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A message from the
Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education

October 12, 2018
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News from Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Contents:

  1. Update on Alternative Structured Learning Day Programs
  2. Picture of the Week: Latino Community Forums
  3. Waiver Requests for Computer-Based MCAS Testing Due
  4. Grant Opportunity for CVTE Programs
  5. Two Groups Invited to Submit Final Applications for New Charter Schools
  6. Charter School Expansion Requests
  7. For Your Info: Two schools recognized for innovation

1. Update on Alternative Structured Learning Day Programs:


In February 2015 and 2016, DESE recognized locally approved “alternative structured learning day programs” as possible solutions to weather-related scheduling issues so the minimum student learning time requirement of 900 hours for elementary schools, 990 hours for secondary schools, and a total of 180 days may be met. Additionally, the programs are designed to support district and school adherence to the student learning time regulations and to minimize disruptions to student learning due to weather-related emergencies.
 
The concept of alternative structured learning day programs continues to be relatively new in Massachusetts. As such, DESE will review the implementation of alternative structured learning day programs in collaboration with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) and other stakeholders beginning this fall.
 
As DESE reviews the implementation of these programs, it is requesting that all districts, schools, and organizations with locally-approved alternative structured learning day programs submit a copy of the approved program plan to DESE no later than October 31, 2018. Districts, schools, and organizations that do not yet have locally-approved alternative structured learning day programs but intend to implement such programs during the 2018-2019 school year are asked to submit a copy of the locally-approved program plan within one week after the date of local approval. All program plans must include the date of approval by the appropriate governing body.
 
Please send questions and approved program plans via email to Shay Edmond at sedmond@doe.mass.edu.

Picture of the Week:

This month, Commissioner Riley participated in forums with the Latino community organized by Latinos for Education, Amplify Latinx, and the Greater Boston Latino Network. The Department would like to thank those organizations for holding the events; Boston, Holyoke, and Somerville for hosting the events; and all the parents, teachers, students, and community members who participated! Shown here is the October 1 forum at the Bruce C. Bolling Building in Boston.
People sit in rows facing a female speaker at the front of the room, who is speaking into a microphone.

3. Waiver Requests for Computer-Based MCAS Testing Due:
 

Requests for a waiver from the expectation that districts administer MCAS tests via computer in spring 2019 should be submitted by Monday, October 15. Requests will be considered for the following reasons:
  • Circumstances at the school(s) will preclude computer-based testing in spring 2019 (e.g., technology constraints, construction, or physical plant issues).
  • All of the students at the school(s) take paper-based tests as an accommodation and/or all of the students take the MCAS-Alt, in accordance with students' IEPs or 504 plans.
The September 20 memo on this subject stated that the deadline was today, but requests will be considered through Monday.

4. Grant Opportunity for CVTE Programs:
 

In an effort to promote the development of career pathways for adult learners, DESE’s Adult and Community Learning Services unit has released an Integrated Education and Training (IET) and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) Request for Proposals. This funding opportunity is available to Adult and Community Learning Services–funded adult education programs and partners in eight local workforce areas: Berkshire, Boston, Bristol, Cape Cod, Hampden (IET only), Metro Southwest, North Shore, and South Shore. Adult education programs are encouraged to partner with career/vocational technical education programs.
 
Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education models provide English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) instruction concurrently and contextually with workforce preparation activities, civics education, and workforce (occupational skills) training and result in students attaining one or more industry-recognized credentials. Integrated Education and Training models provide adult education concurrently and contextually with workforce preparation activities and workforce training and result in students attaining a high school credential and one or more industry-recognized credentials. 
 
Priority will be given to proposals relating to: advanced manufacturing, business and financial services, construction, information technology, and welding.    
 
An Adult and Community Learning Services-funded adult education program must be the lead agency for these grant proposals. For a list of adult education programs in a specific local area, or for answers to questions regarding this grant opportunity, please contact Derek Kalchbrenner at (781) 338-3812 or dkalchbrenner@doe.mass.edu.

5. Two Groups Invited to Submit Final Applications for New Charter Schools:
 

The Department recently announced it has invited the founders of two proposed charter schools to submit full applications by October 25. The applicant groups are the proposed Equity Lab Charter School, which would be based in Lawrence and serve up to 640 students in grades 5-12; and the proposed Massachusetts Wildflower Montessori Public Charter School: Haverhill, which would serve up to 240 students in grades 1-8. The Department will announce public hearings on the proposals after receiving the full applications.

6. Charter School Expansion Requests:
 

Information about pending charter school expansion requests and the December 3 deadline for public comment is posted online. Please note that no decision has been made on whether to recommend any request for expansion, and DESE is reviewing each and every request submitted. The Department anticipates that the majority of recommended expansion requests will be brought to the Board in January and February.

For your info:

  • Two schools recognized for innovation: The School Superintendents Association (AASA), Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and the Successful Practices Network recently included Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District (BVT) in Upton and Brockton High School among 25 schools nationwide where innovative approaches have impacted student learning. Brockton High was included for its work with individualized education programs, and BVT was recognized for supporting all students in both academic and vocational work. Congratulations to both schools!
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