Joshua Bentley

The School Improvement Advisory Committee meeting included discussions on the purpose of SIAC, a review of the 5-year strategic plan focusing on Culture, Workforce, MTSS, and Future Ready initiatives, and progress updates on goals related to enhancing the learning environment, reducing chronic absenteeism, and increasing academic proficiency. The committee also explored the concept of 'Future Ready' education through career trees and small group discussions, and introduced data and information regarding a potential 4-day school week, including its potential impacts and requirements.

The meeting focused on recommendations for school improvement to the Board, including major educational needs, student learning goals, long-range goals, and bullying and harassment prevention goals. The committee analyzed data for Culture, Workforce, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and Future Ready, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and ideas for improvement. Priorities for improvement include workforce management and capacity, student emotional safety and belonging, academic proficiency, and future-ready opportunities.

The Lau Plan Guidance Document for Anamosa Community School District focuses on meeting the instructional needs of English Learners (ELs) through English language development, academic achievement, and cross-cultural efficacy. Key areas include identifying and placing ELs in appropriate Language Instruction Educational Programs (LIEPs), providing meaningful access to co-curricular and extracurricular programs, and offering ongoing professional development for staff. The plan outlines measurable academic and language goals, exit criteria, monitoring procedures, and evaluation processes to ensure compliance and support for EL students.

The CSIP document for Anamosa Community School District focuses on various aspects of school improvement, including early intervention funding, class size reduction, and activities for K-3 students to achieve higher levels of success in basic skills. It emphasizes collaborative relationships, learning environment, curriculum and instruction, professional development, and monitoring and accountability. The plan outlines goals related to reading, mathematics, and science, as well as actions to improve curricular and instructional practices. It also addresses the incorporation of multicultural and gender-fair curriculum, online courses, and the implementation of Iowa Core Standards. The document includes information on professional development activities, research-based staff development practices, and the evaluation of at-risk, dropout prevention, and gifted and talented programs. It also covers Title III services for Limited English Proficient (LEP) children and the collection and analysis of data to determine the accomplishment of district goals.

The Board addressed several staffing actions, including the hiring of teachers and a bus driver, as well as a transfer of a para-educator. Policy revisions were discussed, and the board approved legislative priority resolutions. Additionally, the Staff Handbook, Coaches Handbook, and revisions to the Anamosa High School Student Handbook were approved. The board also discussed and ultimately tabled an agreement with the City of Anamosa, approved bids for various services and supplies, reviewed board policies, and approved the placement of a memorial bench at Strawberry Hill.