AEDs and Updated Medical Emergency Response Plans:
The Department recently released AED in Schools Guidance, related to An Act Requiring Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Schools. This law takes effect July 1, 2018 and requires that each school district, vocational district, charter school, approved private day or residential school, and collaborative school shall provide and maintain at least one AED on site at each school facility. These guidelines can also be found on the Emergency Management Planning for Schools webpage.
Additionally, please note that updated Medical Emergency Response Plans are required to be submitted by Sept. 1, 2018 via the MERP DropBox. A model plan (download) and submission information are on the Medical Emergency Response Plans webpage.
|
|
MCAS Updates:
2018 MCAS Computer-Based Testing Summary: In spring 2018, approximately 380,000 students in grades 3–8 completed almost a million subject computer-based tests in English language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science and technology/engineering. High schools also participated in computer-based testing this spring, administering field tests in ELA and mathematics and question tryouts in biology and introductory physics. The Department would like to thank everyone who participated in these administrations. Similar to 2017, DESE received reports of isolated issues with computer-based testing, but overall, the testing system worked well for the second year in a row.
Preliminary results from the 2018 tests are now available to districts. Check the headlines on the MCAS website for the reporting schedule, including the discrepancy period during which all irregularities in data must be reported.
Expectations for Computer-Based Testing in 2019: Massachusetts is continuing the transition to next-generation computer-based tests. The following tests are expected to be administered via computer in spring 2019:
- Grade 3 ELA and mathematics
- Grade 4 ELA and mathematics
- Grade 5 ELA, mathematics, and science and technology/engineering
- Grade 6 ELA and mathematics
- Grade 7 ELA and mathematics
- Grade 8 ELA, mathematics, and science and technology/engineering
- Grade 10 ELA and mathematics (See below for information regarding retests.)
- High school science and technology/engineering field tests in biology and introductory physics (Information on the field tests, including participation guidelines, will be provided at a later time.)
(Operational high school science and technology/engineering testing will remain paper-based in 2018-19.)
Notes on computer-based testing for 2019:
- Resources are posted on DESE’s MCAS website and the Office of Digital Learning website. Department staff in the Office of Student Assessment Services and the Office of Digital Learning can answer questions emailed to mcas@doe.mass.edu or odl@doe.mass.edu.
- The spring 2018 accessibility features and accommodations (download) will be available in spring 2019 for all of the next-generation online tests, and the English/Spanish edition of the grade 10 mathematics test will be available in a computer-based format.
- Paper-based tests will always be available as an accommodation as required by a student’s individualized education program (IEP) and as needed for the small number of students who do not have IEPs but who are unable to take a computer-based test for other reasons.
- As in the 2017–2018 school year, districts will have an opportunity this fall to apply for a waiver from computer-based testing for one or more of their schools, provided the school is making a good-faith effort to comply and has a plan for being on track to administer computer-based tests in 2020.
Preliminary Information on ELA and Mathematics Retests in 2019 and 2020: Schools and districts should plan to administer legacy, paper-based retests through March 2020. Beginning in the 2020–2021 school year, next-generation, computer-based retests will be give twice annually (more information about retests will be provided in the coming year).
History and Social Science: In conjunction with the revision of the Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework, DESE has begun a preliminary exploration of options for assessing history and social science. The Department will reach out to educators, administrators, and other stakeholders as the process continues in the coming year.
|
|
- Excellence through Social Emotional Learning (exSEL) Network: The exSEL Network of districts, a project of the exSEL Coalition, will work together to learn what changes at the district, school, and classroom levels can help support students' social and emotional development. Participants will have the option of deeper data analysis of academic and behavioral indicators to guide their SEL efforts while developing strategies for measuring student progress. All Massachusetts school districts are eligible to join the network. Districts are expected to contribute $10,000 to help offset the total cost of these services. The website includes guidance and suggestions on funding sources. District applications are due Aug. 3.
|
- Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester honored: The Education Commission of the States honored the late Commissioner Chester this week with their President’s Award at their National Forum on Education Policy. His wife, Angela Sangeorge, and his oldest son, Mikhail Chester, accepted the award on his behalf.
|
|
|
|
