You'll note that all of these are lockstep with the priorities of the national administration. Nothing here on well-rounded education, thoughtful measures of learning, or educating the next generation of the Commonwealth.The work that lies ahead this year will build upon several key milestones that we achieved last year, including: (1) the award of a $250 million Race to the Top grant; (2) the first year of turnaround efforts in the 35 lowest performing schools in the state; (3) the adoption of new Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in English Language Arts and Mathematics, Incorporating the Common Core Standards; and (4) the adoption of new educator evaluation regulations.
Yesterday, the Department released the statewide spring 2011 MCAS results. Our high school results continue to be remarkable. I was also encouraged to see good gains in grade 5 English language arts (ELA) and mathematics and gap narrowing in ELA at several grades. While the results continue to edge up, the pace of improvement is not as consistent and strong as I would like it to be.Accelerate, accelerate, accelerate...here's the problem. We now are dealing with three years out from 100% proficiency. We are approaching, but never reaching, zero.
The destruction caused by Tropical Storm Irene in late August caused the delay of many planned school openings. In New England, more common cancellations due to inclement winter weather are not unexpected. As you work with your school committees or boards of trustees later this year to develop the 2012-2013 school calendar, I encourage you to keep in mind the importance of planning appropriately for meeting the required 180 days of school by building sufficient flexibility into your calendars. More and more school districts are beginning the school year before Labor Day, which is one way to maximize opportunities for making up cancelled days. Many districts are clarifying that February and April vacation dates are subject to change as a result of cancelled days.aka: I don't care if there's a state of emergency; I'm not giving out waivers.
Several high profile national stories last year about alleged cheating on standardized tests in other states served as a reminder of the importance of understanding and abiding by proper test security protocols when administering MCAS tests. School principals are responsible for the integrity of the testing that takes place in their buildings, and must train all test administrators each year in advance of the spring testing. School superintendents and charter leaders set the tone and expectation for your district: that MCAS must be administered according to rules and that that cheating or compromised administrations of the test will not be tolerated. I know that you take security as seriously as I do, and I thank you for your efforts to ensure that appropriate expectations are set and that training occurs in each of your schools prior to each new MCAS administration.(emphasis added) in other states?
The entire letter after the jump:
Dear Superintendents and Charter School Leaders:
I
write to welcome you and the educators, staff, students, and parents in
your districts back to school for the start of the 2011-2012 year. I
know that many districts experienced substantial damage and disruption
as a result of recent natural disasters (last Spring’s tornadoes,
August’s Hurricane Irene, and the rains of the past week). I hope that
your students, families, and communities are recovering and that your
school year is on track.
The
work that lies ahead this year will build upon several key milestones
that we achieved last year, including: (1) the award of a $250 million
Race to the Top grant; (2) the first year of turnaround efforts in the
35 lowest performing schools in the state; (3) the adoption of new Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in English Language Arts and Mathematics, Incorporating the Common Core Standards; and (4) the adoption of new educator evaluation regulations.
Massachusetts
continues to be recognized as a national leader in public education,
and the credit for our consistent high achievement rightfully belongs
with our 80,000 educators and nearly 1 million students. At the same
time, we have much work ahead to close proficiency gaps and improve
outcomes for all students. Yesterday, the Department released the
statewide spring 2011 MCAS results. Our high school results continue to
be remarkable. I was also encouraged to see good gains in grade 5
English language arts (ELA) and mathematics and gap narrowing in ELA at
several grades. While the results continue to edge up, the pace of
improvement is not as consistent and strong as I would like it to be.
I
have attached yesterday’s State House News article that captures the
messaging I provided to the press. In addition, you can access the MCAS
press release at “http://www.doe.mass.edu/news/
As we enter the new school year, there are three areas that I wanted to address with you. These are:
- 180-Day Rule
The
destruction caused by Tropical Storm Irene in late August caused the
delay of many planned school openings. In New England, more common
cancellations due to inclement winter weather are not unexpected. As you
work with your school committees or boards of trustees later this year
to develop the 2012-2013 school calendar, I encourage you to keep in
mind the importance of planning appropriately for meeting the required
180 days of school by building sufficient flexibility into your
calendars. More and more school districts are beginning the school year
before Labor Day, which is one way to maximize opportunities for making
up cancelled days. Many districts are clarifying that February and
April vacation dates are subject to change as a result of cancelled
days.
- Diminished Resources
The uncertainty of the economy and the slow recovery continues to have a profound impact on school budgets. Governor Patrick, the legislature, the
Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and I have made preserving
state funding for public K-12 education our foremost priority.
Thankfully, education funding has been spared the more severe cuts that
other sectors have experienced. Regardless, I know and respect the
challenges you face each year in devising your local budgets.
- Test Security
Several
high profile national stories last year about alleged cheating on
standardized tests in other states served as a reminder of the
importance of understanding and abiding by proper test security
protocols when administering MCAS tests. School principals are
responsible for the integrity of the testing that takes place in their
buildings, and must train all test administrators each year in advance
of the spring testing. School superintendents and charter leaders set
the tone and expectation for your district: that MCAS must be
administered according to rules and that that cheating or compromised
administrations of the test will not be tolerated. I know that you take
security as seriously as I do, and I thank you for your efforts to
ensure that appropriate expectations are set and that training occurs in
each of your schools prior to each new MCAS administration.
One
of the most satisfying aspects of my role as state education
commissioner is the opportunity to visit schools across the Commonwealth
and observe classroom instruction and new, innovative approaches to
teaching and learning. I continue to be committed to visiting as many
schools as I can throughout the year, and look forward to seeing and
hearing about the wonderful work that is taking place in your districts.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of assistance.
Best wishes on a successful school year.
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D.
Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education
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