Meeting Notes: Focus Group Orientation
February 28 and March 6, 2003

Focus Group Orientation (Please choose one)

February 28, Friday: 12:00-2:00 in Venus
OR
March 6, Thursday: 3:30-5:30 in Venus

Agenda:

Overview of the process
Tasks and Timeline
Refinement of ESLRs
Parameters of the self-study
The Focus Groups: WASC Criteria, formation, structure, and roles
Identification of evidence needed to compare the school with the criteria and ESLRs
Identification of Leadership Team members

Those in attendance February 28:

A. Christy, C. Courshon, P. Ockerman, M. Tay, T. Marlowe, T. Ly, S. Russi, M. Hystad, A. Reilley, L. Teshara, J. Becerra, M. Silber, L. Dolehide, E, Yale, S. Thompson, G. Gonzalez

Those in attendance March 6:

J. Teitler, R. Ockerman, B. Chen, J. DeMarco, D. Doneff, P. Brown, T. Jung, C. Pannu, L. Dwyer, J. Robinson, C. Gonella - Regrets sent by M. Burns

Outcomes:

1. ESLRs were further refined. Click here to view the "Final 4" - though not so final. They will be taken to the Leadership Team.
2. Focus Groups were established. Click here for the list.

Next Steps:

Focus Group members are asked to read the draft of the Student/Community Profile and answer the questions below. If you feel that information is missing or should be corrected, administer surveys or conduct random interviews. Use the criteria below for reference. Then synthesize the results and provide this information to the T. Doyle. Include a summary of interview or questionnaire data for the appendix. :

Does the community profile tell you enough about:

1. Student indicators

a. enrollment patterns
b. transiency of students
c. attendance/dropout data
d. ethnicity
e. English proficiency
f. gender/age mix
g. participation in free/reduced-price lunch program
h. special needs populations
i. suspensions/expulsions
j. health issues/child abuse

2. Attendance patterns

a. all students
b. special populations

3. Schoolwide data on student performance, by sub-population

4. Schoolwide trends of student intentions after graduation, by sub-population

5. Staff

a. composition, ethnicity, mobility of all staff
b. qualifications / certification for assignments
c. professional development

6. Staff/pupil ratios by program/discipline

7. School/district growth needs

8. District policies/school financial support

9. External factors

a. state/federal program mandates
b. community/foundation programs
c. school/business relationships
d. parent/community organizations
e. national & international community projections, trends