School of Education and Human Development University of Maine External Advisory Council Scholarship Committee

Meeting Minutes, December 1, 2013

In attendance: Cathy Martin, Kim Warren, Chris Howell, Joy Halligan, Kevin Dorin, and Jeanne Whynot- Vickers. Meeting was held in Abromson 217. The goals for this meeting were to access the feedback form the event in October on proficiency based diplomas and make a strategic plan for a follow to this event.

Kim discussed material she had previously sent electronically, on the survey results from the October event; responses from attendees indicated an overall positive assessment for the event, in meeting goals for getting information out on this topic. Follow questions were also received that indicated that many attendees have numerous additional questions on this topic and are seeking more specific information and guidance. It was discussed that a future event should be considered to answer some of these concerns. Discussion took place on what a future event might look like, and when it would occur. It was felt that an event in spring, during the school’s spring break week would be successful, and at the same time of day in later afternoon. A tentative date of Monday, March 31 st, 2014, at Wishcamper library was planned for the 4-6pm time frame. Chris discussed the two models for creating the framework for the proficiency based diploma and briefly outlined how they differ. A few schools have aligned with one or the other model. A brief discussion of both of these could be useful at this event. Also, Christ felt that districts would be seeking more information on the graduation standards that result form this work; this was also identified in the attendees responses form October.

Action plan: Chris will reach out to some high school principals that he is aware of that are currently doing some of this work, and Jeanne will reach out to the Casco Bay High school administration, to try to determine a structure for the future event. It was generally felt that break out sessions on the 8 content areas could be helpful, as well as an overview of the two models. Kim will reach out to Glenn Cummings to determine where his activities on this topic have developed to and we would try to have him attend the next meeting.

Kim reviewed the list of new donors to the scholarship funds and Jeanne, Joy and Cathy will complete thank you notes for these thirty contributors.

Next meeting: January 13th at 8:30 in Abromson 217.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathy Martin.