Educator Services

Teachers' Top Three from ESE - June 8, 2017

1. Thank You!: First Year of Next-Generation MCAS Testing Completed
   All of us at ESE are grateful for your cooperation and assistance in administering the first year of the next-generation MCAS tests in English language arts and math in grades 3-8. Most fourth and eighth graders took the computer-based version of the test, and many schools chose to use the computerized version for other grades, too. Close to 250,000 students took computer-based tests in both English language arts and math.

   We appreciate all the hard work that the move to an updated MCAS and computer-based testing entails at the local level, and we also appreciate educators' continued contributions, such as the work that members of standard setting panels will do this summer. We look forward to sharing results later this year.

2. FYI: Teacher Leadership Summit
   The Total Teacher Project will hold its Teacher Leadership Summit on Aug. 14 at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I. All participants will take a personality assessment ahead of time to help them strengthen their self-awareness and team building skills. The day will include a keynote address by Courtney Lynch, one of the authors of "Spark: How to Lead Yourself and Others to Greater Success"; breakout sessions on mindfulness, time management, and presenting a professional image; networking; and an action planning session. The full schedule and registration are online.

   The Total Teacher Project is a nonprofit organization comprised of educators, parents, and students. The organization's sponsors include Teach to Lead.

3. What We're Reading (Double Header): Young Readers and Authors

   • Looking for new book ideas for your students? The International Literacy Association lists new books recommended by children (kindergarten-fourth grade), teachers (of students in kindergarten-eighth grade), and young adults.
   • If you're looking for new resources to teach about diversity and equity, and if you like the idea of students learning from other students, consider "Defining Diversity," a short book of essays written by Lowell High School students. In students' voices, chapters explain key Supreme Court cases, Constitutional amendments, federal law, and concepts important for understanding the country's history surrounding diversity and equity. The book is aimed at students in sixth through 12th grade and is available through the Harvard Book Store. (Bonus fact: Editor Jessica Lander, a Lowell High teacher, is also a member of the ESE Teacher Advisory Cabinet!)

Help us reach more teachers — Share this email with your colleagues and encourage them to sign up! To subscribe, go to Teachers' Top Three subscription form. We also invite you to connect with other teachers across the state and ESE staff on Twitter. Find us at @MASchoolsK12 and use #Top3fromESE to discuss items from this newsletter or suggest new topics.

If you have suggestions for content or questions or comments, you can reach a member of our staff at Top3fromESE@doe.mass.edu.