Sharpstown High School

March 3, 2008 

Members Present 
J. Allen, E. Gaston, S. Canty, A. Aydinian, M. Cox, N. Adams, Ms. Eme, U. Adigun, C. Ciarniello, G. Gutierrez, G. Whigham, M. Mitchell, D. Dylinski, A. Mock 

TAKS Plan
Mr. Allen informed the committee about all of the preparations that had been made for the ELA TAKS.  He stated that Ms. Tiller and the other Deans had worked hard to make sure that the testing process would run smoothly. 

Mr. Allen also talked about upcoming Math and Science tutorials that would be scheduled during Advocacy for students in grades 9 and 10.  He also explained an incentive plan that had been developed for students who pass TAKS.  

Plans for 2008-2009 

Mr. Allen informed that new Course Selection Sheets had been created and were ready to be distributed to the students in grades 9-12.  He also talked about plans for required courses in grades 9 and 10 with reference to TAKS Science, TAKS Math and Reading. 

Mr. Mock talked about plans that were being made for the 9^th Grade Academy.  He spoke about plans to bring in 8^th graders from feeder middle schools to introduce them to  SHS and the 9^th Grade Academy. 

Mr. Allen also stated  that he hoped that SHS could expand  course offerings in CATE.  He added that from the new Course Selection Sheet, student interest in new course offerings would be assessed.  He also stated that SHS was looking for ways to increase advanced academic courses as well as ways to “marry” AP and Dual Credit courses so that one would not hurt the other. 

SIRC Visit 

Mr. Allen updated the committee on the SIRC (School Improvement Resource Center) visit that occurred on February 26, 2008.  He explained that the group was responsible for overseeing compliance issues with AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress). 

Mr. Allen reported that the SIRC team was very pleased with the work being done at SHS.  He added that they were very complementary of the differences seen between last school year and this school year.

Mr. Allen added that he was very proud of the work that the teachers had accomplished   this year. 

Other Business 

Ms. Adigun updated the committee on the PTO Garage Sale scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2008.   She explained that the event would be held in the student parking lot.  She also stated that volunteers were needed to assist with the sale. 

Ms. Adigun also suggested that SHS offer incentives to the feeder pattern 8^th graders that could be redeemed when the new school year started.

The next meeting of the SDMC was scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2008.