Those in attendance:   Mrs. Hubbard, Mrs. Leonard, Mr. Pogue, Dr. Stewart, Dr. Fischer,  Mr. Blackstone, Mrs. Armstrong, and Mrs. Stockman.

High School Implementation Plan

Mr. Blackstone presented the Quest High School College Prep Course Program and Graduation Requirements.  Recommendations included the removal of World History from 9^th grade, switching British Literature and World Literature in grades 11 and 12 and adding Economics/Government in grade 12.  It was suggest that the course title of American Government be changed to US History.   The high school schedule will be 8 periods of 43 minutes.  Discussion took place regarding foreign language options.  It was recommended that Spanish be the main course offering with other courses being available through the Illinois Virtual High School.  It was suggested that exploration take place with District #150 administration to discuss sharing the District’s license for Rosetta Stone as an option for teaching additional foreign languages.

Discussion took place regarding the pros and cons of opening enrollment at the 9^th grade level.  A motion was made by Dr. Stewart and seconded by Mrs. Leonard that enrollment be opened for 9^th grade to ensure full  enrollment for 9^th grade with enrollment not to be opened again in the high school level.  Motion carried with a unanimous vote of approval.

Discussion took place regarding needed textbooks and cost.  Mr. Blackstone will research the cost of Tablets and curriculum downloads that can be updated yearly verses the cost of purchasing textbooks and report at the next meeting.

Mr. Blackstone discussed personnel needs for high school and felt that several current teachers are interested and would be a great fit for the high school.  It was recommended that Mr. Blackstone present needed personnel positions for FY13 at the January Board meeting, requesting a motion for approval that will allow for positing of positions and early recruitment in January and February.

Mr. Blackstone reported that Mrs. Ward was currently working on the Project Lead the Way Grant which is due on 1/20/12.  Funding would provide for the implementation of the high school program.

Topics identified for further discussion included:  GPA, weighted grades, definition of the Summer Institute, definition of Service Learning/Community Service, and definition of On-line Learning, all of which need to be included in the marketing document presented to parents.     The following committee members agreed to research and bring information to the next meeting:

Mrs. Leonard:   Capstone Program-East Peoria High School

Mr. Pogue:  Service Learning/Community Service

Drs. Stewart and Fischer:  Summer Institute

Mr. Blackstone will send the committee a copy of the Concept College Preparation curriculum which will better help in understanding where the items listed above will best fit into the curriculum.

 Other

There was unanimous agreement that the tool used to “market and educate” targeted groups regarding the roll out of the high school program needs to be high quality and it was recommend the   Marketing Committee become involved in developing the “marketing document.”  The document introducing/explaining the high school program will be used with current Quest Students, D150 and private school students and interested members of the public.   Dr. Fischer will be responsible for discussing this with Mr. Hooks, making arrangements for committee members to attend the January 19^th meeting. 

January 13^th meeting 9:30 – 11:30  Mr. Blackstone and staff will present the Introduction to the High School Program with a uniform format for the  Four Core Subject Areas of curriculum and  course description along with a  proposal for the athletic program.  The committee will provide feedback with a final proposal being presented at the 1-19, 8:15-11:00 meeting which will also include the Marketing Committee at 10:00.

Topics for the January 19^th meeting at 8:15 – 11:00, which include the High School Proposal for the Marketing Committee from 10:00 – 11:00, will include:

·       Technology Plan

·       Teacher Evaluation/Merit Plan

·       Concept Presentation on Services

·       Academic Comm. Goal #3:  FY12 Professional Development Plan Aligned with Academic Goals

·       Marketing of “State of the Art” Practices at Quest

·       Selection of Dates for “Board Education Seminar”

The meeting was adjourned at 11:00.  The next meeting will be held January 13^th, 9:30– 11:00, focusing on the High School Implementation Plan.

Minutes submitted by Cindy Fischer