Brief History Of The Academy At Lincoln

A Brief History of The Academy at Lincoln (BOE Perspective) These entries have been compiled from the minutes and summaries of the GCS BOE meetings published on the GCS web site and other GCS web sites. Only portions referencing The Academy at Lincoln or the VSN program have been copied.

From BOE - Tuesday, December 7, 2004................................................................... 1  From BOE - Thursday, December 16, 2004 ............................................................... 1  From BOE - Tuesday, January 11, 2005..................................................................... 2  From BOE - Tuesday, February 8, 2005..................................................................... 4  From BOE - Thursday, March 24 , 2005 .................................................................... 6  From BOE - Thursday, April 21, 2005 ....................................................................... 7  From BOE - Monday, April 24, 2006 ......................................................................... 7  From BOE - April 27, 2006 ........................................................................................ 8  From BOE - September 12, 2006 ............................................................................... 9  From BOE - Retreat September 23, 2006 ................................................................. 10  From BOE - September 28, 2006 ............................................................................. 10  From VSN Parents Meeting – October 19, 2006 ...................................................... 12  From BOE - November 9, 2006 ................................................................................ 12  From BOE - December 19, 2006 .............................................................................. 12  From BOE - April 26, 2007 ...................................................................................... 14  From BOE – May 24, 2007....................................................................................... 15 

From BOE - Tuesday, December 7, 2004 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2005/1_11/minutes12_7.htm

Lincoln Middle Lincoln is proposed to be a Very Special Needs (VSN), Performing Arts, and Global Studies, Magnet Middle School with an attendance zone of 113 to 130 students. Lincoln has a capacity for 884 students. Lincoln would receive elementary students from Brooks, Morehead, Peeler, and Wiley elementary schools.

From BOE - Thursday, December 16, 2004 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2005/1_11/minutes12_16sc.htm Lincoln Middle School Options presented for Lincoln were 1) small neighborhood attendance zone, performing arts, Brooks Global Studies continuation program, 2) small neighborhood attendance zone, performing arts, VSN grades 4-8, or 3) performing arts, Brooks Global Studies continuation program, Pre-International Baccalaureate (IB), and no attendance zone. Lincoln has a capacity for 884 students. Depending on the programs placed at Aycock, its population could include 113 to 130 attendance zone, 312 performing arts, 208 Global

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Studies, 156 VSN, or 156 pre-IB students. Falkener Elementary students participating in the pre-IB program would be given preference to attend Lincoln. Motion was made by Kris Cooke, seconded by Darlene Garrett, to approve Aycock as a middle school with a small attendance zone with Spanish Immersion and Brooks Global Studies continuation magnet programs and to approve Lincoln as a middle school with no attendance zone and performing arts, VSN grades 4-8, and pre-IB magnet programs. Ms. Cooke clarified that her motion was to be considered as an advisory approach depending on feedback from community members, as well as budget and transportation plans. The Board asked that meetings be scheduled with the affected community to discuss the proposed plans. The motion passed upon a majority electronic vote of 6 to 5 as follows: Ayes – Marti Sykes, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Dot Kearns, Susan Mendenhall, and Darlene Garrett; Nays – Anita Sharpe, Nancy Routh, Alan Duncan, Amos Quick, and Deena Hayes.

From BOE - Tuesday, January 11, 2005 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2005/2_8/minutes1_11.htm

Aycock and Lincoln Middle Schools The Board held two community forums on January 6, 2005 to receive input from the community regarding its December 16, 2004 decision to place magnet programs at Aycock and Lincoln Middle Schools. The Board discussed the feedback received during those forums and other options for the placement of Spanish Immersion, Science and Technology, Performing Arts, and Global Studies magnet programs, as well as the Very Strong Needs (VSN) program. Eric Hoekstra, District Demographer, reviewed a possible attendance zone for Lincoln Middle School as noted on the middle school zone map with areas M108 and M109. Attendance zone M108 is the area south of Lee Street and north of Florida Street on the east side of Highway 29. This area would reassign students from Hairston Middle to Lincoln. Attendance zone M109 reassigns students from Allen Middle residing in the area north of Interstate 40 and Interstate 85 and south of Florida Street east of Highway 29. Superintendent Grier informed the Board that students residing in these areas who did not wish to attend Lincoln and participate in the magnet programs would be allowed to attend Hairston. Motion was made by Darlene Garrett, seconded by Kris Cooke, to place at Aycock Middle School, an attendance zone as well as Spanish Immersion and Science and Technology magnet programs and to place at Lincoln Middle an attendance zone of map areas M108 and M109, Performing Arts and Global Studies magnet programs, as well as the VSN program for grades 4-8.

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A substitute motion was made by Alan Duncan, to place the science and technology middle school magnet program at Craven School; to place Spanish Immersion, VSN grades 4-8, and an attendance zone at Aycock Middle; to place an attendance zone of map areas M108 and M109, performing arts, and global studies at Lincoln Middle; and move the Advanced Academics magnet program from Brown Summit to Lincoln. The motion failed for lack of a second. Darlene Garrett called the question on the original motion. Ms. Garrett’s motion on programs at Aycock and Lincoln passed upon a roll call vote of 8 to 3 as follows: Ayes – Deena Hayes, Darlene Garrett, Dot Kearns, Marti Sykes, Nancy Routh, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, and Susan Mendenhall; Nays – Alan Duncan, Anita Sharpe, and Amos Quick.

Magnet Recommendations for 2005-2006 Enrollment School Capacity Attendance Zone Spanish Immersion Science & Technology Total

Number 702 340-250 80 208 628

Aycock Middle School Program Details - Approved by the Board 1/11/05 - Cone (partial reduction in 06-07) - Irving Park (19 students) - Jones (40 students, 5th grade Spanish Immersion) Lincoln

Enrollment School Capacity Attendance Zone Performing Arts Global Studies VSN (grades 4-8) Total Enrollment School Capacity Attendance Zone

Number 884 113-130 312 156 216 797 Erwin Number 25 rooms None

Program Details - Approved by the Board 1/11/05 5th - Peeler (53 students, grade) - Morehead (66 students, 5th grade) - Brooks (68 students, 5th grade) - Wiley (28 students, 5th grade VSN) Montessori (K-8) Program Details - Approved by the Board 12/16/04 - Move attendance zone to Bessemer to allow space for K-8 program

Enrollment School Capacity Attendance Zone Enrollment School Capacity K-1 Spanish Immersion

Craven Middle School Number Program Details 260 - To be decided None Kirkman Park Elementary School Number Program Details 344 - Approved by the Board 12/9/03 Implement K-1 in 2005, graduating the program with 63 students students resulting in a gradual decline of the attendance per grade Page 3 of 16

Attendance Zone

Enrollment School Capacity Attendance Zone

No change zone for 2005 - Full vs Dual Immersion is still being researched GTCCMiddle College East Number Program Details 225 - Approved by the Board 12/16/04 - 45 students per grade level (8-12) None - Diploma program - 3 days school / 2 days work per week - Basic curriculum with extra support for reading and math

Other Recommendations for 2005-2006 School Western Guilford High School

-

Mendenhall Middle School

-

Kiser Middle School

-

McLeansville Elementary

-

Changes for Opt-out Schools

-

Recommendations Shift Alderman area from Smith Follow-up to 04-05 middle school shift (approximately 100 students) Shift Halcyon Street (in Alderman area) from Ragsdale (approximately 6 students) Shift of the Irving Park Elementary area west of the railroad (east of Church Street) and north of Wendover from Aycock (approximately 46 students) Shift of the General Greene Elementary attendance zone to Kiser (63 students) Create attendance zone from areas served by Sedalia and Gibsonville . Attendance area of approx. 260-300 students. Fairview replaces Oak View (for Triangle Lake) Add Fairview as opt-out for Kirkman Park. Hairston as opt-out for Lincoln.

From BOE - Tuesday, February 8, 2005 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2005/3_8/minutes2_8.htm Continued Magnet Discussion

The Board continued its discussion of magnet schools as discussed at its December 7, December 16, January 11, and January 27 meetings. Superintendent Grier informed the Board that staff was trying to seek direction and guidance on how to use Craven School for the coming school year and that staff had reviewed the magnet assignments for Craven, Aycock, and LincolMiddle Schools. It was the administration’s recommendation that Craven School be a science and technology middle school magnet based on several rationals: •

Middle school seats are needed Page 4 of 16

• • •

• • • • •

The school is located near the Bi-Centennial Arboretum, a science resource It is located closer to Montlieu than the proposed Aycock site Funds have been identified to build a small physical education facility that will meet the school’s needs without taking away from other construction priorities A middle school would not have the same parking requirements as a high school Due to limited parking availability, may have to limit students driving to school if Craven were a high school The site was the overwhelming first choice of General Greene parents Research supports small secondary schools An elementary site is not needed in this location

The administration also recommended the following use of Lincoln: • • • • •

House the Very Strong Needs (VSN) program for grades 4-8 Have a small 90 -100 student primary attendance zone House a visual and performing arts middle school program for the Eastern portion of the district Performing arts magnet program These suggestions would allow the VSN and arts programs room to grow and expand

The administration also recommended the following programs at Aycock: • • •

Neighborhood primary attendance zone Middle School Spanish Immersion program Global Studies program—supplementing the Spanish Immersion program; which is an international language program

Dr. Grier also informed the Board that the GTCC East campus would not be able to house Opportunity High School for the 2005-2006 school year. It was the administration’s recommendation to house the program at either at the GTCC Washington Street building, which the school district owns, or in the former English building at Dudley High School. The administration also recommended that if the Board chose not to place a science and technology magnet program at Craven, that Opportunity High School be placed at Craven. Dr. Grier also informed the Board that staff was discussing the concept of other alternative school sites for High Point area students with the High Point mall. He reported that an agreement had been reached with GTCC to establish a Middle College of Entertainment Technology on its High Point campus. Chairman Duncan reminded Board members that procedurally a science and technology program at Craven could not be reconsidered unless a Board Page 5 of 16

member on the prevailing side of the vote taken on December 16, 2004 were to make a motion to reconsider. Following a discussion of Aycock, Craven, Lincoln and Opportunity High School, motion was made by Amos Quick, seconded by Walter Childs, to direct staff to present to the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting, multiple options in priority order for addressing Craven School and that those options not significantly affect previous votes. A substitute motion was made by Dot Kearns, that the Board instruct staff to use funds only for those needs to preserve Craven School until such time that staff feels there is a recommendation not already considered that they feel is useful to bring to the Board. The motion failed for lack of a second. The Board then voted on the original motion made by Mr. Quick. The motion passed upon a majority electronic vote of 6 to 4 as follows: Ayes – Nancy Routh, Walter Childs, Amos Quick, Susan Mendenhall, Deena Hayes, and Darlene Garrett; Nays – Anita Sharpe, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, and Dot Kearns. Chairman Duncan clarified that the staff would move forward with the architect contract for Craven School as approved on the Consent Agenda.

From BOE - Thursday, March 24 , 2005 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2005/4_12/minutes3_24.htm

Advanced Learner Plan Amendment The Board continued its discussion of the Advanced Learner (AL) Program and Dr. Peggy Thompson, Chief Academic Officer, presented a proposed amendment to the district’s AL Plan which was approved in June, 2004. Dr. Thompson noted that the amendment changes the identification timeline. Previously, an aptitude test was administered to all second grade students in December. The results, in collaboration with other multiple criteria, became the first data used in the development of a pool of students assessed for services in the Advanced Learner Program. Due to a recent change in legislation regarding standardized testing, the administration recommended the amendment to administer the aptitude measure in September of the third grade year. Dr. Thompson reported that the amendment would result in several changes to the AL Plan. Moderate Need and Strong Need Advanced Learners would begin AL classes in Language Arts and Math each week in November of the third grade. While the process of finding third grade students eligible would occur in September and October, AL teachers would work in all of the third grade classrooms to provide enrichment for all students. While participating in Strong Level Language Arts and Math classes beginning in November, the Very Strong Need (VSN) candidates would be further assessed to determine their eligibility for VSN services. Once identified, additional and individualized services would Page 6 of 16

be determined for each of those students at their home schools. Those services may include curriculum compacting, independent studies, coached projects in cluster groups, flexible grouping within a class and across the grade level and subject acceleration. They would be eligible to participate in the VSN services provided at The Academy at Lincoln in fourth through eighth grades. Board attorney Jill Wilson informed the Board that while many parents have indicated the Board could seek a declaratory judgment, it was her opinion that the court would not entertain such. She also reported that the district is in compliance with the law by changing the AL program. While the district is required to submit changes in the program to the state, the state does not actually approve the plan. The state may however, return their comments on the plan to the district. Dr. Thompson reported that AL testing cost the district a total of $74,421. The total cost includes aptitude tests for all third graders, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, and non-verbal test for select students. Motion was made by Nancy Routh, seconded by Marti Sykes, to approve the AL Plan amendment as presented. The motion passed upon a majority electronic vote of 9 to 2 as follows: Ayes – Marti Sykes, Nancy Routh, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Dot Kearns, Amos Quick, Susan Mendenhall, and Deena Hayes; Nays – Anita Sharpe and Darlene Garrett.

From BOE - Thursday, April 21, 2005 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2005/5_10/minutes4_21.htm On December 16, 2004, the Board voted to place magnet programs at Aycock and Lincoln Middle Schools. Two community forums were held on January 6, 2005 to receive input from the community regarding this decision. On January 11, 2005, the Board voted to have a small attendance zone as well as Spanish Immersion and Science and Technology magnet programs at Aycock. The Board also voted to have a small attendance zone, the VSN (Very Strong Needs) program for grades 4-8 plus Global Studies and Performing Arts magnet programs at Lincoln. http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2005/1_27/magnet_recomm.pdf

From BOE - Monday, April 24, 2006 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2006/5_9/minutes4_24bh.htm Staff Report Opt-out Schools for 2006-2007 Dr. Eric Becoats, Chief of Staff, presented the proposed Opt-Out Schools for the 20062007 school year for those schools required to offer school choice under the No Child Left Behind Sanctions as a result of not making adequate yearly progress. Those schools and their proposed opt-out school include: Page 7 of 16

School Ferndale Middle Montlieu Elementary Washington Elementary Wiley Elementary Vandalia Elementary Bessemer Elementary Gillespie Elementary Hairston Middle Kirkman Park Elementary Northwood Elementary Allen Jay Elementary Cone Elementary Frazier Elementary Hampton Elementary Lindley Elementary Oak Hill Elementary Rankin Elementary Sumner Elementary Union Hill Elementary Aycock Middle Jackson Middle Penn-Griffin Middle Welborn Middle

Proposed Opt-Out Allen Jay Middle Oak View Elementary Sternberger Elementary Pleasant Garden Elementary Pleasant Garden Elementary Irving Park Elementary Alamance Elementary Kiser Middle Fairview Elementary Parkview Elementary Fairview Elementary Irving Park Elementary Pleasant Garden Elementary Sternberger Elementary Peck Elementary Florence Elementary Sedalia Elementary Nathanael Greene Elementary Florence Elementary Kiser Middle Allen Middle Kernodle Middle Kernodle Middle

The Board requested staff provide the enrollment and facility capacity information for the proposed opt-outs as well as the 2006-2007 opt-out schools for magnet programs. Chairman Duncan announced that the Board would further discuss the proposed optouts upon receipt of the requested information.

From BOE - April 27, 2006 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/board_summary/06Apr_27.html Opt Out Schools Dr. Becoats, chief of staff, led the Board in a discussion of opt out schools for the 2006-07 school year for those schools not making AYP. The Board approved the recommended list of opt out schools. http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2006/5_9/minutes4_27.htm Opt-Out Schools for 2006-2007 Upon Board member request at its April 24, 2006 meeting, Chief of Staff Eric Becoats presented capacity/utilization data for the 2006-2007 proposed opt–out schools for No Page 8 of 16

Child Left Behind sanctions along with the alternative schools for magnet and yearround programs. Dr. Becoats noted that several Board members had expressed concern regarding McLeansville Elementary serving as alternative schools for Bluford, Falkener, and Peeler. Upon further review, staff determined that Sedalia could replace McLeansville as the alternative school. Motion was made by Susan Mendenhall, seconded by Marti Sykes, to accept the administration’s recommendation of opt-out schools for No Child Left Behind sanctions as well as alternative schools for magnet and year-round programs. The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 10 to 1 as follows: Ayes – Dot Kearns, Marti Sykes, Nancy Routh, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Anita Sharpe, Susan Mendenhall, Deena Hayes, and Darlene Garrett; Nays – Amos Quick.

From BOE - September 12, 2006 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2006/10_10/minutes_9_12.html Reports from the Chairman The Guilford County Board of Commissions has asked that the board schedule a joint meeting with them during the second week of October. Chairman Duncan asked board members to check their calendars and report availability to Kathy Gwynn, who will coordinate with the County Commissioners Office. A notice will be sent to the board when the meeting date is confirmed. Chairman Duncan reported on feedback he received in regard to proposed agenda items for the September 23-24 Board Retreat as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

The possibility of an IB program at Page An analysis of the VSN program A review of our balanced scorecard Discussion regarding board communications Bond referendum discussion Portable classrooms v. year-round schedule GCS “Our Promise” Governance Committee report Update on the GCS Mission, Core Values, and Thematic Goals Community events SAT update (if information is available) Update on superintendent’s goals MWBE report

Chairman Duncan requested that board members inform him of any additional items they would like to see on the agenda. Discussion regarding times for the meeting ensued. Chairman Duncan asked board members to check their calendars and report availability to Kathy Gwynn. He will then schedule the best time around board members’ constraints.

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Susan Mendenhall requested that Dot Kearns report on her recent meetings with some of our legislators. Dot Kearns gave an update on recent meetings with House Representatives Howard Coble and Mel Watt. Also attending these meetings were Board Member Kris Cooke, Chief Finance Officer Sharon Ozment and Superintendent Terry Grier. Discussed during these meetings was the concern regarding the lack of adequate funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title I of No Child Left Behind.

From BOE - Retreat September 23, 2006 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2006/10_10/minutes_9_23retreat.html VSN Program Discussion Chief of Staff Eric Becoats presented information on the VSN Program. The district is seeing an increase in the number of students who qualify for these services. Staff had conversations this year with the principal at Lincoln Academy to address concerns about space. As a result, staff has identified sites in High Point and is potentially looking at the current Allen Jay Middle School site for VSN students. It was originally thought that Penn-Griffin could be utilized for VSN students, but after talking with Penn-Griffin Middle School Principal Bobby Hayes, there was some concern about Penn-Griffin expanding its visual performing arts program at the high school level in addition to having space for VSN. For this reason, the Allen Jay Middle School site was suggested. Staff recommended utilizing the current Lincoln Academy/Penn-Griffin boundary since Allen Jay is in the Penn-Griffin boundary. Allen Jay students will be housed in the new Southern Middle School in August of 2007, which is the same time the VSN program at the Allen Jay site would begin. Following discussion by the board, Chairman Duncan suggested that staff investigate Welborn as a possible VSN site since space is available there. Chief of Staff Eric Becoats will provide updated information to the board regarding attendance numbers in view of the consideration of Welborn. Board member Deena Hayes requested a breakdown of the VSN population according to ethnicity. Board member Marti Sykes left the meeting at 12:15 p.m.

From BOE - September 28, 2006 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2006/10_10/minutes_9_28.html Magnet Grant Update Dr. Don Hare, executive director of federal and special programs, presented to the board an update on the status of the magnet grant. Deputy Director of Parental Options and Information Steve Brockhouse, of the U.S. Department of Education, Page 10 of 16

has recommended that the two Montessori middle grades programs not be included in the upcoming grant proposal. Therefore, Erwin and Triangle Lake middle grades program will not be included in the grant proposal. After getting feedback from staff at Penn-Griffin, it appears their plan (audition process) for the high school will not meet the criteria of the MSAP program and, therefore, Penn-Griffin will not be included in the grant. The staff made the following recommendations for schools to include in the magnet grant: Theme School(s) Montessori Washington Street – Grades Pre-K through 5 Will accommodate 200 plus applicants who are unable to attend Erwin or Triangle Lake each year EXCELerator School Allen Jay Middle – Grades 4 through 8 The school will house the VSN program for the Western (High Point) portion of our district (not to be included in the grant). The magnet portion of the school will feature: 20:1 class sizes in core courses Foreign language in grades 4-8 Advanced Language Arts Laptops for each student All eighth graders taking geometry International Baccalaureate Northwood – Grades K-5 Establish a K-5 feeder to Ferndale – Chinese Language offered Hairston – Grades 6 through 8 Establish a feeder for Falkner IB Ferndale – Grades 6 through 8 Establish a feeder 6-8 feeder to Central – Chinese Language offered Board member Susan Mendenhall inquired about the grant process. Dr. Hare explained that the original proposal in August stated that the application would be due by mid October. However, due to certain legal issues as reported by Mr. Brockhouse’s office, the request for proposal (RFP) has not yet been released. Once the RFP is released, the application must be submitted within 45 days. To Dr. Hare’s knowledge, there has been no timeline established as to when notification of the grant award would be given. The original information stated that the notification would be by March 1, but now that there is a delay, this date will probably be adjusted. After further discussion, Superintendent Grier asked for direction from the board in order for the grant writer and staff to complete the application according to the board’s wishes. Chairman Duncan requested additional information from staff in regard to the possibilities for Allen Jay. Superintendent Grier also asked that the Washington Street staff have further discussion with its PTA and parent groups. There will be further discussion of the magnet grant at the next board meeting. Page 11 of 16

From VSN Parents Meeting – October 19, 2006 Meting Announcement: Connect Ed - 10/8/06 - VSN Parent Meeting This is Ann Barr, the Advanced Learner Coordinator for Guilford County Schools, giving this message. Parents of the Very Strong Need Advanced Learners at The Academy at Lincoln are invited to a meeting to discuss the current and future growth of this level of service for Advanced Learners in Guilford County Schools. The meeting will be held in the cafeteria at Lincoln on Thursday, October 19th, 2006 from 6 until 7:30 p.m. Thank you. The meeting was well attended by parents. Three maps were presented, each splitting the VSN student population in a different manner in order to establish a “High Point” VSN program. None of the proposals were well received by the parents. Additional information may be found at: The Academy at Lincoln website - VSN page Guilford County School System VSN Program Feedback from October 19, 2006 meeting – Raw Data Compiled by Jill Williams . .

From BOE - November 9, 2006 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2006/12_5/minutes11_9.html Approval of Agenda Chairman Duncan asked board members to review the meeting agenda and called for a motion to approve or amend it stating that two items under Staff Reports are pulled from the agenda. These items are “Request for Easement and Right-of-Way Agreements at the Southwest High School Property” and “VSN (Very Strong Needs) Update.” Motion was made by Darlene Garrett, seconded by Anita Sharpe, to approve the agenda as amended. The motion passed upon unanimous voice vote.

From BOE - December 19, 2006 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/board_summary/06dec_19.htm Very Strong Needs (VSN) Update

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Dr. Eric Becoats, chief of staff, presented to the board an update of the VSN program at the Academy at Lincoln. The board approved for staff to conduct an audit to determine the effectiveness of the VSN program. The board also voted that no changes will be made to the program at Lincoln until 2009, and that any recommendations for the future of the program be deferred to the Advanced Learners (AL) committee, who will be reviewing GCS' AL program. Additionally, board member Amos Quick will serve as the liaison from the committee to the board. http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2006/12_19/vsn_memo.html Guilford County Board of Education Regular Meeting December 19, 2006 To: Members, Board of Education From: Terry B. Grier, Ed.D. Date: December 15, 2006 RE: VSN (Very Strong Needs) Update Our recommendation is to allow the VSN program to remain at Lincoln for next school year (2007-2008); however, the VSN program should be expanded to include Welborn effective August 2008. The recommendation would utilize the feeder split for Brooks Global and Johnson Street (scenario 3). The proposed VSN expansion would save the district approximately $58,000 in transportation cost by transporting students in the western portion of our district to Welborn. As you can see from the attached spreadsheet, this will reduce the enrollment at Lincoln by approximately 101 students and provide for additional space. If you should have questions regarding this item, please contact Dr. Eric Becoats, chief of staff, at 378-8838, prior to the meeting. Attachment - Scenario 3 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2006/12_19/vsn_senario3.pdf

http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2007/1_9/minutes12_19.html B. VSN (Very Strong Needs) Update Dr. Eric Becoats, chief of staff, led the board in a discussion of the VSN program at The Academy at Lincoln. Dr. Becoats discussed professional development requirements and strategies to ensure proper training for teachers. A training session is beginning in January for Advanced Learner (AL) certification. This training will be open to all teachers in the district, thus creating a pool of qualified teachers for AL. Additionally, the VSN office is currently providing ongoing staff development as it relates to curriculum Page 13 of 16

planning within the actual VSN program staffing. This is being coordinated by Ann Barr, coordinator of advanced learning. Superintendent Terry Grier stated that the goal is for all VSN teachers to be AL certified. Motion was made by Walter Childs, seconded by Deena Hayes, requesting Executive Accountability and Research Officer Gongshu Zhang to implement a study on the VSN program as it presently exists which will address the following components: 1. 2. 3.

Scores and progress being made within the existing program Comparisons regarding VSN versus AL at the home schools Issues around race and socioeconomic breakdown in terms of participants within the program and any obstacles to entry into the program that may exist 4. Number of students tested in by a private testing service as opposed to testing in by their end-of-grade scores 5. Show how VSN students ultimately did in high school and post high school, that is following the progress or charting forward the progress of the participants in the VSN program 6. Chart the progress of the participants in the VSN program in high school and post high school The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 10-to-1 as follows: The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 10-to-1 as follows: Ayes – Jeff Belton, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett, Deena Hayes, Garth Hébert, Dot Kearns, Amos Quick and Nancy Routh; Nays – Anita Sharpe. Motion was made by Nancy Routh, seconded by Darlene Garrett, that no changes be made to the VSN program as it currently exists at Lincoln and that any recommendations for the future of the program be deferred to the AL committee, who will be reviewing the GCS AL program, with Amos Quick to serve as the liaison from the committee to the board. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote.

From BOE - April 26, 2007 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2007/5_8/minutes_4_26.html Evaluation of Advanced Learner (AL) and Very Strong Needs (VSN) Programs Dr. Gongshu Zhang, executive accountability and research officer, presented to the board an evaluation of the AL and VSN programs. Retired Coordinator of Advanced Learning Ann Barr, Advanced Learning Coordinator Bonnie Crissman and Advanced Learning Facilitator Kathryn Moore were present to answer questions. http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2007/4_26/evalal_vsn_memo.html

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Guilford County Board of Education Regular Meeting April 26, 2007 To: Members, Board of Education From: Terry B. Grier, Ed.D. Date: April 20 , 2007 RE: Evaluation of Advanced Learner (AL) and Very Strong Needs (VSN) Programs At the April 26 board meeting, Dr. Gongshu Zhang, executive accountability and research officer, will present to the board an evaluation of the Advanced Learners (AL) and Very Special Needs (VSN) programs. Attachment - Overview http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2007/4_26/AL_programs_Evaluation_2007.pdf

From BOE – May 24, 2007 http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/board_summary/07may_24.htm Approval of Advanced Learner Plan The board approved the Advanced Learner Plan. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction requires regular revisions and updates to the district plan for addressing the needs of academically gifted (AL) students in compliance with Article 9B. http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2007/6_12/minutes_5_24.html Approval of Advanced Learner Plan Dr. Mack McCary, chief academic officer, and Lee Ann Segalla, executive director, elementary curriculum and instruction, presented to the board a recommendation to approve the Advanced Learner Plan. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction requires regular revisions and updates to the district plan for addressing the needs of academically gifted (AL) students in compliance with Article 9B. Board discussion followed with questions directed to staff members. Motion was made by Kris Cooke, seconded by Darlene Garrett, to approve the Advanced Learner Plan as presented. A substitute motion was made by Deena Hayes, seconded by Walter Childs, to delay voting on the Advanced Learner Plan until board members have received answers to all questions asked regarding the plan and to take a closer look at the Project Bright IDEA plan. The motion failed upon majority electronic vote of 6-to4 as follows: Nays – Jeff Belton, Kris Cooke, Darlene Garrett, Garth Hébert, Dot Page 15 of 16

Kearns and Anita Sharpe; Ayes – Walter Childs, Alan Duncan, Deena Hayes and Nancy Routh. A vote on the original motion to approve the Advanced Learner Plan as presented followed. The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 7-to-3 as follows: Ayes – Jeff Belton, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett, Garth Hébert, Dot Kearns and Anita Sharpe; Nays – Walter Childs, Deena Hayes and Nancy Routh. Board member Amos Quick arrived at 8:25 p.m. http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2007/5_24/al_plan_memo.html Guilford County Board of Education Regular Meeting May 24, 2007 To: Members, Board of Education From: Terry B. Grier, Ed.D. Date: May 18, 2007 RE: Approval of Advanced Learner Plan The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) requires regular revisions and updates to the school district plan for addressing the needs of academically gifted (AL) students in compliance with Article 9B. The plan must be submitted to Mary Watson, Director of Exceptional Children Division, NCDPI before June 30, 2007. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends that the board approve the plan. Attachment - Advanced Learner Plan http://www.gcsnc.com/boe/2007/5_24/AL_plan.pdf

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