Commissioner's "Back to School" Update
August 29, 2007

In 1998, when I first became Commissioner of Education, the landscape of our public education system was changing. We were mid-way through implementing sweeping reforms detailed in the 1993 Education Reform Act, and the expectations for everyone - students, teachers and administrators - were raised higher than ever before.

The results have been extraordinary. Today we have excellent standards, a nationally recognized assessment system, and students striving to achieve at the highest levels possible. Nationally we are leading the country in achievement, and on MCAS our results show steady improvement year after year.

There is no denying the progress we have made, but we have much farther to go in our efforts to improve public education. In today's global economy, our ability to compete is directly related to the quality of our education system. We need to dedicate ourselves to close the achievement gaps that exist, prevent new achievement gaps from starting, and challenge all of our students to reach proficiency and beyond.

As I prepare to step down as Commissioner on August 31, it is with mixed emotions. I am excited about the new opportunities that lay ahead for me in my retirement, but I will miss working with each and every one of you.

I am pleased to know that I am leaving the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in excellent hands: Jeffrey Nellhaus will begin as Acting Commissioner on September 1. Jeff is an experienced educator who has worked with many of you in the past. He is committed to our reform efforts, believes in holding all students to high standards and will be a tireless advocate for you all both within the Department and on Beacon Hill.

I have been privileged to spend my entire 43-year career working on behalf of the students of the Commonwealth. Thank you all for your support over the years, and I wish you all the very best in the future.

In this Update I have three announcements and fourteen items for your review.

Statewide Testing Schedules for MCAS and MEPA

The testing schedules for MCAS and MEPA for 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 are posted on the Department's Web site at www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/cal.html. Please make note of updates that have been made to the testing schedules since they were originally posted. You will note, for example, that additional time has been added for fall MEPA testing.

Please contact the Student Assessment Services Unit at 781-338-3625 if you have any questions.

Teen and Parent Depression Wellness Guides Available to Massachusetts Schools

Families for Depression Awareness, a Waltham-based nonprofit organization, is launching an innovative program to help teens who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for depression. FFDA's project is endorsed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and has received funding from the Department of Public Health to launch this program underway in 50 Massachusetts high schools. You can find out more about them at www.familyaware.org.

The guide has been designed to help teens understand that depression is a treatable medical condition that requires good communication within the family and with the clinician. It includes a diary section for recording their moods, feelings, and behaviors that can enhance conversations with the clinician. The accompanying parent guide gives parents the tools they need to help monitor treatment and an action plan to help their child cope in a crisis.

There is no cost to schools to participate in this program. Families for Depression Awareness will hold an orientation session with the appropriate administration, staff members and faculty to introduce this resource, discuss simple logistics, and answer all questions. They will leave the school with sufficient guides so the behavioral health staff and selected faculty can hand them out, as appropriate, to students who are being treated for a depressive disorder. The school will not have to disclose to us who gets the guides.

To learn more, please contact Rebecca Lynch at Rebecca@familyaware.org or 781/890-0220, extension 14.

Reminder for Districts Eligible for Academic Support Allocation Grant Funds (FC 632/625)

Remember that all intents to apply for FY08 Academic Support FC 632/625 Allocation Grant Funds are due by Monday, October 1, 2007. Reserve your funds using the on-line form http://www.doe.mass.edu/conference/?ConferenceID=362 or email us at achievement@doe.mass.edu.

Items Posted at www.doe.mass.edu:

1. Legal Holidays; Accommodation for Religious Observances
2. Reporting Discrepancies for the Spring 2007 MCAS Results
3. Fall 2007 MEPA Participation Requirements for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Students and Retraining Dates for Qualified MELA-O Trainers (QMTs)
4. 2007-2008 Back-to-School Charter Update
5. Acts of 2006 Relative to Public Education
6. Acts of 2007 Relative to Public Education
7. Online Training Opportunity Course on "New Web Tools," Provided by EDC/AT &T
8. Services from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
9. Office for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Update
10. FY08 School Redesign: Expanded Learning Time Planning Grants
11. New Grant Payment Process for FY2008
12. Gifted and Talented Services
13. Gifted and Talented Planning
14. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day: September 17

Thank you again for the great work you do every day for the children of the Commonwealth. All the best to you and your families in the future.

Sincerely,

David P. Driscoll
Commissioner of Education