“Challenging Student Excellence”

School Committee Parent Appeal Regarding Spanish Course Offerings

I. Call To Order The meeting was called to order at 6:13 PM.

A. Attendance Present: Chairperson Lynne Haft, Vice Chairperson Karin L. Forbes, Dr. Denise Coppa, and Carol H. Hueston

Absent: Dr. Janice DeFrances, Michael R. Northup, Patricia E. Watkins, and Cathy Kaiser, Jamestown School Committee

Administration Present: James M. Halley, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

II. Parent Appeal

A parent of a Spanish III, Phase III student requested that Spanish IV, Phase III be offered next year. Currently, Spanish IV is only offered at the Phase IV level. Reasons cited for the request were that there is enough interest (approximately forty students want to take Spanish IV, Phase III), the students are capable of continuing their Spanish studies but will struggle at the honors level, an average of greater than or equal to 85% is needed to take the honors course, and if Phase III is not offered, this is a dead end.

III. Administration’s Response

Dr. Halley informed the school committee that Spanish III, Phase III has been in existence for one to two years with the idea that this would be a terminal course. Completing three years of a foreign language doesn’t have to be at the high school level. We are trying to increase expectations and like to see students pushing themselves. This would create a situation that almost moves towards lower expectations. Mr. Maynard, Department Head, agrees with offering Spanish IV, Phase III.

IV. Discussion

Ø Ms. Coppa is not in favor of phasing. “If someone tells you that you can do it, you will!”

Ø Ms. Haft said that Phase III has been successful with kids wanting to continue studying Spanish. Perhaps the first quarter of Spanish IV, Phase IV should make accommodations to bring kids up to speed. Colleges look at students who challenge themselves.

V. Decision A motion to uphold the Superintendent’s recommendation (to not offer Spanish IV, Phase III) with allowance for students to take Spanish IV, Phase IV was made by Denise Coppa/Carol Hueston (4/0).

VI. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 6:53 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________________________

Donna F. Keough

School Committee Secretary