Inside the "district comprehensive review"

Ok, so my last name is Sherlock, and with a title like "The dog that didn't bark in Brockton", I'll admit that the article caught my eye. 

 

That it was also about the DESE district review process got to me read it. 

 

That it steps through a serious argument that highlights the dysfunction among the various agencies of MA government  responsible for "education", makes this a worthy read.

"So it was that I was interested to read an article that the Brockton Public Schools District Review Report was out (three weeks ago: I am behind!) from the Department's pre-pandemic visit in early March. 

Brockton, of course, is the fourth largest school district in Massachusetts and home of the plaintiffs of both the McDuffy and the Hancock legal decisions. When it comes to gaps in school funding, thus, Brockton is a kind of ground zero. Brockton also was the nationally lauded district for closing the achievement gap without becoming a "drill and kill" sort of school system. What happens when those two things are true of the same system, decades or so on?"

Continue reading Tracy's article online

http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-dog-that-didnt-bark-in-brockton.html

 

Franklin is not listed as having a recent DESE review published (Franklin County is but we all know that is not us).   https://www.doe.mass.edu/accountability/district-review/

 

I do have in the archives a "Coordinated Program Review" being announced in Oct 2015. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/department-of-education-review-to-be.html

 

I also have in the archives note of a DESE visit in Dec 2009 for a 'fiscal review' https://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/05/fm-68-week-ending-51610.html  and here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/01/fm-54-week-ending-11710.html

 

From the 2018 "Tale of Four Cities" presentation
You are reading correctly that it is a 414 teacher gap.

FM #388 School Committee Meeting - 11/10/20 Part 2 of 3 (audio)

FM #388 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 388 in the series. 

This session shares one of three segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 10, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the two hour and thirty-five minutes meeting (2:35) into three logical segments:

First - covers the opening through the Superintendent's Report, covering the re-opening status; including testing for FHS athletes and theater students to enable their return this week (about 48 minutes)

Second - covers the presentation/discussion on the Portrait of a Graduate (about 47 mins)

Third - covers the Discussion Actions Items, and the remainder of the meeting. (about 60 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the Superintendent’s Report and Portrait of a Graduate presentation copy. Those are usually posted to the folder the day after the meeting.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Nov 10, 2020. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HskT5mtS

--------------

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-11-10-20 

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-10-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/school-committee-meeting-oct-27-2020.html

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

cover page for presentation deck

Marketing and Communication Specialist Anne Marie Tracy explains the design elements

FM #376 School Committee Mtg - 10/27/20 P2 of 3 (audio)

FM #376 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 376 in the series. 

This session shares one of three segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Oct 27, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost three hour meeting into three logical segments:

* First - covers the opening through the Superintendent's Report, covering the re-opening status; moving from remote to hybrid (52 minutes)

* Second - covers the presentation/discussion on the Comprehensive Facility Analysis (1 hour and 17 mins)

* Third - covers the Discussion Actions Items, and the remainder of the meeting up to where the School Committee enters the executive session not to return to a public meeting. (40 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the presentation document.

Let’s listen to this second segment of the School Committee meeting of Oct 27, 2020   Audio file  = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVJdxbqK

--------------

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_10-27-20.pdf 

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/october-27-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Comprehensive Facility Analysis presentation doc
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/facilities-analysis-presentation-10-27-20 

Facility Assessment report doc
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/facilities-assessment-report 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/school-committee-meeting-oct-27-2020.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Craig Olsen presenting on the facilities assessment

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - October 2020

Keep up with what is happening in Franklin Public Schools!

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL! Reopening Website Food Services District Calendar School Committee Transportation 20-21 School Calendar What is a Digital Learning Integrationist? The role of Digital Learning Integrationist (DLI) is a new position which was created this year in order to support the ever changing technology needs of our staff, students and families. Our three district DLIs, Marianne Zogby, Kate Merten and Jim d'Entremont, have over 70 years of combined teaching experience and are using their vast knowledge and tech savvy skills to support the use of technology in classrooms across the entire district. The DLIs facilitated the PD sessions that led up to the start of the school year and have provided support with the Google Suite and its functionality for staff and families alike.They have been curating digital resources, creating support videos and offering assistance to staff on the best digital tools to use to meet their classroom objectives. The DLI team is also developing the FPS Digital Learning Center, which will serve as a unified source of all district supported learning apps and tools for students, families and staff. The DLIs will be holding office hours for each school, including the Virtual Learning Academy, to offer face-to face planning time and support. Their role will evolve over the course of the year, as learning models change and new needs are identified. Find helpful information on their their monthly TIPs Newsletter (Tech Integration Practices) New 8th Grade Civics Curriculum The 8th grade students in Franklin are learning a new curriculum beginning in the 20-21 school year: US and Massachusetts Government & Civic Life. This new state-mandated course is designed to give students the opportunity to study the foundations of U.S. democracy, how and why it has developed over time, and the role of individuals - including young people - in maintaining a healthy democracy. Students have been exploring civic rights and responsibilities and what it means to be an informed citizen.They are learning to engage in conversations about controversial issues, how to disagree and debate in a respectful manner, media literacy, and the role of propaganda. The 8th graders are also reflecting and considering their own civic priorities and learning where American values fall on the political spectrum. These topics have been especially interesting as we approach the November 3rd election and have led to interesting and enlightening conversations! After focusing on the current civic climate, the students will explore our history, learning about important documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. They will touch on topics and historical events that have shaped the growth of our nation and the development of our laws, making connections to current events along the way. Throughout the year, the 8th graders will also we working towards a civic action project that will allow them to engage with local issues of their choice. This year long process is intended to educate students on how they can engage and try to make an impact as citizens of their community, state and nation. Want to hear more? Listen on FPS Voice to Jonathan Mello and Jeff Anthony, 8th grade social studies teachers at Annie Sullivan Middle School, share more information about how this curriculum is being introduced in their classrooms, how the 2020 election is aligning and sparking conversations and their plans for the school year. Click here to Iisten to the civics curriculum podcast JFK Named National Blue Ribbon School John F. Kennedy Elementary school was recently named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education! JFK was one of only 367 schools nationwide (and one of 6 in MA) to receive this award! Congratulations! Learn more about the National Blue Ribbon School Program here FHS Math Department adopts new grading system for the 20-21 School Year. The FHS Math Department has implemented Standards-Based Grading across many of their courses including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus and Calculus. The grading system was piloted last year, earning positive feedback and showing improved retention results. It is now being incorporated across the the majority of math courses offered at FHS. "Research suggests that retention is a big challenge for many students when learning math," shared Ron Taylor, Math Department Head at FHS. "The new grading system assesses and grades student work in a manner than demonstrates growth over time, which is key to building on mathematical concepts." The research compiled showed that students frequently cram for tests, an ineffective way of learning concepts and retaining them at a deeper level. The research also revealed that teachers feel they spend too much time reviewing and/or reteaching content lost over the summer months or at the beginning of the year. The solution to alter both the frequency and type of assessments has proven to be helpful. "We will move away from simply averaging grades collected during a term, and instead, for each standard, we will collect multiple pieces of evidence of student work to determine an overall grade that reflects the student's overall understanding of the standards covered,' explained Taylor. This new grading system is explained in the following videos and covers the reasoning, issues and solutions in greater detail. Video explaining the need to make changes Video explaining how students will be graded and assessed Middle School Virtual Visiting Author! The FPS Middle Schools are excited to "virtually" welcome visiting author Jordan Sonnenblick! There are plenty of fun events planed over the coming weeks for our students and their families to engage in! Stay tuned for more information including Stop, Drop & Read events, a Virtual Book fair and ways to learn more about Jordan Sonnenblick and his books! Virtual Visiting Author Events District Improvement Plan On October 13th, the School Committee approved the strategic initiatives of the 20-21 District Improvement Plan. The plan details plans for the following objectives: Social-Emotional Well-being of Students and Staff  Engaging and Rigorous Curriculum High-Quality Instruction to Meet the Academic and SEL Needs of Each Learner Effective Two-Way Communication to Support Student Learning Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Are you looking for information related to the facilities analysis? There is a dedicated page on our website which houses all of the pertinent information including timelines, presentations, research and reports. DT Facilities Analysis website Franklin Public Schools | www.franklinps.net

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by traceya@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Agenda - Oct 13, 2020

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

 

 Agenda

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance  

Moment of Silence

 

I.    Routine Business

A.    Review of Agenda

B.    Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C.    FHS Student Representative Comments
D.    Superintendent’s Report

II.    Guests/Presentations
A.    Superintendent Evaluation Evidence Presentation 2019-2020  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/suptevalevidence_presentation_to_sc_10-13-20.pdf
B.    District Improvement Goals 2020-2021  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_initiatives_to_sc_2020-2021.pdf

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    District Improvement Plan
I recommend adoption of the 2020-2021 District Improvement Goals as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_dip.pdf
B.    Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
A.    EEAEC - Student Conduct on School Buses
B.    EEAJ - Motor Vehicles Idling on School Grounds  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_0.pdf
C.    Reduction of Pay to Ride Fees
I recommend approval of the Pay to Ride bus fee to be set at $130 for the 2020-2021 school year as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_pay_to_ride.pdf
D.    MASC Resolutions (#1, 4-6)
I recommend adoption of the following MASC resolutions as discussed:
A.    Resolution #1: MCAS and High Stakes Testing
B.    Resolution #4: Lowering the Voting Age for Municipal Elections
C.    Resolution #5:Supporting Increased Federal Support and Stimulus Funding for Public K-12 Education
D.    Resolution #6: Retention of Medicaid Revenue   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_resolutions.pdf

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Resolution #2 COVID-19 State Funding
B.    Resolution #3 School Committee Anti-Racism Resolution

V.    Information Matters
A.    School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B.    School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI.    New Business
A.    To discuss any future agenda items

VII.    Consent Agenda
A.    Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your September 22, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B.    Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the Executive Session Minutes from your September 22, 2020 School Committee meeting to be released as detailed.
C.    Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $980.00 from the Franklin Community (coordinated by Heather Sansoucy & Kristen Gillen) for supplemental supplies at Parmenter Elementary School as detailed.

VIII.    Payment of Bills    Dr. Bergen
IX.    Payroll    Ms. D’Angelo

X.    Executive Session
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3), move to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation and collective bargaining with the FEA/RN Unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the School Committee and the chair so declares, and not to reconvene in an Open Session.

XI.    Adjournment

Documents released for the meeting can be found in the meeting packet folder on the Schools page   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-13-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

 

Franklin, MA:: School Committee Meeting - Agenda - Oct 13, 2020