School Committee: Homework, Grading and Wind Turbines

At Tuesday's School Committee meeting, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michael Almeida and Assistant Principal Dr. Arthur Lisi presented the first readings of the ASFMS homework and grading policies. 

During the May 8 meeting, both administrators updated Committee members as to how the pilot program for both policies had worked during the 2011-2012 school year. Using their findings, the policies have been updated and are ready to be viewed by the public for further approval.

As discussed in September 2011 when the pilot program began, the policy's guiding beliefs focus on assessing a student's performance on his or her authentic learning (Product), work ethic skills (Process) and academic progress (Progress). According to the presentation, skills and qualities such as work ethic, homework, behavior, attendance and timeliness are integral to the learning process yet need to be distinguished from the reporting of learning and academic progress.

To view both policies, see the files attached to this story. The School Department will accept comments and suggestions on both for two weeks before a second reading is scheduled.

Wind Turbine Resolution

Committee members tabled a wind power resolution a second time after hearing a presentation from the Wind Energy Development Company similar to the one given to the Coventry Town Council on June 4. 

At Wind Energy's initial presentation, representatives explained that in one year, two turbines would create eight megawatts of electricity - enough to power the town's municipal and school buildings annually. The town would also be able to track exact energy costs for the duration of the 20-year agreement, after which the town may decide to renew or request that the turbines be removed.

The resolution was tabled once more to allow time to review past town electricity bills with Wind Energy consultants. to ensure that the agreement cost the town more than initially expected.

, allowing the Committee to review the contract and resolution.