Assessment/Accountability

School and District Accountability and Assistance System: October Update

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) is currently in the process of developing a new framework for district and school accountability and assistance in accordance with August 2008 changes to Mass. Gen. Laws. c. 15, § 55A.

In his September 11, 2009 memorandum to members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Commissioner Chester presented to the board latest version of the Accountability and Assistance proposed regulations that translate the framework into specific roles and responsibilities for improving student achievement. These proposed regulations would amend the Regulations on Underperforming Schools and School Districts, 603 CMR 2.00.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has reviewed and discussed the framework at various stages over the last year. Additionally, Deputy Commissioner Karla Baehr has presented core concepts of the redesign of the Commonwealth's School and District Accountability and Assistance System in regional meetings throughout the state.

Following a public comment period, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will vote on the regulations at its December 2009 meeting.

Board documents may be accessed from the Department's website at http://www.doe.mass.edu/boe/docs/.

The 15-member Advisory Council on School and District Accountability and Assistance (AAAC), representing major stakeholder groups, advises the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on matters pertaining to the development and implementation of the Commonwealth's School and District Accountability and Assistance System. For more information, including minutes of its regular meetings, please visit the Department's AAAC homepage at http://www.doe.mass.edu/boe/sac/councils/sda.html.