LISD Academic Advocates

1. President E. Frey declared a quorum and opened the meeting with the Pledge at 7:05 pm.

2. P. Manley announced Amanda Young as the recipient of the Academic Advocates student scholarship in the amount of $500 (due to there having been no applicant in the previous year). Amanda’s parents Steven and Nancy were present for the presentation.   Amanda plans to pursue aerospace engineering studies at the University of Texas and has distinguished herself both academically and athletically. 

3. Treasurer W. Manley reported that the bills for web site hosting and the domain name registration have been paid with a monthly starting balance of $1542.20 and ending balance of $1375.33.

4. Without objection, minutes for general meetings held January 30, March 27 and April 24 were approved as written.

5. An audit is in progress by C. Cavalli, E. Mittag and Susan Johnson.

6. C. Cavalli reported on the May 1 meeting attended by Academic Advocates representatives C. Cavalli, E. Mittag and S. Nardecchia and LISD district staff including Monta Akin, Anita Cotter, and Kathy Woods to discuss district efforts with respect to gifted and talented and advanced placement programs, especially at the elementary and middle school levels.  In general there was agreement as to the goals of these programs in reaching and serving this population, however the Academic Advocates representatives expressed frustration at the seemingly slow pace of the changes to date. New programs emphasizing differentiation are emerging at the Middle School level, especially at LMS and we hope to see these methods shared and spread throughout the district as quickly as possible. Notable quote from a member: “Each child should experience a year’s worth of growth in learning each school year regardless of where he/she begins.”

7. Members brainstormed ideas for the coming program year.
          - look at trying to present an issue per month to the Board
          - suggestions for speakers : 
     1) transition coordinators (in and out of district) early in the school year
     2) someone from TEA or other state level on assessment tools/ methods
      3) head of Round Rock G/T program
      4) speaker to address how addressing needs of G/T and advanced students helps raise the level of instruction for other students as well
       5) someone from the Round Rock G/T parents group
       6) someone from the Westwood HS IB parents group
- change membership form to include the opportunity to donate to the scholarship fund, even if the person doesn’t want to join the organization

8. Set meetings for the last Wednesday of the month.  [ August 28, September 25, October 30, November 20 (no school November 27), January 29, February 26, March 26, April 23 and May 14 ] 

9. Marilyn Hosier was nominated as a Middle School representative for Cedar Park Middle School.  C. Cavalli moved approval, P. Waggoner seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

10. Meeting adjourned at 8:50.

Respectfully submitted,
Erika Mittag
Secretary