Discussion

...exciting...new...different...had a reason to learn...supported...I was part of something larger...compassion instead of fear...hands-on learning...emotional...learned from my mistakes... 

Next members focused their attention on the guiding principles and vision statements provided by the Schools of the Future Committee. Key words and phrases that seemed particularly relevant for educational programs were identified and discussed. Within the discussion, members were encouraged to dream and explore, not focus on what is in place now, with an eye on what is "doable" in the next 5-10 years. 

Tom Henry, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, gave a brief overview of the open meeting law, and introduced the idea of looking at the learner and how an education program or school might support the learner in being successful. He offered District resources, including staff with educational program expertise, to the committee for developing a broad basis of knowledge about education programs and what current research tells about student success. Committee members agreed that it would be good to bring in staff at the next meeting to help develop the background knowledge necessary for the Committee's task. 

The committee next discussed meeting times. They agreed to meet Tuesday, November 2nd and Thursday, November 18th, at 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. These meetings are tentatively scheduled at the Education Center, 200 N. Monroe, room to be announced. The meeting on November 2nd is to share research and information resources. The time between that meeting and the Nov. 18th is to give individuals time to research information, come up with ideas, questions, and begin to form the basis that will shape the committee report. 

There were sample materials to look at in the packet provided by Mr. Henry ranging from group meeting agreements to School of the Future Committee documents. The Programs committee decided to look at the sample group agreements after the meeting and be ready to discuss which they wanted at the next meeting. 

Facilitator Don Brown and Mr. Henry were asked to bring samples of research for the committee to look at, and some committee members had resources to be duplicated and distributed at the next meeting. 
 

The three questions to guide the next meetings' discussion were:

What do you want to know about what we currently do regarding curriculum and instruction? 

What do you want to know about best practices for teaching and learning? 

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