Montclair Meeting of the Board

December 3, 2007
Montclair Public Board meeting
-2nd Flood Divided room, Montclair Board Building
-Mixture of adults and students
-Mixed conversation
-9 board members

Topic One
-Inclusive schools' week
-Dec. 3- Dec- 7
-statement read: students learn in a unique environment
-Montclair sets an example for other school districts
-educating whole, beyond testing

Topic Two
- High school AP tests in Calculus and Statistics
-change in tests during school year along with AP exam
-mother of student speaks about how syllabus was changed significantly after beginning of the school year.
-student speaks - option of dropping down to high honors with added ten points to grade. AP and high honors same course load except ten point grade curve.
-student 2 speaks - addresses applying t college already changing transcripts if they lower the class
-mother of another student speaks- mentions curriculum includes 80% marking period grade- 1 graded test and 20% quizzes
-student 3 speaks mentions grade on practice AP tests should reflect on report card grade A=5, B=4 etc.
-Student 4 speaks says his grades do no reflect his grades.
-Dr. Alvarez speaks of decisions made on the problem
-spoke to high school administration
-Principal speaks- applauds students on presentation of problem to board.
-disappointed in last year's test scores.
-students perform to best of their ability with preparation
-end result- wait until the end of the semester to determine whether or not students will step down to high honors.
-change in curriculum was done before school started.
-students and parents do not agree.
-students want decision made soon so to reflect on 2nd marking period grades
-Principal agree they will get together with math chair to straighten problem out sooner.