H.S. Graduation Requirements Task Force
November 14, 2006
Minutes

In attendance: Sherrie Brown, Steve Clarke, Maria Griggs, Bobbie Jaffe, Zoe Kapan, Julie Kratzig, Gigi Morganti, Michelle Ouilette, Todd Smith, Jennie Styer, Phyllis Textor.

I. The meeting began with introductions. Dr. Kinsley took a moment to define the task force’s purpose and his vision for their work.

II. Tanya Rowe, Director of School Information and Communication, shared information about the district strategic plan. She also showed a DVD showing student feedback from focus groups in 2005-2006.

III. Sherrie Brown led the group through a review of Washington State graduation requirements. The group had the opportunity to review a comparison of graduation requirements from sixteen (16) school districts randomly selected from Washington State.

IV. The group had the opportunity to review current Bellingham School District graduation requirements.

V. The following information will be collected for the next meeting:

• Sherrie – List of math classes currently required in districts from the comparison chart that requires three years of mathematics.
• Sherrie – Percentage of Bellingham students who currently complete three or more classes of mathematics, science, and English.
• Sherrie – New Social Studies requirements from OSPI.
• Gigi – More information about occupational and vocational classes. Why do they qualify for occupational credit or vocational funding?
• Julie – Example of classes that currently qualify for occupational credit.

VI. Members of the task force were given a homework assignment, which is to read an article entitled “The Essence of College Readiness: Implications for Students, Parents, Schools, and Researchers.”