Minutes Of The Coordination Meeting With The Elementary School[1]

Minutes of the Coordination Meeting with the Elementary School Place: IC Middle School, Ras Beirut. Date: Wed. Feb. 18, 2009 Present : Imad Aboulmona, Rana Anouti, Toni Didardo, Yola Sowan El-Jamil,Colette Matta (Math. Department Head/ Ain Aar), Reem Sardouk ( Math Department Head, Elementary School), Lama Shihab, Fatmeh Torbah (Math Department Head, Middle School), Rayya Younes. The meeting considered the following matters: IThis year, students in Grade 6 show more: • recognition of Math concepts in Whole Number and Operation. • appreciation of timing in terms of completing a task on time. • readiness for tests or other forms of assessment. It was mentioned that more emphasis on chapter tests is taking place. Moreover, the Math Department in the Elementary School is conducting pre- and post-tests to assess students’ performance. IIGrade 5 and 6 teachers shared the following observations and expectations: A-Students of grade 5 are expected to: • use thoroughly the Math terminology and symbols. • have more readiness in decimals especially division. • practice further the use of Geometric tools to enhance their practice in drawing figures. • work more on the Metric System units and conversions. -B- Level meetings take place regularly to maintain coordination and completion of the same requirements among the levels. This issue implies that common activities and assessments are administered among the same level, except that in grade 5, students are not subjected to cumulative tests but rather to chapter tests and performance assessments. CCommon concerns among members focused on: • Students lack of following instructions. By reading carefully and highlighting or marking the basic given, students may learn to overcome this shortcoming. Grade 5 teachers noted that the students we have this year have been considered to be a difficult group. • Students study skills and habits. Students may need guidance and training to help them improve their work skills and study habits. III-

Grade 6 teachers shared their yearly plan, copies of tests and activities with grade 5 teachers. Copies of tests given in grade 5 will be sent to grade 6 teachers, along with a copy of the new approved strands in Math.

Respectfully Submitted By

Yola Sowan El-Jamil