Educator Effectiveness

Teachers' Top Three from ESE — May 11, 2017

1. In the News: Cara Pekarcik Named 2018 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year
   On May 9, 2017, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito joined Commissioner Chester at North Quincy High School, where they announced that science teacher Cara Pekarcik is the 2018 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Ms. Pekarcik thanked her students and praised them, saying, "There is kindness, respect, and empathy in this group of students."

   News coverage of the event included a piece from WBUR's Tonya Mosley.

   Congratulations, Cara!

2. Get Involved: Standard-Setting Panel for Next-Generation MCAS
   Starting August 14, ESE will conduct a week-long standard setting event for the next-generation MCAS tests in grades 3-8 English language arts and mathematics. The purpose of the standard setting is to make recommendations about the level of knowledge reflected in each next-generation MCAS achievement level (Exceeding Expectations, Meeting Expectations, Partially Meeting Expectations, and Not Meeting Expectations) and to identify appropriate cut scores for each level.

   Panels of Massachusetts educators, other stakeholders, and expert facilitators will conduct the standard setting. We're looking for panelists with content expertise, familiarity with the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks, and, in most cases, direct teaching experience in the grade and subject matter chosen.

   Panelists will be reimbursed for mileage, and lodging will be provided for panelists who live 55 or more miles away from the meeting site. Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day for all attendees, and those staying overnight will also receive dinner. In addition, stipends will be offered to all panelists, and all will receive professional development points for their service.

   More information is available online, and applications are due May 19.

3. The Buzz: Update on Proposed Licensure Changes
   On March 16, we told you about several proposed licensure changes, including one to clarify the conduct that may result in license sanctions. The proposed regulatory changes to this section (603 CMR 7.15(8)(a)1.b.) concern a very small number of licensed educators who are reported to have engaged in misconduct that calls into question their sound moral character and fitness to hold an educator license. (One example of such misconduct is having a sexual relationship with a student.) The proposed changes to that section of the regulations were meant to clarify rather than expand the types of misconduct that could lead to license action.

   Public comment on the proposal was due May 1, and ESE is reviewing all the public comments received. ESE appreciates the feedback and will take it into account in making final recommendations to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education before its regular meeting in June.