October 27th, 2016

NASC
Welcome from Tom Brenner at Middle School Media Center where the sock hockey finals were in progress. This will be the final meeting in this building at they will be in their new Middle School next fall. The staff and students are very excited to get into the new building.

Members present:
Barnum - David Bottem, Randi Lembke, Kristen Helland, Evan Lembke
Carlton - Cullen Franek
Cromwell - Terry Sawdey, Tim Stark
Cloquet - Matt Winbigler, Michelle Brenner
Esko - Jennifer Hoffmann, Tammy Thornton, Aaron Fischer
McGregor - Jerod Fischer, Carrie White
Moose Lake - Matt Niedzielski, Billie Jo Steen
Wrenshall - Pamela Niesen
Willow River - Tanya Mack, Nikki Mollis

Steph Biebl from Cloquet presented about Standard Based Grading.

EdCamp Reactions
Well received
Concerns about lack of structure
Lack of experts in sessions
It was evident that this was our first EdCamp, some teachers didn’t understand the format
Many districts did a Smackdown after back at their districts
Looking at putting together notes for next year

MPCC
Jon Voss and Dan McGuire were in attendance to present on MPCC
The content is meant to be a core that meets the standards.
Concerns that were brought forward included:

• Courses that are not yet complete
• MPCCs content isn’t viable for a full course content. It is viewed as a supplement
• Some courses are missing pieces that they have to fill
• Course continuity (looking at addressing in the next Phase)
• Current textbooks are better laid out and organized
• Lacking connections between courses and grade levels

Positives notes:

• cK12 Books are seen as valuable
• MPCC is willing to support improvements and revisions

Stone Arch Bridge Initiative for Education Resources
Organization setup to help teachers implement MPCC courses and digital curriculum. Help is offered in the form of mentors, advisors and grants.

General Comments:

• Each district is purchasing different products to teach the same standards.
• Some districts/teachers have a curriculum that they really like.
• MPCC is trying to coordinate to best benefit all partner districts. Part of this is always looking for Open Educational Resources (OER) that can be brought in.
• MPCC is piloting English/Language Arts 11-12 as an Open Textbook with the assistance of University of Minnesota.
• Some districts (Anoka) already produces printed textbooks from the digital courses.
• MPCC is looking for more competency checks within the curriculum. This would benefit SIS integrations for instant feedback and analysis.
• Timelines are dependent on the writers and reviewers that are available.
• More teachers might be interested, but they may doubt their ability, or they may be using copyrighted materials.
• For incomplete course, perhaps having a required materials list for supplements.
• MPCC would be a support NASC in resource creation.
• Please use the Poll in the Slides to give MPCC feedback.
  
  

Next Meeting @ Esko on December 1st at 12:30.
Identify a Chair & Vice Chairperson
Clerk or Facilitator would be decided and in place by next month
Discuss the Shared PLCs and how we can help facilitate cooperation.