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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 rosa.ewell@apsva.us or ACTLchair@gmail.com.
  • 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
rosa.ewell@apsva.us

ACTL Meeting Schedule

Meetings are held at the Syphax Building, 2110 Washington Blvd., in conference rooms 254/256/258.  All meetings are from 7:00 p.m. to  8:30 p.m. 

2022-23 Meeting Schedule – *These dates are subject to change

  • September 13, 2023 – Virtual Meeting via ZOOM
  • October 4, 2023
  • November 1, 2023
  • December 6, 2023
  • January 3, 2024
  • February 7, 2024
  • March 6, 2024
  • April 3, 2024 – This meeting only – 4th floor 452/454/456 at Syphax Building
  • May 1, 2024
  • June 5, 2024


 

Curriculum-Based Committees

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

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
pam.farrell@apsva.us
703-228-6170

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
kris.martini@apsva.us
703-228-7207

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees 

Meeting Minutes 2023-2024

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.

Contact:

Wendy Bermúdez, Coordinadora del Programa de Inmersión|Dual Language Immersion Coordinator wendy.bermudez@apsva.us

703-228-2564

Paula Cordero Salas and Rachel Berkey are Co-Chairs, Lizette Rodriguez-Carrk serves as Secretary

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 dates of the ECAC meetings for this year are:

  • October 3, 2023 (In-person)- Syphax room 171, 6:30-8:00 PM
  • November 14, 2023 (In-person)- Syphax room 171, 6:30-8:00 PM
  • March 5, 2024 (Virtual)- 6:30-8:00 PM
  • May 7, 2024 (Virtual)- 6:30-8:00 PM

Contact:

Elaine Perkins
elaine.perkins@apsva.us

Meeting Minutes

 

Policy Implementation 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 are held every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2100 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22204. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Room#227

Contact:

Dr. Amy Jackson                                                                amy.jackson@apsva.us

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees 

 

703-228-2423

Meeting Minutes 2023-2024

October 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.

Contact:

Sarah Cruz
sarah.cruz@apsva.us
703-228-7206

Gabriela Rivas

gabriela.rivas@apsva.us

703-228-8044

 

 

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 in Room 202 of the Syphax Education Center. In the 2023-24 school year, the October and December meetings will shift by one week to October 25 and December 13.

Samuel Klein, Staff Liaison
Samuel.klein@apsva.us
703-228-6095

Amy Graham, Committee Chair
AmyGrahamACEL@gmail.com

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

Meeting Minutes 2023-2024

 

The 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
cheryl.mccullough@apsva.us
703-228-6160

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees

Meeting Minutes

September 2023

Mathematics

The Mathematics Advisory Committee supports the continuous improvement of mathematics education for Arlington Public Schools students. The committee meets once a month (September – June) from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Boulevard. Most meetings are held in room 256. 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:  Shannan Ellis, Elementary Mathematics Supervisor shannan.ellis@apsva.us

Carl Seward, Secondary Mathematics Supervisor Carl.Seward@apsva.us

 

Meeting Minutes

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 meets alternating months on Wednesdays from 1:30 -2 at the Syphax Center.

Visit the SHAB Website

Staff Liaison: Deborah DeFranco, Supervisor, Health, Physical and Driver Education and Athletics

deborah.defranco@apsva.us

 

Policy Implementation Procedure B3.6.30 PIP4 School Health Advisory Board

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
dat.le@apsva.us
703-228-6166

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.

Contact:

Terrell Fleming, Supervisor, Social Studies
terrell.fleming@apsva.us

703-228-6140

Meeting Minutes

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
darrell.sampson@apsva.us
703-228-6061

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:

Elisabeth Harrington
elisabeth.harrington@apsva.us
703-228-6097

Policy Implementation Procedures B-3.6.30 PIP-2 ACTL Subcommittees