District/School Administration Administration
The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Board in Brief
Tuesday, April 25, 2006

This is "Board in Brief," issued at the request of Commissioner David P. Driscoll to bring you up to date on Board of Education matters. This is a report on the regular meeting held on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Malden.

Comments from the Chairman

Chairman James A. Peyser opened the meeting by recognizing Board member Christopher Anderson, who provided a brief update on the math and science teacher initiative that was first discussed at the March meeting. Mr. Anderson said he and the Commissioner plan to meet with interested organizations to develop recommendations for the Board.

Strategic Plan for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey Nellhaus presented an overview of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's strategic plan. He provided a brief history of Massachusetts education reform milestones since 1993, a review of accomplishments and ongoing challenges, and a graphic that ties together the Department's vision, goals, and strategies. Mr. Nellhaus noted that the plan is continuing to evolve. The Board commended him for the presentation and for leading the strategic planning process.

Competency Determination for High School Graduation: Reviewing the Standard

At its October 2005 meeting, the Board began to discuss issues associated with raising the Competency Determination standard above the current 220 passing score in both English language arts and mathematics on the grade 10 MCAS exam. In February, Chairman Peyser appointed a committee of the Board to develop options for review and consideration later this spring. He stated that the goal is to move more students to proficiency, so they will have the knowledge and skills they need for success in higher education and the workplace. At this month's meeting, the Chairman summarized some ideas the committee has been discussing, including adopting a recommended high school curriculum; implementing an optional algebra II test; revising the requirements for the Certificate of Mastery; and requiring schools to develop "individual student success plans" for students who pass the grade 10 MCAS but have not yet achieved proficiency. The Board expects to discuss this matter in more detail at the May meeting.

Charter Schools

Three charter schools requested amendments to their charters in the following areas: Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School (enrollment); Lowell Community Charter Public School (grades served); and Murdoch Middle Charter Public School (enrollment and grades served). The Board approved the amendments for the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School and the Murdoch Middle Charter Public School as recommended by the Commissioner. The Board deferred action on the amendment requested by the Lowell Community Charter Public School.

Proposed Amendments to School Finance Regulations (603 CMR 10.09: Local Accounting for Circuit Breaker Funds)

The Board discussed proposed amendments to the school finance regulations, relating to the special education "circuit breaker" reimbursement program. Associate Commissioner Jeff Wulfson explained that the amendments will clarify the accounting treatment of circuit breaker reimbursements locally and allow a school committee to carry forward such funds for one fiscal year. The changes are a result of discussions with the Department of Revenue. The Board voted to solicit public comment on the proposed amendments in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.

Proposed Amendments to Educator Licensure Regulations (603 CMR 7.00: English Language Development License)

The Board discussed proposed amendments to the educator licensure regulations, to eliminate an unintended barrier to recruiting and licensing English language development teachers. The Board voted to solicit public comment on the proposed amendments, which will be brought back to the Board in June for final action.

School and District Accountability: Proposed Changes to the Accountability System for Under-Performing Schools

The Board discussed proposed changes to the accountability system for under-performing schools. As presented by Commissioner Driscoll and Associate Commissioner Juliane Dow, the proposal for a revised system:

• Clarifies the process and standards for a declaration of under-performance;
• Accelerates the timeline for a declaration of under-performance and intervention for the benefit of the students;
• Specifies categories of schools, including those that will be recommended for changes in management and governance;
• Articulates the essential components and conditions necessary for school success, based on the national research and adapted for Massachusetts by Department staff in collaboration with a working group made up of various constituents;
• Creates partnerships with expert individuals and organizations to work with the Department and with schools and districts;
• Establishes a state review panel of experts who will serve on behalf of the Board, providing review and advice.

The Board plans to have further discussion on this topic at a special meeting tentatively scheduled for May 22nd.

Approval of Grants

The Board approved grants totaling $45,773 under the following programs: Safe Schools for Gay and Lesbian Students ($44,224 - state funds) and increases to Community Adult Learning Center basic grants ($1,549 - federal funds).

Next Meeting

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at the Lawrence Middle School in Falmouth.