Commissioner's Weekly Update 2 18 20 - VISTA Survey Reminder, Student Opportunity Act Update, Grant for Summer Programming, and More

A message from the
Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education

February 18, 2020

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News from Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

1. VISTA Survey Reminder:

The Department’s 2020 Views of Instruction, State Standards, Teaching, and Assessment (VISTA) survey window is open for educator feedback until the end of February. The survey, which has been shortened since last year, should take no more than 15 to 20 minutes and covers four strategic areas of the agency's work: educator effectiveness (hiring, developing, evaluating, and retaining effective educators); the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks; social and emotional learning, health, and safety; and DESE supports.

Superintendents and principals should have received individual links to their surveys from Westat on February 3. Anyone who has trouble accessing their survey can email the VISTA Study Help Desk at MAVISTA@westat.com. Anyone with specific questions about the survey itself can email Shelagh Peoples, DESE’s VISTA coordinator, at speoples@doe.mass.edu.

Picture of the Week:

On February 10, Commissioner Riley met with Senate President Karen E. Spilka and school leaders from her district about the Student Opportunity Act.

3. Student Opportunity Act Update:

The Department has posted several guidance documents to support the development of district plans. The materials include district plan templates, webinar slides and a frequently asked questions document. As new information is available it will be posted to this location. The district plans are due on April 1.

4. Grant for Summer Programming:

The Development and Enhancement of Quality Summer Programming (FC527) competitive grant was recently posted, and applications are due February 28. Eligible entities include districts and schools in which at least 45 percent of the student population is economically disadvantaged. Programs must offer at least 150 hours of programming with a focus on academic and college and career readiness skills, and include collaboration with a variety of organizations. Applicants can request up to $40,000 to expand an existing program, or for the development of a new summer program. Please see the Funding Opportunity RFP for more details, and contact asost@doe.mass.edu with any questions.

5. For your info:

Arbor Day Poster Contest: The state Department of Conservation and Recreation recently announced the theme of the agency’s 2020 fifth grade Arbor Day Poster Contest: “Trees Please.” Fifth graders are encouraged to create posters highlighting this year’s theme and enter the posters in a contest at their school. Schools are then asked to determine the winner. Posters must be submitted by Sunday, March 15. An Arbor Day Poster Contest Guide is available on the DCR website or by contacting Mollie Freilicher at 413-577-2966 or mollie.freilicher@mass.gov.

Education First PK-12 SEL In Action Grant Opportunity: Education First, in partnership with the NoVo Foundation and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, invite applications for SEL in Action Awards. Applicants can be school-based educators (e.g., teachers, counselors, administrators, and other school staff) and district-level staff for initiatives that will foster social and emotional learning skills in students in grades PK-12 during the 2020-2021 school year. Grant awards will be for up to $7,000 for school-based educators for classroom and/or school SEL initiatives, and up to $25,000 for district-level initiatives. See online information for the application and more details, two informational webinars (Feb. 20 and March 24). Applications are due Friday, April 10.

Copyright © 2020 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, All rights reserved.

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Contents:

1. VISTA Survey Reminder:

Picture of the Week:

3. Student Opportunity Act Update:

4. Grant for Summer Programming:

5. For your info: