District reaches API of 810; All student groups make double digit gains
 Berkeley Public Schools surpassed 800 on the Academic Performance Index for the first time. Numbers released last week by the California Department of Education showed an overall growth in student achievement from 791 to 810. More good news about our schools is in a recent press release.
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Co-Superintendents speak about work ahead at 2020 in Action Symposium
 | Watch the video clip.
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Last week's community symposium on the 2020 Vision was a chance for teachers, staff, parents, and community to gather to look at the focused work around the key indicators that is improving outcomes for Berkeley school students. Neil Smith shared that it is gratifying "to see that we have chosen
a lot of the right work to do," while Javetta Cleveland plans to get her "feet soaked, not just wet" in addressing the challenges of the 2020 Vision.
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What is Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI2)?  It is an instructional system that identifies student needs and provides early, targeted instruction and intervention being used with notable success in our K-8 schools. Key components are:
- High quality instruction;
- Frequent progress monitoring and data driven decision making;
- Increasingly intense levels of intervention for students who need it.
The team approach to RTI2 means: - All teachers and staff work together collaboratively to support all students' learning.
- Teams use data to make decisions about what students need and how they are making progress towards specific learning goals.
A+ eNews will run regular updates about components of this system and how they are working in our schools.
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Update: Two Way Immersion (TWI) program implementation A TWI Work Group has formed and is meeting every two weeks through January in an effort to develop recommendations needed to ensure that the District, as well as LeConte, is prepared for the transition. The items marked below with an asterisk will be resolved before the Kindergarten Fair on December 2nd so that the information can be shared with incoming kindergarten parents preparing to begin the admissions process. The TWI Work Group has been charged to study and resolve the following issues: - Sibling Preference*
- Transportation and start time*
- Dominant Language Assessment
- Spanish Immersion Strand
- Extended Day Program needs/support
The School Board will discuss next steps in the implementation of TWI at LeConte at the Board Meeting on October 24 (7:30 p.m.).
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Training for School Decision Makers: Thur., Oct. 25  Every September a group of parents, teachers, and staff are elected at each pre-K-8 school and B-Tech, to the School Governance Councils (SGC) and, at Berkeley High School, to the BSEP Site Committee and the School Site Council (SSC). Members of these committees are strongly encouraged to attend this training to receive: the charge of their committee, guidance in running smooth, high-functioning meetings, clarification on API and AYP and where BUSD stands, a look at our efforts to close the Achievement Gap, highlights of successful initiatives that have been supported by the SGCs (e.g. Positive Behavior Support, Welcoming Schools, RTI2) special sessions for the BHS and B-Tech committees. (PTA and other school leaders are also welcome!) Dinner will be provided from 5:30 - 6:15 pm; childcare is available by prior reservation. Please RSVP to your school principal or by e-mail to MaryHurlbert@berkeley.net. When: Thur., Oct. 25, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Where: Longfellow Middle School, 1500 Derby St.
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Next Series of Cooking Classes for Parents/Guardians Starts  Our Cooking & Garden Nutrition Program offers 5-week nutrition and cooking series to BUSD parents and guardians at eligible schools. Attendees participate in hands-on nutrition activities and prepare nutritious recipes. A Kids Nutrition Club is available for kids ages 3 and up while their parent/guardian participates in the class. All classes take place at Willard Middle School. Series Dates: Tues., Nov. 13 - Dec. 11, 5:30-7:30 pm More information and how to register here.
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BHS incoming 9th grader information night: Wed., Nov. 7  Berkeley High School holds a Fall and Winter Information Night as part of the informational process of enrolling for 9th grade at BHS. While all parents and students are welcome, the Fall Information Night is generally helpful for families of 8th graders not currently enrolled in a BUSD school. All families of incoming 9th graders should plan to attend the Winter Information Night, which includes break-out sessions to get to know the different learning communities at BHS. Fall Information Night: Wed., Nov. 7th at 7 p.m. in the Community Theater on Allston Way entrance just west of Milvia St. Visit our high school enrollment webpage.
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Is your child starting kindergarten next fall?  If yes, save the date for the Annual Kindergarten Fair: Sun., Dec 2, from 1:30 - 4:30. Location: LeConte Elementary, 2241 Russel St.
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