In the News: Assessment and Accountability ResultsBy now you've probably heard that the results of the spring 2017 MCAS, including the next-generation MCAS, became public yesterday, as did this year's accountability results. The Eagle-Tribune's headline captured it well: "Superintendents hit 'reset' button with new MCAS scores."
This year's next-generation MCAS results in grades 3-8 in English language arts and math are indeed a reset, a baseline year. There is also an accountability "pause" for elementary and middle schools in light of the new test and because the state is moving toward a new accountability system that will start in fall 2018 and was outlined in the stateplan we were required to develop under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.
As you talk to parents about the assessment results, you might find our MCAS parent page useful. The resources there include an interactive parent guide to the next-generation MCAS, annotated parent/guardian reports, and more. We plan to post additional materials on the page as they become available.
New Resource: Special Education Professional Development SeriesThe Department's Office of Special Education Planning and Policy Professional Development Series (formerly known as Special Education Summer Institutes) offers free training opportunities for Massachusetts educators, paraeducators, related service providers, and administrators throughout the year. The 17 courses have varying start dates and focus on topics ranging from educational equity to integrating social and emotional learning. More information, including course descriptions, dates, and enrollment information, is available online.
Get Involved: Recent Changes to Educator Licensure and Preparation Program RegulationsIn June, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved a set of changes to the regulations for Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval (603 CMR 7.00). The Department has drafted documents in support of the approved revisions and is seeking feedback on the following topics:
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