Dr. Landfried explained that the K-5 grade-level teams met in April and are continuing to meet in May to conduct a word-for-word reading of the Wisconsin Academic Standards. The focus of the meetings is to better align local Mathematics, Communication Arts, and Science curricula with the standards and to identify specific ways in which the teaching of core area subjects can be integrated with each other.

The Department of Public Instruction’s booklet on the importance of Technology Education was provided for committee review.

District Library-Media Specialists Cheryl Kenders, Janna Smith, and Mary Sonnenberg provided an update on the instruction benefits of the new Library and Information Technology Plan. Notable points included district-wide access to materials, flexible class scheduling, and instruction assistance. They also explained their plans for Summer 2004 Curriculum work.

High School Physical Education instructors Dena Smith and Steve Dinkel updated the committee on the curricular improvements in their area. The purchase of new equipment has been a tremendous asset to the department.

Mr. Landfried briefed the Committee on the successful implementation of the new course at Jefferson Middle School. Committee members had the opportunity to review an overview, as well as the rationale, for the suggestion that the name of the course be modified slightly to Introduction to World Languages.

The latest NCLB updates were presented for review. A brief discussion on the new requirements for paraprofessionals ensued.

Careful analysis of fall 2003 WKCE test results indicates an area of concern that many school districts are finding in dis-aggregated data for "students with disabilities." Decisive initiatives are being undertaken to address the performance issue, including an in-service program on May 24 for Special Education, Reading, and LEL teachers at Jefferson Middle School and Jefferson High School. A summary of these initiatives was shared with the Committee.

The K-12 Technology Team will meet on May 11, 2004. The purpose of the meeting is to update team members on the current status of technology planning and implementation in the district, share ideas, and formulate staff development suggestions for the Staff Development Team meeting in the afternoon.

The Staff Development Team will also meet on May 11, 2004. At that time recommendations for the proportionate allocation of early release days and major themes for staff development activities will be identified.

Planning is underway to provide K-5 staff with two days of 6 Traits + 1 training in mid-June and late August. The goal is to provide practical ideas so staff can start the 2004-05 school year with specific strategies of enhance writing aspects of the "balanced literacy" initiative at the elementary level.