BACKGROUND

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, known as CAASPP, is in its third official year statewide. The CAASPP program consists of several different tests.  The computer-adaptive Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) Summative Assessments in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics are administered in grades 3-8 and 11.  Fifth, eighth and eleventh grade students also piloted the new state test in Science called the CAST (CA Science test).  Students with special needs were administered the California Alternate Assessment (CAA) in English, Math and Science.

CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS

This presentation serves to inform the Governing Board and public of La Canada Unified School District 2017 CAASPP results. Comparisons with other high performing school districts across the state will be included.  A comparison of LCUSD’s results over the last three years will also be presented. Next steps to address districtwide assessment needs and best practices to maintain and improve student success in our performance-driven school district will be discussed. 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There is no financial impact to this discussion item.

Background

In the 2016-17 academic year, La Canada 7/8 and La Canada High School partnered with the Challenge Success program in efforts to address concerns regarding student wellness and in an attempt to identify ways to improve the climate of care at both schools. During the 2016-17 academic year, both La Canada 7/8 and La Canada High School issued the Stanford Survey of Adolescent School Experiences, engaged stakeholder groups across the year in order to analyze the survey results and develop appropriate programmatic changes as guided by Challenge Success program participation.  Continued participation in Challenge Success for La Canada 7/8 and La Canada High School and expansion of Challenge Success to the elementary schools became an LCAP goals for 2017-18.

Current Considerations

In the 2017-18 academic year, both La Canada 7/8 and La Canada High School have continued as partner schools in the Challenge Success program. As a shared action plan, both schools will give the Stanford Survey of Adolescent School Experiences again to students in grades 7-12, will organize class by class assemblies to share additional detail about Challenge Success and how it will influence the experiences of students at both sites, will host Challenge Success co-founder Madeline Levine as a guest speaker, in addition to creating their three year, site-specific Challenge Success implementation plans. Districtwide, the tenets and ideals of the Challenge Success program are being shared with elementary school stakeholder groups via a series of staff trainings, parent education opportunities, and student meetings.

Financial Implications

The District will use one time dollars from the 2017-18 budget year to to support this LCAP goal. A budget of $75,000.00 has been allocated for services, supplies, trainings, and professional development related to Challenge Success.

It is recommended that the Governing Board review the presentation regarding the Challenge Success initiatives for the 2017-2018 school year and beyond and engage in subsequent discussion related to the presentation.

The Governing Board is requested to review the presentation regarding the Challenge Success initiatives for the 2017-2018 school year and beyond and engage in subsequent discussion related to the presentation.

Background

At the September 26, 2017 meeting of the Governing Board, the Board discussed on-going concerns related to the Devil’s Gate Reservoir Sediment Removal and Maintenance Project.  The discussion item was requested by a community member who asked that the Governing Board revisit the topic and reiterate its concerns regarding negative impacts to student, staff, and family health and related disturbances to the school community.

Current Considerations

As a result, the Governing Board discussed the Devil’s Gate Reservoir Sediment Removal and Maintenance Project and directed staff to bring an updated resolution to tonight’s meeting for Governing Board review, discussion and approval.

Financial Implications

Currently, any financial implications to the District in relation to the Devil’s Gate Reservoir Sediment Removal and Maintenance Project are unknown.

It is recommended that the Governing Board review, discuss and approve the attached resolution.

The Governing Board is requested to review, discuss and approve the attached resolution.

It is recommended that the Governing Board approve the Personnel Report as presented.

Background

The District has subscribed to Illuminate Education as a service to teachers, staff, and students for the past 7 years.  The system serves as a data and assessment system.  The contract is renewed each school year.  Teachers can use this system to analyze state test results, common assessments, and individual course assessments.  Students also have the ability to take assessments online via this system.

Current Considerations

The current contract is up for renewal and does not include any changes.  Typically contracts with Illuminate cover a three year term, and feature an annual opt out clause.  This is the beginning of a new three year term.

Systems used with teachers and students are under constant evaluation for relevance and usage.  At this time, Illuminate is providing a unique service of data and assessment not found in other district systems.  We have explored alternative solutions in order to evaluate the current market offerings.  At this time Illuminate is still meeting the needs of a warehouse for our student data.

Financial Implications

The annual expense remains fixed at $4.50 per student with overall cost tied to student enrollment.  Average annual expense is around $18,500.

Background

In order for a new teacher to complete the requirements of a California Teacher Credentialing Program, they must demonstrate practical experience in a classroom.  In some instances, the District may hire teachers who are in the process of obtaining their teaching credential and have not yet completed all the requirements.  Allowing them to serve as a teacher intern helps them complete the requirements and obtain a California Teaching Credential.

Current Considerations

This agreement will allow a specific teacher in the district to gain practical experience in the classroom while serving as a teacher of record.  This agreement is effective until October 1, 2019.  The provisions of this agreement may be terminated, altered, changed, or amended by mutual consent of either the district or Brandman University.

Financial Impact

The District will provide a mentor teacher who will receive an extra duty extra pay stipend of $1,875.65.

The Governing Board is requested to approve the Notice of Completion for Digital Synergy Consulting.

Background

The Williams legislature and the Valenzuela lawsuit settlement require a school district to use its uniform complaint process to help identify and resolve any deficiencies related to: instructional materials, teacher vacancy or misassignment, facilities and CAHSEE intensive instructional and services.

Current Considerations

Los Angeles County school districts are required to report on a quarterly basis to LACOE whether or not complaints have been received. The district received no Williams Uniform Complaints.

Financial Impact

There is no financial impact for the district.