updated status report on MCAS action plan

Biancheria: request that tonight we receive an update on the action plan on MCAS
"six weeks have passed...we have not received an update"--too long to be updated
"this is all relative to the importance of student achievement"
professional development for all staff members by administration


Boone: not an intentional oversight
training of state administrators at the DCU Center
state allowed us an additional session (for principals)
training for all staff at the Goddard Schools (for both MCAS and MEPA which also now needed to be under this)

Dr. Gribouski is the administrator for the Goddard School this year, and she has done the training for staff there.
"probably spending half her time there" says Boone
"following the exact" rules set out by the state

Perda cites the support of the state in preparing administration for testing
Biancheria asks if we can get that list

Foley: heard that the state was very clear the level of support and interaction a teacher can have around MCAS
"how almost inhumane it is"
can't consol a student who is crying or upset
"getting really worried about where we're going with this"
Perda: says a lot of others would agree with you
"heartless is a good word for it" says Foley
"it's going to skew the test results even more, and I don't agree with it"
Boone speaks to helping the state find that balance

Monfredo: "if this is taking place, I certainly agree"
"how can you measure the effect of that test on that student?"

Novick: motion to send to all parents and guardians and to all staff members contact information for the Office of Accountability AND the appropriate authorities at the state level around concerns with security of the MCAS