| Agawam School Committee Workshop Minutes October 23, 2007
Chair R. Cohen called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. in the library/media center of the Agawam Middle School for the purpose of discussing a proposed course at the high school entitled, “The Bible and Its Influence.” Present: L. Galarneau, P. Cavallo, D. Juzba, R. Doering, A. Bonavita, R. Sandlin Dr. Czajkowski, W. Sapelli, & J. Kane Agawam Clergy – Pastor Ray Fowler, Rev. Ronald Sadlowski, Rev. Earl Eisenbach, Rev. Richard Adams, Pastor Susan Feurzeig, Rev. Tim Reed, & Rev. Daniel Barker R. Cohen turned the meeting over to Dr. Czajkowski who explained that the Agawam Clergy Association had requested the workshop with the school committee so that they could learn about the clergy’s proposal for an elective course at the high school entitle, The Bible and Its Influence.” She said that as recent guests of the Agawam Clergy Association at their monthly luncheon, she and Mr. Sapelli heard the clergy’s proposal for the elective course and had received copies of textbooks, which would be used in the elective course. Dr. Czajkowski then turned the meeting over to Rev. Earl Eisenbach who explained the clergy’s concern with the needs and problems associated with today’s youth. After a careful review of several texts and courses, clergy members agreed that the text for the course, “The Bible and Its Influence” doesn’t support any particular religion, but rather provides an academic approach to the Bible. Rev. Fowler then provided an overview of the proposed course noting its benefits to students. He began by explaining that the two main questions concerning any religious course are whether it is legal and whether it is necessary. To address these questions, he proceeded to relate the curriculum’s eight unique features. During discussion, P. Cavallo reminded the Committee that a “Bible Literature” course was once offered at Agawam High School as a ½ year elective. R. Sandlin said that someone qualified and trained via professional development would be needed to teach the proposed course. A. Bonavita noted that a great deal of groundwork already has been offered to students in a seventh grade course. D. Juzba said she would be okay with offering the proposed course as long as its content remained objective and the right teacher, who is objective and knowledgeable about constitutional law, was hired. Dr. Czajkowski said that she remains cautious about introducing the proposed course and suggested a World Religions course as an alternative possibility. She will also contact other surrounding districts to ascertain whether or not this type of course is being offered to students, and if it is, she will request a sample curriculum. During discussion, L. Galarneau asked whether grade 7 & 9 teachers receive any special training in the instruction of the present religious courses. Mr. Sapelli explained that their training was part of the World History courses that they took in college. Consequently, the proposed course would need to be taught by someone certified in either English Language Arts or World History. Rev. Reed said that he perceives an elective course of this nature as very positive for students. Pastor Feurzeig said she is concerned with how politicized things have become noting that students need a balance between needing to know our culture and other cultures from around the world. A. Bonavita said that bias is always a concern and it is always better to broaden a student’s horizon. Father Sadlowski explained that fear is a perception and the proposed course could be a stepping stone to other religious texts such as the Koran. Pastor Fowler reported that the state of Alabama unanimously voted to approve the use of this text as part of their public school curriculum. P. Cavallo said that it is important students learn about diversity as Agawam is a very sheltered community. R. Sandlin suggested that guest professors could be asked to speak to students in the proposed course. Pastor Adams said it is important for students to understand our culture and where we come from. Prior to adjournment, Dr. Czajkowski said she would do the following: Contact retired AHS English teacher, Lawrence O’Brien, who previously taught the Bible Literature elective Give the textbook materials to Mr. Sapelli to review with members of the ELA and History departments to determine any interest in teaching the proposed elective course Contact other districts to see if they have a written curriculum and rubrics for such a course Review additional textbooks that Rev. Eisenbach will provide List schools that use this particular text as a frame of reference
Dr. Czajkowski noted that the 2008 – 2009 AHS Program of Studies is scheduled to come before the Committee as a report on November 13, 2007. Because the approved program of studies must go to the printer by December, the proposed course may not be included, but could be added later as an addendum. She also announced that Attorney Regina Tate would be discussing the pros and cons of offering a religious course with the Committee at a special workshop on November 13, 2007, prior to the regular school committee meeting. There being no further business, R. Cohen thanked the Agawam Clergy members for attending the workshop and then adjourned the meeting. Time: 6:55 p.m. _______________________________________________________________________ Alexis Ferioli, Committee Stenographer Roberta G. Doering, Committee Secretary |