Great Academics for Pearland

(formerly Gifted Advocacy for Pearland)

Building a Bridge to Excellence!


 

[Under Construction]

Gifted Advocacy for Pearland (GAP) May Meeting

 

5/24/2005

7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Room D of the Educational Support Center Annex - 2316 Old Alvin Rd (between PACE and Jr. High West).

 

 

Please read:

 

Thanks for attending. In an attempt to try and keep the core meeting to one hour, we would like to ask that you hold questions or comments about a specific situation you or your child may have until the end of the meeting. A GAP representative will stay until at least 8:30 pm to discuss any specific issues you may have. Additionally, you may send an email with your questions to vp@pearlandgifted.org.

 

----- Agenda Topics -----

 

Election of Officers

 

10

October Bond Issue

Jeff Jeffress

  5

Specific Input on Advanced Academic Specialist

Jeff Jeffress

10

Concerns about IB Principal

Jeff Jeffress

10

IB Workshop Update

Ananth Annapragada

10

Platform and Name Discussion

Jeff Jeffress

15

 

Other Information

Election of Officers:

 
       

The proposed slate of officers nominated by the nominating committee in the April meeting is:

 

  • Jeff Jeffress         President
  • Charles Adams     Vice President
  • Sue Matthews      Secretary
  • Jeff Pafford         Treasurer

 

Notes from IB Workshop:

Ann Wink spoke with the board about IB answering several of their questions. Time permitting we will discuss some of her and the boards comments tomorrow. The high level themes were very interesting though.

 

1) Most of the Board was very interested in an accelerated IB implementation that would go for implementation throughout the district in as little as three years. One board member did express concern that we should look at the costs and advised caution on the speed but in general the mood was very positive.

 

2) Ms. Wink said that her preference was to start in the primary years if a district were to do a slower implementation but that it was very possible to (quoting Dr. Garrison) "take a transcontinental railroad" approach and build from both the high school and the primary years in a very quick fashion.

 

3) In order to implement this type of aggressive approach, the Board and Dr. Cain will need our assistance in supporting the October bond issue and the funding needed to execute such a plan. (We should talk about how we can contribute on Tuesday).

 

4) AP and IB advanced classes can be taught together at the high school level. This should help contain cost. The IB program is typically more rigorous and will cover the AP curriculum.

 

5) A new elementary school is being built now and the thought is to target it as a magnet school that would be the first to implement IB.

 

6) The next IB update to the Board is June 14th. A new principal for this school could be named at this time.

 

7) A search for a new advanced academic coordinator is ongoing. IB implementation would be a part of this person's charter. GAP has asked to be involved in the selection of this individual as well as the principal in item 6.

 

8) Ms. Wink indicated that she felt IB could raise the bar for a wide range of high achieving students. This fact is VERY important to the board to help raise the entire bar in Pearland ISD.

 

Proposed Platform:

 

  1. Promote Academic Excellence: We will try to raise the bar for all students with the desire and drive to do so. Not limit ourselves to just identified students.
    1. This group should still support the needs of gifted students but also of non-identified high achievers
    2. We may want to consider a name change and broaden our reach to more parents
  2. Support District Wide IB Program.
    1. We would prefer an aggressive, district wide implementation with planning and training occuring in 2005 and implementation in 2006.
    2. If the program must be staged, we would begin in the Primary School Years.
  3. Improve District/Parent communication on academic excellence programs and issues.
    1. We request a clear communication from the district on their gifted programs and services.
    2. We believe a beginning of the school year orientation should be compulsory.
    3. We request direct dialogue on the issues we raise in this platform and clear responses.
    4. GAP itself will improve communication with parents by: identifying campus advocates, extending our reach to more parents, improving our electronic communication, providing a history of academic excellence in Pearland and providing an appropriate vehicle to advocate for individuals issues.
  4. Help Change the Mindset of our Students: Don't ask the question: "Are you going to University?" to "Which University will you attend?"
  5. Work to develop some added value at each education level
    1. Promote Ability Grouping in the Primary Years 
    2. Promote the Duke Talent Search and sponsor a seminar to help 7th grade students (or even spring semester of sixth grade) prepare for the SAT or ACT.
    3. Develop a Preparing for Competitive Universities Seminar for Students and Parents in the 7-9th Grade Levels
    4. Promote and Support Future Problem Solvers and Ac Dec at the high school level 
    5. Promote preparation for the PSAT
    6. Perhaps even conduct mock college interview seminar for seniors.

 

 

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Last modified: 10/27/04