September 2007 ES Agenda Compilation

For IT: RC glitch in the HQT notation, we are able to change the HQT notation number, but the words remain the same even after you try changing.

The text for course titles and HQT’s is modifiable just as any other text in the LR write-up area. The words will only change when a new LR is generated: they are linked together and the one that is there when the LR is created is the one that shows up.

We would like to be able to offer DSL service to our students. ESs commented that DSL can be obtained for the same price, or very little more, than the current Inreach dial up price. The assessment clerk has researched this option and has not found this to be true. It would be helpful for the ESes to provide the information for further research.

A-G Spanish: Is Rosetta Stone Spanish incorrect on the a-g list. Some ESs thought that it was set up in the following way:

i. Level 1 units 1-4 be Spanish 1

ii. Level 1 units 5-8 Spanish 2

iii. Level 2 units 1-4 Spanish 3

iv. Level 2 units 5-9 Spanish 4

(Question sent to Mary Halter)

ESs commented that it is getting difficult to manage all of the computers for their families. Suggestion: one person responsible for all parent computer needs (purchasing, repairing, answering questions, archiving, etc.) This is why we are moving to one vendor for our computer needs.

Materials Lists- What should ES’s do if there are items on their database materials lists that should not be (ex. A flute that was never even ordered for a student- but shows up as checked out to a family) or items such as curriculum kits which are primarily consumable (ex. Core Curriculum packages)? Notes can be made in the database indicating this information.

We think the school should provide test prep materials so they can be purchased in bulk. Figuring shipping, our current system is easily 50% MORE expensive than if the school were to provide the materials. We want to allow for parent choice. Also, our school is not set up to receive materials for 1400 students.

Regarding HQT designation on report cards:  If the parent is HQT or if the tutor the family has hired is not a vendor, what do we designate on the report card? So many options!  Parent is HQT will be added, but it would be difficult to verify their hired tutor’s status.

We needed clarification on the HQT office hour.  Several of us were under the impression that the office hour could be used as “drop in help” for students who are not enrolled in HQT courses but might need occasional help.  As noted in the agenda these students would need to do the midterm and final.  This seems like an entirely different thing.  Can students have access to the HQT as needed and not take these tests? The HQTs do not feel comfortable providing their seal of approval for students who may just drop in. They need to be using the curriculum as well as complete the midterm and final as stated in the HQT FAQs. Completing the midterm and final is exactly the set up we had last year with our pilot Elluminate classes. Keep in mind that this option only exists if the student is unable to attend the class or if the class is full.

HQT Office Hours:  Many of the ESes were under the impression that we could use office hours as our HQT if there were scheduling conflicts, etc.  This is correct. However, they must be using the same text book, following the pacing guide, completing the assignments, attending the office hours, and take the mid term and final.

We were not aware that students needed to use the same book that the class is using. The ESes were told that even if students were on the waiting list that they should attend the class. This would imply that the student would be using the same book and following the syllabus and pacing guide.

A lot of the students already have their books.  Why do students have to have the same book as the class to attend office hours? Overall, it seems too difficult for the teachers to help students when they are using different books.

Those students who attend office hours because a class is full, and who follow the course syllabus, etc.- to whom should they submit the midterm and final exam for the class? To the HQT since they will be attending the Office Hours.

An idea for the above might look like this:  Parents pay from their funds to have access to an HQT during some set office hours.  We hire an HQT for this purpose using the funds from the parents.  This person would just be available for those students who occasionally need help but who don’t really need a full course taught by an HQT, and the HQT would be paid per student. This is always an option. It’s basically a CP set up. Is there a particular need at this time?  Could we work out an arrangement with Personal Professor like this? We believe that they are set up for tutoring.  

Another HQT option was proposed: HQT drop in coaching for math is a fantastic solution for students who attend regularly. One ES suggested that perhaps “Drop In Coaching” was available for other subject areas as an HQT option for students who need minimal assistance, but access to an HQT instructor for more difficult concepts. This is a great idea. It has been forwarded to administration for consideration.

It was mentioned that the HQT sessions are taped.  Can students have access to these?  Will they be saved year to year? Yes, all HQT sessions are recorded and each HQT should automatically be receiving emails each time they log off elluminate. The links to these can be made available to the students through the HQT, and may be posted on Nicenet. More info in the future regarding this.

Regarding HQT curriculum:  One ES suggested that to avoid such a long wait time for students to receive their curriculum (HOLT seems to be taking a long time right now) perhaps CWCS could purchase a lot of this curriculum in advance, with the understanding that ES’s could “purchase” these materials with IF from our “stock”.  The materials would go quickly, so there would not be a long term storage concern for the centers. The ESs who have ordered the HQT curriculum and will not need them next year should return them to the centers at the end of the school year. We can have a special return day for these materials. Be sure to plan ahead and order in the Spring for your students. Use our Library Surpass system and check each learning center for the materials that they need. There are a lot of HOLT books that we are using for the English class that are at the Ceres Learning center shelves