Board of Education Meeting: January 9, 2007

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African American History Month

The Board declared February 2007 as African American History Month in Montgomery County Public Schools to actively honor the contributions of African Americans and enhance the awareness of the impact of attitudes and expectations on the achievement of African American students.

Public Comments

Board/Superintendent Comments

Revisions to the Grade 8 and Grade 10 Health Education Curriculum

The Board unanimously approved for field-testing revisions to the health education curriculum for students in Grade 8 and Grade 10. The revisions consist of two two-part lessons on respect for differences in human sexuality and a lesson on condom use for Grade 10 students that includes a demonstration video. The revised curriculum is scheduled for field testing in spring 2007.

Consent Items

Human Resources

The Board approved the following administrative appointment:

• Eric A. Wilson, currently principal, Stonegate Elementary School, as principal, Downcounty Consortium Elementary School #28

Monthly Financial Report

Presentations of Preliminary Plans

The Board approved preliminary plans for Clarksburg Elementary School # 8, modernization of Galway Elementary School, and improvements to Redland Middle School.

2006 Annual Report on Our Call to Action: Pursuit of Excellence

The Board discussed the 2006 edition of the Annual Report on Our Call to Action: Pursuit of Excellence, which provides a comprehensive accounting of the school system’s performance on the established milestones and data points of the strategic plan. Additions to the report this year are student and district performance targets for all students and all groups of students, and a new fifth goal representing high-quality administrative operations.

Middle School

Action on Policy IEB, Middle School Education: The Board tentatively approved revised Policy IEB, Middle School Education, with final adoption scheduled for the Board’s next business meeting on February 13, 2007. Final approval was delayed in order to provide new members of the Board of Education with the opportunity to review the policy more thoroughly. The policy provides direction for a rigorous and challenging middle school education program. The revision was developed with the collaboration of a steering committee comprising community, student, and parent stakeholders, as well as representatives from school and administrative offices.

Report on Middle School Reform: The Board discussed the Report on Middle School Reform that outlines goals for raising student performance and increasing the level of academic rigor in middle schools. The report also includes implementation and evaluation plans. The middle school reform initiative is a three-year, $10 million effort.

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