Portland Public Schools

The meeting focused on the middle school design and academic programming, aiming to create recommendations for a rigorous, engaging, and developmentally responsive middle school model. Key discussion topics included establishing a shared understanding of the middle school resolution, reviewing the design process, and identifying guiding frameworks such as the Portrait of a Graduate and the Portrait of a School Community. The participants engaged in sampler stations covering academic tiers, student supports, and community belonging, and planned for upcoming focus group activities to further refine the middle school model.

The agenda focuses on establishing the purpose and charge of the Middle School Design Guiding Coalition. Key discussion topics include reviewing the middle school resolution, outlining the structure of the design and study process, and grounding members in the district's vision, mission, and the frameworks provided by the Portrait of a Graduate and the Portrait of a School Community.

The workgroup focused on enrollment, facilities, and operational design to enhance the middle school experience. Discussions centered on the importance of social and emotional support for students, the role of data in future planning, and the potential impact of middle school changes on other district levels. Participants emphasized the need for transparent communication regarding the process and reviewed ongoing facility projects, including heating system repairs and district-wide assessments. The group committed to maintaining focus on established guiding questions and requested member reflections for future sessions.

The committee meeting focused on updates regarding the Lau plan and middle school design community engagement. Discussions included the iterative process required by the state to update and review the Lau plan for multilingual learners, an analysis of ACCESS exam data, and a review of the Center for Applied Linguistics' findings regarding the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Spanish immersion programs. The committee also discussed strategies for better data monitoring through a dashboard, the potential for a dual language immersion model, and planned next steps for the upcoming school year including instructional scaffolding for multilingual learners in mathematics.

The board meeting was dedicated to a retirement ceremony honoring various staff members for their years of service to the school district. Recognition was given to educators, administrators, and support staff, highlighting their specific roles, contributions, and lasting impact on students and the school community across various departments and grade levels.