State education leaders warn about lower MCAS scores

Correction: In the 9/30 print edition of this article, it was reported that results from the 2021 MCAS exams would begin to be mailed home on September 30. However, September 30 reflects the date that the state released the individual scores to school districts, not when they would be mailed home. School officials anticipate mailing the reports home to families on October 14.

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On October 14, the Canton Public Schools are expected to begin mailing home to parents and guardians the results of the 2021 MCAS tests, which state education leaders have warned are down significantly — particularly in math — compared to pre-COVID levels (2019).

Interim Superintendent of Schools Derek Folan told the School Committee at its meeting on September 23 that the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) noted the dip in scores during a school year deeply impacted by COVID-19 and has reinforced a message to administrators that the purpose of last year’s MCAS was to provide student data to inform instructional and intervention strategies to address gaps in learning. With that in mind, DESE has informed school districts that it will not be releasing accountability reports for 2021. However, they do expect to release reports next year for the 2022 data.

Deb Rooney, CPS director of teaching and learning, said Canton school principals have begun reviewing and analyzing the results. For any current 11th and 12th student, MCAS retakes will be offered on the following dates: Mathematics, November 9-10 and March 15-16; English Language Arts, November 16-17 and March 9-10; and Science (Biology), February 2-3.

Spring 2022 MCAS testing will begin with ELA exams for grades 3-5, 6-8 and 10 between late March and late April, followed by Math (April 25-May 27) and Science (April 26-May 27).

Rooney also announced that elementary schools will continue to use the STAR benchmark assessment this year for early literacy, reading and math. GMS and CHS will be using the “Common Lit” benchmark assessments in ELA and the IXL benchmark assessments in math. Rooney said these tools allow teachers to assess student performance against grade level standards based on national norms and helps monitor progress throughout the year.

In other news from the September 23 School Committee meeting, Folan outlined his entry plan and goals as he embarks on the New Superintendent Induction Program (NSIP). His objective for the entry plan is to “review documents, meet with numerous stakeholders, conduct surveys and collect data” so he can understand where the school district is at present and determine how best to improve it. He hopes to share some of his findings by April 2022. Folan is being mentored by Dr. Mary Bourque, an award-winning former superintendent who now serves as a coach for the NSIP and as director of government affairs for the Mass. Association of School Superintendents. In addition to completion of the induction program, Folan’s goals are focused on improving student achievement and developing an enhanced District Communication Plan to engage the public and celebrate district achievements and excellence …

See the 9/30 edition of the Citizen for more School Committee highlights. Special fall subscription promo: $30 for 1 year/$50 for 2 years through Oct. 15. Click here to order your subscription today.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Oct 2 2021. Filed under News, Schools. Both comments and pings are currently closed.