Commissioner's Update
May 14, 2009

Dear Superintendents, and Leaders of Charter Schools and Collaboratives:

In this Update I have two announcements and four items for your review.

MCAS/EPP ELA Composition Scoring Guide Video

On February 5, 2009, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provided an all-day training session for school district staff interested in either scoring the ELA composition of the MCAS/EPP test or training others to do so.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is pleased to announce the availability of the MCAS/EPP ELA Composition Scoring Guide video. This DVD provides a basic tutorial of the methodology and conceptual framework for scoring the high school MCAS/EPP composition.

Highlights of the video include a discussion of the scoring guides for Topic Development and Standard English Conventions, the importance of using the anchor papers as the standard, and the expectations of writing for an "on demand" test. The distinction between each of the scoring points, with particular emphasis on an analysis of the descriptions at each score point, is fully explored and explained. This video is provided as a free, professional development tool for districts interested in learning more about the evaluation of standards-based writing. Information on how to receive a copy of the video is now posted at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/hsreform/epp/test/default.html. Additional materials from the training are also available on the site including the anchor papers.

Waiver of Tydings Announcement

On May 8, 2009, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requested a Waiver of Tydings (e.g., no-cost extension) for the Massachusetts Reading First project for Federal Fiscal Year 2007. These are funds that are otherwise due to expire on September 30, 2009. The Department anticipates using these funds in 2009-2010 for the following purposes: 1) MA Professional Development Academy institutes on such topics as foundations of reading, reading informational text in elementary schools, content area reading in middle schools, tiers of curriculum delivery, and literacy coaching; 2) development of modules including facilitator guides and resources that will be available across the state as part of ongoing professional development activities for beginning reading instruction; 3) advanced seminars and regional professional development meetings in FY10; and professional development partnership grants to support the implementation of recommended best practices intended to close achievement gaps by the end of grade 3.

Items Posted at www.doe.mass.edu:

1. License Renewal Computer Lab Sessions
2. Invitation to Serve on MEPA Assessment Development Committees in 2009-2010
3. Technology in Massachusetts Schools
4. Transition from TestWiz to the Education Data Warehouse (EDW)

Sincerely,

Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D.
Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education