Math Semester Exam Work Group
Meeting Summaries
Meeting # 1―July 25, 2013
Dr. Joshua P. Starr, superintendent of schools, convened the multi-stakeholder Math Semester Exam
Work Group to examine issues that may be contributing to student performance on the secondary math
semester exams. Although there is broad representation on the work group, the group is intentionally
small (21) to maximize efficiency and complete work in a timely manner. The expectation is that
recommendations will be forwarded to the superintendent for any appropriate changes to be made this
school year (2013–2014). The group will strive for consensus, but may need to compromise and
consider majority to move the process forward.
The group looked at the 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 math semester exam data and generated
observations and questions about student performance. Work group members then reviewed a
summary of stakeholder feedback received over the past several months. The final activity was to
generate issues/interests that may be influencing math exam performance. Each small group was asked
to come to consensus on their top three issues and present to the whole group for consideration. The
issues were reviewed and clarified, as appropriate. The work group will make recommendations by
early November 2013.