Summary of April 18, 2006 Board of Education Meeting

Ability grouping to increase at CCSD 180

Educational challenges that have arisen due to some shifting demographics in CCSD 180 will result in the implementation of leveled learning tracks, ability grouping, and more differentiation of instruction at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School and Burr Ridge Middle School.

At its April 18, 2006 meeting, the Board of Education approved schedules at both schools that will facilitate ability grouping primarily in reading, language arts, literature, and mathematics. The adoption of the READ 180 program at both schools, block-scheduling for reading and math at the elementary school, block-scheduling for language arts at the middle school, and opportunities for accelerated math at the middle school will promote flexible ability grouping within the school district.

The Board also approved adoption of the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) Assessment Program to regularly assess and re-assign children to different groups based on their achievement. The program negates the possibility that students may not be able to escape lower groups once they are assigned without some form of regular assessment.

Superintendent Frank Rink lauded the Board for its sensitivity and responsiveness to parents that have suggested more ability grouping within the schools. He also applauded Principals Dr. Debra LeBlanc and Wesley Gosselink and their staffs for creating schedules that not only promote flexible ability grouping but that also reflect the educational research that suggests that elementary school districts should not be too quick to begin the “selecting, sorting, and pigeon-holing” of children, most of whom are most capable of transcending their initial group placements at some time or several times throughout their early educational experience.

Dr. Rink referred to a best-evidence synthesis of ability grouping research that does not support assignment of students to self-contained classes according to ability, but shows that grouping plans involving ability grouping for selected subjects can increase student achievement. “Research,” he said, “particularly supports within-class and some cross-grade ability grouping for reading and mathematics.” He cautioned, however, that “ability grouping is maximally effective when done for only reading and/or math, when students remain in heterogeneous classes most of the day for their other subjects, when the reading/math grouping greatly reduces student heterogeneity in a specific skill, when student assignment to groups is frequently reassessed, and when teachers vary the level and pace of instruction according to students’ needs. No program or blueprint for future action can be effective until all of our stakeholders realize that education can be used or abused for liberation or social-enslavement. I know we all agree that liberation and enlightenment are our choices rather than turning our schools into instruments of social sorting and selecting.”

In other action, the Burr Ridge CCSD #180 Board . . .

. . . elected Mrs. Paula Dupont as President of the Board of Education. Mrs. Dupont will serve a term as President through April 2007. The Board also passed a resolution of thanks to outgoing President Mrs. Jill Ann Coleman.

. . . approved an enhanced summer school program that will result in increased enrollment, the use of the Read 180 remediation program, and an enrichment component.

. . . reviewed additional data from Hinsdale Twp. High School District 86 regarding test data generated by students from CCSD 180.

. . . reviewed the Illinois State Board of Education’s designation of CCSD 180 as a district in the highest category of financial strength, an award received for the past two years and achieved without a referendum in the recent past.

. . . reviewed and authorized a request from the district’s Principals to survey parent/community interest in school uniforms at CCSD 180.

. . . heard a summary of the Superintendent’s discussions with area superintendents about the feasibility of consolidation.

. . . reviewed the 2005-06 tax levy and anticipated revenues and tax rates. Tax rates have, once again, decreased for residents of the school district.

. . . approved 2006-07 Student Handbooks for both schools as proposed by the Principals.

. . . held a discussion regarding input from Mayor Gary Grasso, the CCSD 180 Citizens’ Advisory Council, and Village/County Officials relative to a Police Presence/Assistance at CCSD 180. The Board designated a committee consisting of Mrs. Paula Dupont, Mrs. Renee Paladino, Mrs. Jill Coleman, Mrs. Wesley Gosselink, and Dr. Debbie LeBlanc to review needs and to make a recommendation to the Board at a future meeting.

. . . directed the Superintendent to research the frequency/existence of canine searches of lockers at Hinsdale South High School.

. . . discussed the timeline and procedures for selection of the 2007-08 CCSD 180 Superintendent of Schools.

. . . opted not to contract with a designated search firm but to designate Superintendent Rink to begin the process of recruiting a Superintendent of Schools to begin employment in 2007-08.

. . . during the opportunities for public petitions, discussed strategies and education related issues with several parents in attendance.

. . . dismissed teacher aide April Wilson and secretary Cathleen Jackson effective at the end of the 2005-06 school year.

. . . accepted the resignations of Teacher Michelle Minger and Nurse Michelle Kaiser with thanks to the individuals for their service to the children of CCSD 180.

. . . approved a request for child-care leave by Mrs. Candace Scarpelli.

. . . approved a proposal for a job-sharing arrangement at the kindergarten level by Mrs. Ayse Stuhr and Mrs. Maureen Denja.

. . . upheld the administrations’ decision to suspend two students.

. . . heard reports about the following from Superintendent Rink:
A. Science Olympiad
B. Spring Athletics
C. Asphalt Sidewalk Quotations
D. Palermo Memorial
E. BRMS to Host Regional Scholastic Bowl
F. May 10 Fit Family Festival
G. Hepatitis B Inoculations
H. Board Member Manuals
I. Facility Planning Committee
J. Waterfall Glen Xtreme 10 Flyer and Donations
K. Guys and Dolls
L. PTC Garage Sale
M. PTC Election of Officers
N. Follow-up to Legislative Leaders
O. Girl Scout Community Award to CCSD 180
P. NAFIS Report
Q. Communication from State Representative Jim Durkin

The Board’s next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.

Click here to access the actual minutes of this meeting