parents, and
staggering start times.
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board convened into executive session at 5:46 p.m.
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
President Wheat reconvened the meeting at 6:27 p.m.
8. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
No additional direction.
9. ADJOURNMENT
President Wheat adjourned the work session at 6:27 p.m.
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the regular session to order at 6:27 p.m.
BOT Minutes 05/09/16
Page 4 of 5
2. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
No additional information provided.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
DeAnn Jeppesen, 2008 Wood Thrush Court, spoke in favor of staggered start times due
to parking for student drivers.
4. CONSENT AGENDA:
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.
MOTION: Trustee Rennhack made a motion to approve the consent
agenda. Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion
carried by a vote of 4-0.
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board convened did not convene into 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
8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
No future agenda items.
BOT Minutes 05/09/16
Page 5 of 5
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat asked for a motion to
adjourn the meeting.
MOTION: Trustee Rennhack made a motion to adjourn the regular session.
Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion carried by a
vote of 4-0.
President Wheat adjourned the regular session at 6:31 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON JUNE 6, 2016.
ATTEST:
____________________________
Laura Wheat, President
_____________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary
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 # 5 – Future Agenda
Items
Board of
Trustees
Item # 6 – Adjournment
Regular Session