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Home » Citizen Advisory Groups » Advisory Council on Teaching & Learning (ACTL)

Advisory Council on Teaching & Learning (ACTL)

The Advisory Council on Teaching & Learning (ACTL) is made up of representatives from each school and certain community organizations to assist in reviewing the system-wide curriculum and instructional program, and in developing recommendations for improvement. ACTL is made up of 40 to 50 individuals who are familiar with or interested in instructional issues. Fourteen content and/or program-area advisory committees report to the council annually report to the council annually.

  • If you are interested in serving as your school’s representative to the ACTL council, please contact your school’s PTA president to express your interest.
  • Community organizations, such as the League of Women Voters and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, also designate ACTL members. Contact the head of the organization to learn more about these opportunities or contact [email protected] or [email protected].
  • To serve on a curriculum-based advisory committee, find out more below and apply using the application below.

For more information, contact:

ACTL (Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning)

Rosa Ewell
703-228-6060
[email protected]

ACTL Meeting Schedule

Meetings are held at the Syphax Building, 2110 Washington Blvd., in conference rooms 452/454/456.  All meetings are from 7:00 p.m. to  8:30 p.m. 

2024-25 Meeting Schedule – *These dates are subject to change

  • September 11, 2024 – (Virtual Meeting via ZOOM)
  • October 9, 2024 (Tentative “Social Hour” starting at 6:30pm)
  • November 6, 2024 –
  • December 4, 2024
  • January 8, 2025 (Tentative – Virtual)
  • February 5, 2025
  • March 5, 2025
  • April 2, 2025
  • May 7, 2025
  • June 4, 2025

Meeting Agenda/Minutes - School Year 2024-25

September 11, 2024

October 9, 2024

November 6, 2024

December 4, 2024

January 8, 2025 – Meeting Cancelled due to Snow.

February 4, 2025

March 5, 2025

ACTL Memos

Memo-Literacy March 22, 2024

Memo-Reporting Student Progress and Grades June 2024

Memo-Technology & Devices 2024

Memo-ACTL Input On Planning Factors 2024

Subcommittee Recommendations

School Year 2023-2024

School Year 2022-2023

School Year 2020-2022

School Year 2016-2019

School Year 2014-2015

 

 

School Board Policies

Policy B-3.6.30 School Board Advisory Committees

Policy Implementation Procedure B-3.6.30 PIP-1 ACTL Council

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

Policy Implementation Procedure B3.6.30 PIP5 Arlington Special Education Advisory Committee

Policy Implementation Procedure B3.6.30 PIP4 School Health Advisory Board

Policy Implementation Procedures B3.6.30 PIP6 Budget Advisory Council

Policy Implementation Procedure B-3.6.30 PIP-3 Facilities Advisory Committee

 

Apply to Serve on a Curriculum-Based Committee

Curriculum-Based Committees

Advanced Academics and Talent Development

The Advanced Academics and Talent Development Advisory Committee supports Arlington’s advanced/gifted students in grades K-12. The committee meets on the second Monday of every month from September through May from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Boulevard.

Contact:

Cheryl McCullough

[email protected]

703-228-6160

Committee Members:

  • Cheryl McCullough, Staff Liaison
  • Mary Wierzbicki, Co-Chair
  • John Schaus, Co-Chair
  • Sherri Oliver (Barrier), Secretary
  • Carlisle Jennifer Levine
  • Greg Eastman
  • Jamey Borell
  • Ndubeueze Onyike
  • Natalie Goldring
  • Ramon Reyes
  • Sheila Leonard
  • Bethelehem Tsehai
  • Maren Pearson
  • Amanda Miesionczek
  • Neelam Gill
  • Brindis Ochoa
  • Elizabeth Corry
  • Colleen Lunsford
  • Zamilan Munkhja

Meeting Minutes

September 2023

 

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

Arlington Special Education Advisory Committee

The Arlington Special Education Advisory Committee (ASEAC) provides an opportunity for parents to have a voice in the way APS provides services to students with disabilities, from preschool to age 21. A majority of ASEAC members must be parents of students with disabilities, but the committee also welcomes other parents and community members, and must include one teacher. The committee also values the support and contributions of several APS staff, who serve as consultants to the committee.

Learn More

Committee Members:

  • Jennifer Wheelock, Chair
  • Alexander Fernandez-Pons
  • Anjy Cramer
  • Brittany Oman
  • Bryant Atkins
  • Claire Wulf Winiarek
  • David Siu
  • Paige Shevlin
  • Vicki Lyons
  • Fah Patel
  • Hilary Gladstone, Staff

Policy Implementation Procedure B3.6.30 PIP5 Arlington Special Education Advisory Committee

Arts Education

The Arts Advisory Committee supports the continuous improvement of arts education for Arlington Public Schools students. The committee meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd.

Contact:

Pam Farrell
[email protected]
703-228-6170

Committee Membership: 

  • Pam Farrell, Staff Liaison
  • Michelle Boyle
  • Amber Miller
  • Melissa Juras
  • Angela Hope DeBenigno
  • Abbi Beasley-Crombie
  • Michelle Stahlhut
  • Jeff Marusak
  • Cynthia Curry-Daniel
  • Carol Alcock
  • Tara Habhab
  • Courtney Desautels
  • Crista Kostenko
  • Marcy Owen Test

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

Career, Technical, and Adult Education

The Career, Technical, and Adult Education Advisory Committee supports the continuous improvement of CTAE for Arlington Public Schools students. Incompliance with Federal regulations, this committee also supports the Perkins Grant requirements.

The committee has approximately 20 members who meet generally on the third Tuesday of the month from September through May at the Syphax Education Center, but occasionally at other locations or times. Persons who wish to serve on the committee should have some degree of knowledge in the subject area or demonstrate a high level of interest in career and technical education programs.

Contact:

Kris Martini
[email protected]
703-228-7207

Committee Membership: 

  • Christopher Martini, Staff Liaison
  • David Remick, Co-Chair
  • Jim Egenrieder, Co-chair
  • Diane Murphy
  • Erik Johnson
  • Fernando Torrez
  • Fikile Dlamini Luke
  • Luann Moy
  • Nelson Aguilar
  • Rosaelena O’Neil
  • Stacy Butler
  • Stephen D. Ward
  • Nate Levin
  • Angela Collins

Meeting Minutes 2023-2024

 

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees 

Dual Language Immersion sub-subcommittee

The Dual Language Immersion sub-subcommittee is housed within the ACTL – Subcommittee on English Learners.  This committee promotes the goals of dual language education and is committed to strengthening the K-12 DLI program. They study all components of the program including program structure, curriculum, instruction, assessment and accountability, staff quality and professional development, family and community, and support and resources.  The committee makes recommendations to the school board based on program needs.

Next Meeting Date:

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 7 p.m. in Syphax 2nd fl. room #254.

 

Contact:

Wendy Bermúdez, Coordinadora del Programa de Inmersión / Dual Language Immersion Coordinator [email protected]

703-228-2564

Committee Members:

  • Wendy Bermudez, Staff Liaison
  • Rachel Berkey, Chair
  • Lizette Rodriguez Carrk, Vice Chair
  • Paula Cordero Salas
  • Maria (Leti) Delgado
  • Emily Haimowitz
  • Beverly Kilmer
  • Maria Romero
  • Heydi Tejeda Maldonado
  • Julienne Thomas
  • Gwendolyn Grewe
  • Luis Hestres
  • Chrissy Bistline-Bonilla
  • Erin Freas-Smith
  • Meredith Judy
  • Anjali Martinez
  • Michelle Rebosio
  • Jessica Sheare

Meeting Minutes 24-25

September 2024

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees 

 

Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee supports the needs of students in grades Preschool-Grade 2. We collaboratively explore and advise our school board on issues such as access to early childhood programming (e.g., our Virginia Preschool Initiative Program, Community Peer Program, and Montessori Preschool), kindergarten readiness, early literacy and mathematical thinking, home and school communication, and social development. We invite you to join us!

The Early Childhood Subcommittee will meet on the following dates from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.:

  • October 3, 2023
  • November 13, 2024
  • December 3, 2024 (Virtual)
  • January 15, 2025
  • February 5, 2025
  • March 12, 2025 (Virtual)
  • April 9, 2025

Contact:

Elaine Perkins, Coordinator, Early Childhood
[email protected]

Committee Members:

  • Elaine Perkins, Staff Liaison
  • Maggie Slye
  • Kate McKenney
  • Ellen Vicens
  • Amy Graham
  • Gail Gerry
  • Eric Gobrecht

Meeting Minutes

Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

Educational Technology

The Educational Technology Advisory Committee supports the effective use of technology to advance student learning and the improvement of teaching practice through digital pedagogy.

Meetings will be held  7:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. at Syphax 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22204. in conference room 227, except for October and January, meetings will be in School Board room 258.

Meeting Dates

  • 9/25/24 – Room #227
  • 10/16/24 – Room #258
  • 11/13/24 – Room #227
  • 12/11/24 – Room #227
  • 1/15/25 – Room #258
  • 2/12/25 – Room #227
  • 3/12/25 – Room #227
  • 4/9/25  – Room #227
  • 5/14/24 – Room #227
  • 6/11/24 – Room #227

Committee Members 

  • Stephanie McIntyre, Staff Liaison
  • Chris Woolfe
  • Allison Silver
  • Kristie Saini
  • Geoff Beier
  • Brandi Arnett
  • Cortney Weber
  • Zuraya Tapia-Hadley
  • Keith Cramer
  • Anant Raut
  • Hristina Shangova
  • Amelia Black
  • Natalie Tosi-Bakule
  • Lawrence Cutlip-Mason
  • Ana Alvarez Blanchard
  • Jim Wisnieski
  • Curt Odar
  • Naya Chopra

 

Meeting Minutes 2024-2025

Ed. Tech. Agenda/Minutes September 2024

 

 

Policy B-3.6.30Policy

B-3.6.30 PIP-1 ACTL Council

PolicyB-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

Meeting Minutes 2023-2024

October 2023

November 2023

 

 

English Language Arts

The English Language Arts Advisory Committee supports the continuous improvement of English language arts education including reading, writing, speaking, and listening for Arlington Public Schools students.

Meetings will be held from 7:00-8:30pm on the following dates in room 452 at Syphax:

Room Locations for 452 

  • September 18
  • October 16
  • November 20
  • December 18
  • January 15
  • February 19
  • March 19
  • April 9
  • May 21

Contact: Sarah Cruz     [email protected]      703-228-7206

Committee Members:

  • Rasha AlMahroos
  • Gail W. Perry
  • Jamie B Gillan-Co-chair
  • Carolyn Sheedy
  • Cloe Chin
  • Kate Merrill
  • Mike Miller -Chair
  • Katherine Godesky
  • Sherrice L Kerns
  • Kristin Hauser
  • Jessie Howe Brairton

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

English Learners

The Advisory Committee on English Learners (ACEL) makes recommendations to improve the instruction of students learning English. Members preview and examine instructional materials, interview stakeholders and experts, observe classrooms and examine student performance data. ACEL also identifies and supports strategies to bridge the communication gap between school staff and teachers and the parents and family of English learners. Finally, ACEL works to promote greater understanding of, and respect for, cultural and linguistic diversity of our school community.

ACEL normally meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from September to May. At Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd., 2nd floor, in conference room 202 from 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. September was moved to the 25th and April is on the 23rd.

Samuel Klein, Staff Liaison
[email protected]
703-228-6095

Committee Members

Amy Graham, Committee Chair
[email protected]

  • Jared Simon Peet
  • Anne Zebra
  • Luisa Ballester-Concepcion
  • Michelle Marrero, Staff

Meeting Minutes 2024-2025

Meeting Minutes 2023-2024

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

Mathematics

The Mathematics Advisory Committee supports the continuous improvement of mathematics education for Arlington Public Schools students. The committee meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month (September – June) from 7:30-8:50 p.m. Except in April 2025, in which the committee will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of that month. All meeting are held at the Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Boulevard. In conference room 227. Any room or date changes will be sent via email to all MAC members. If you plan to attend a meeting, and are not yet a member, please email a contact below to confirm the date and room number for the month you are planning to attend.   While not required, it is helpful for members to work or have experience in a math-related field.

Contact:

Contact:  Carl Seward, Mathematics Supervisor [email protected]

Mathematics Advisory Committee

Committee Members:

  • Carl Seward, Staff Liaison
  • Greg Eastman, Chair
  • Emily Cunningham
  • Sarah Gharahbeigi
  • Joe Wesley
  • Umar Khan
  • Joseph Pruitt
  • James Rohal
  • Michele Shepard
  • Kevin Wierzbicki

 

Meeting Minutes 24-25

 

Meeting Minutes 23-24

September 2023

October 2023

November 2023

 

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

School Health Advisory Board (SHAB)

Per the Code of Virginia § 22.1-275.1 Arlington Public Schools has a

School Health Advisory Board (SHAB).  SHAB assists with the development of health policy in the school division and supports improvements and makes recommendations of school health and student health services. SHAB annually reports on the status and  needs of student health in the school division.  SHAB participates in the Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning process as a subcommittee for matters relating to health, physical, and family life  education.  SHAB will meet September 11, November 13, January 14 (Tuesday), March 12, May 14, 2025 – 1:00-2:30 pm, Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd., Room 131.

Staff Liaison: Dr. Robin Wallin, email address [email protected]

Policy Implementation Procedure B3.6.30 PIP4 School Health Advisory Board

Members

  • Alison Babb
  • Christopher Day
  • Jennifer Djukic
  • Kate Froeb
  • Desiree Jaworski
  • Lisa Kaplowitz
  • Keirsten Kelly​
  • Sheila Kelly
  • Candice Lopez​
  • Lainie Morgan
  • Pablo Moulden
  • Lori Pines
  • Amy Rzepka
  • Mary Sanders
  • Kristen Smith
  • Irena Sullivan
  • Meha Tare
  • James Vell Rives

Science

The Science Advisory Committee supports the continuous improvement of science education for Arlington Public Schools students. The committee meets on the second Thursday of every month from 7:00 pm. to 8:30 p.m. September through June. Location: 2110 Washington Blvd. Room number TBA

Contact:

Dat Le, Supervisor, Science Office

[email protected]
703-228-6166

Committee Members

  • Dr. Dat Le, Staff Liaison
  • Aya Nakamura, Chair
  • Steve Newman
  • Laurence Fishtahler
  • James Egenrieder
  • Lida Anestidou
  • Mary McLean
  • Steve Cordle
  • Kristen Parson

 

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

Social Studies

The Social Studies Advisory Committee supports the continuous improvement of social studies education for Arlington Public Schools students. The committee usually meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Boulevard. Due to the Spring break holiday, the April meeting will be on April 24.

Contact:

Christine Joy, Supervisor, Social Studies
[email protected]

703-228-6140

Committee Members:

  • Christine Joy, Staff Liaison
  • Andrea Mendoza, Staff
  • Emery Ahmed
  • Allan Carey
  • Anjy Crammer
  • Henry Gould
  • Janet Hayes
  • Erik Johnson
  • Morgan Lips
  • Caroline Rogus
  • Shabir Safi
  • Tralonne Shorter

Meeting Minutes 2024-2025

August 2024

September  2024

October 2024

 January  2024 

February 2024

Meeting Minutes 2023-2024

September 2023

October 2023

November 2023

 

 

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

Student Services

The Student Services Advisory Committee supports the social-emotional health of all Arlington Public Schools students. The committee meets from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on the second Thursday every month at the Syphax Education Center (2110 Washington Blvd.), room 227, from September through May or June. The Student Services Advisory Committee is led by Arlington community members/parents/guardians.

Contact:

Dr. Darrell Sampson, Executive Director of Student Services
[email protected]
703-228-6061

Committee Members:

  • Dana Milburn, Co-Chair
  • Eliz Fabrizio
  • Olivia Bartrum, Student
  • Tammie Dzubak
  • Kristin Pickle
  • Adora Williams
  • Amy Cannava, Staff
  • Vishal Gupta
  • Marjory Franklin
  • Bethany Vanderbilt

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

World Languages

The World Language Advisory Committee supports the continuous improvement of world language education for Arlington Public Schools students.

WLAC members include parents of APS students at all levels, career professionals in language education, and also Arlington high school students who are studying one or more world languages. The WLAC meets monthly from August to June at the Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd.

Contact:

Chloe Duchaj
[email protected]

703-228-6097

Committee Members

  • Kate Marden, Chair
  • McQuillan, Adrianne
  • Jason Doll
  • Pariasr Michelle Blackburn, Student

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees