December 18, 2012 at 6:30 PM - Education Committee - Regular School Board Meeting

1. Informational Items 

1.A. Informational Presentations

1.A.1) Perpich Center for Arts Education (PCAE) Presentation

Jeff Pridie, Director of Professional Development and Research for PCAE, presented an update on the partnership between the Duluth Public Schools and PCAE along with information about the State Arts Survey.

1.A.2) ISD 709 Calendar 2013-14 School Year

Assistant Superintendent, Eddie Crawford, presented the recommended ISD 709 Calendar 2013-14 School Year for review and approval, which will be reviewed and approved by the Quality Leadership Team on December 13, 2012.

1.B. Grant Applications - None

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval

2.A.1) New Science Course Proposal

The Minnesota State Legislature has put forward the requirement that all high school students graduating in the spring of 2015 (next year’s junior class) must have three Science credits, one of which must be either Physics or Chemistry. To meet the needs of all students, we propose the addition of a new one credit Science course, Conceptual  Physics, beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.  The Science Committee is in the process of selecting textbooks and start-up materials.  The total cost will not exceed $19,000.

Course Description

Prerequisite: Algebra I or IA.  The conceptual approach engages students with analogies and imagery from real-world situations to build a strong understanding of physical principles ranging from classical mechanics to current physics theories. With this strong foundation, students will be better equipped to understand the equations and formulas of physics, and to make connections between the concepts of physics and their everyday world. This course is for students who want to learn about physics, but may have difficulties with higher level mathematics.

2.A.2) New World Languages Course Proposal

When the Duluth Public Schools began offering German classes at the middle school level beginning with the 2008-09 school year, it was with the understanding that students would be able to matriculate in German V should they continue their studies through high school, the same as Spanish students.  Therefore, it is recommended that, College in the Schools German V, be added to World Language course offerings for the 2013-14 school year.

Course Description

Prerequisite: Level IV/Commitment Agreement required.  German V is conducted entirely in German.  Using a variety of materials, students will improve their proficiency in speaking, listening, writing, and reading.  Students will use what they have learned by participating in class discussions on a variety of topics.  Students will be expected to give opinions, resolve problems and write short compositions, etc.  There is a systematic review of German vocabulary, grammar and conversation patterns, and students should develop more in-depth insights into the culture of the German-speaking world.  German V continues to prepare for college world language requirements. 
 
*CITS:  Students have an opportunity to earn eight (8) semester college credits for this course from UMD.  Minimum requirements – GPA of 3.0 or approval of high school administrator.

2.A.3) New Career and Technical Education Course Proposal

A second year course following Early Childhood and Education Professions titled Infant and Toddler Development is being proposed.  This two credit course would focus specifically on infant/toddler-aged children and would be embedded into the existing block of the Early Childhood and Education Professions.

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare students for careers and experiences working with infant and toddler-aged children.  It is a community based course with on site instruction and certification hours of practicum experience.  Learn development, guidance, theory, growth, typical and atypical development, resources, safety, and effects of prenatal through postnatal development.  This course includes a variety of guest speakers, training and reflection journals, and a discussion panel format.  Learn techniques for cognitive, behavioral and social development of newborn through toddler-aged children.

2.A.4) New Robotics Course Proposal

With the national movement to incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math into curriculum, the new course Industrial Robotics and Automation is being proposed as a .5 credit course. This course would introduce students to robotics and automation systems, which are becoming more prevalent manufacturing and engineering industries.

Course Description

Prerequisite: None. In this course students are introduced to robotics and automation systems found in manufacturing and engineering industries. Students study, research, and apply information from topics relating to robotics and automation including electricity and electronics, programming, hydraulics, pneumatics, and computer controlled equipment and machines. Hands-on problem solving is featured. This course is recommended for students interested in pursuing a career in engineering, design, manufacturing, machining, or other technical fields.

2.A.5) Recommended High School Course Offerings for the 2013-14 School Year

Assistant Superintendent, Eddie Crawford, passed out information on recommended high school course offerings for the 2013-14 school year including all recommended course content changes, dropped courses, and added courses.

2.B. Extended Trip Requests

The following extended trip requests are submitted for review and approval:

Duluth Public Schools Future Farmers of America (FFA) students will be traveling to the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus and lodging at the Hampton Inn Shoreview from April 28-30, 2013, where they will be competing in the State FFA Competition, attending leadership workshops, and having campus tour opportunities.  The total cost of the trip is $1,665 and will be funded through fund-raising activities, grant dollars, and student fees.

Duluth Public Schools Business Professionals of America (BPA) students in grades nine through twelve will be traveling to Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on January 24-25, 2013, where they will be competing in the Region V BPA Competition. The cost of the trip is $137.65 per student and will be funded with grant dollars and student fees.

Duluth Public Schools Business Professionals of America (BPA) students in grades nine through twelve will be traveling to the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis Minnesota where they will be competing in the State BPA Competition from March 6-13, 2013.  The cost of the trip is $330.14 per student and will be funded with grant dollars and student fees.

Duluth Public Schools Business Professionals of America (BPA) students in grades nine through twelve will be traveling to Orlando, Florida from May 7-12, 2013, where they will be competing in the National BPA Competition.  The cost of the trip is $1,136.55 per student and will be funded with grant dollars and student fees.

2.C. Diplomas

The following students have completed all high school requirements and should be awarded a diploma:

Philip Lewis Torgerson - November 6, 2012
Peter Alexander Van Patten - December 6, 2012