Commissioner's Update
February 7, 2008

Dear Superintendents, and Leaders of Charter Schools and Collaboratives:

In this Update I have one announcement and eight items for your review.

"I am pleased to announce that the Requirements for the Participation of Students with Disabilities in MCAS (2008 update)    has been posted on the Department's Web site. A list of test accommodations for students with disabilities and the criteria for their use is included. Please take a few minutes to review this important document prior to the spring 2008 MCAS test administrations."

Items Posted at www.doe.mass.edu:

1. Education Proficiency Plans
2. Off-Topic Compositions on MCAS English Language Arts Tests
3. Competency Determination Data Review
4. MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt) Portfolios-in-Progress
     
5. Preserve America History Teacher of the Year
6. Announcement of the George Washington Teachers' Institute
7. 2008 Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science Teaching
8. Seeking Individuals for Membership on the Family Literacy Research and Evaluation Advisory Group

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Nellhaus
Acting Commissioner of Education