Woodbridge Board of Education Meeting - Feb. 28

A brief summary of what was discussed at last night's meeting of the Woodbridge Board of Education for those who want to know what's happening, but can't make it to the meetings:

• The math curriculum is getting a makeover. As Connecticut transitions from CMT-focused teaching to Common Core standards , the curriculum needs to be better aligned with college and work expectations. While the existing curriculum is described as 'spiral' with new content being layered to the same topic each year, the new curriculum will cover topics deeper and will not be re-addressed. The new curriculum, which should be phased in over the next four years, is described as being 'focused and rigorous,' and no longer a 'mile wide and inch high' approach to mathematics.
• The Board is beginning the two-year-long process of revising the district-wide policy handbook. Board members heard a presentation from a Connecticut Assocation of Boards of Education (CABE) representative, who will assist a committee made up of board members, administrators and teachers to revise the handbook. Policy regarding personnel, students, construction, instruction and bylaws of the board will be reviewed and rewritten as needed.
• A newly revised school calendar for 2011-'12 was approved last night. The calendar includes 182 instructional days and will not have students in school the last week of June. Snow days will be made up during the third week of June, and if needed, during April vacation. February break will include President's Day next year and will remain untouched by makeup days.