Page 239 - BOXFORD

PARCC/Next-Generation MCAS: The PARCC exam (Partnership for Assessment of
Readiness for College and Careers) was administered for the final time in the spring of
2016 as the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is in the
process of upgrading their state assessment. According to DESE, this decision was made
“to better measure the critical thinking skills students need for success in the 21st
century.” Additional information about this assessment transition is reprinted below from
the MA DESE website. To learn more please visit:
http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/nextgen/timeline.html

● The new test, informally called "Next-Generation MCAS," will build upon
the best aspects of the MCAS assessments that have served the Commonwealth
well for the past two decades.
● The test will include innovative items developed by PARCC, along with
new items specifically created to assess the Massachusetts learning standards.
● Next-Generation MCAS will be designed to be taken via computer. The
plan is to phase in computer-based testing so that computer-based tests are fully
administered statewide in 2019, with many students participating as well in 2017
and 2018.
● Massachusetts will have complete control of test administration, test
content, testing windows, and the reporting of results.

To learn more about how Boxford students are performing on their state assessments in
3rd-6th grade, please visit:

http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/reportcard/districtreportcardoverview2015.aspx?linkid=106
&orgcode=00380000&fycode=2016&orgtypecode=5&
DESE/Coordinated Program Review
Once every six years, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is required
to conduct an in-depth review of every school district in their program implementation
and compliance with key regulations. The Coordinated Program Review focuses on a
district’s implementation of Special Education, Civil Rights, Title I, and English
Language Learner Education programs. These reviews involve hundreds of hours of
document preparation, student record reviews, and interviews of staff, administrators, and
parents (both through surveys and face to face interviews.)

The Boxford Schools most recently completed their Coordinated Program Review during
the 2013-2014 school year and, throughout the 2016-2017 school year, we will
participate in a mid-cycle review. This type of review is conducted in order to ensure
compliance with any new state or federal special education requirements enacted since
2013-2014. Our next full Coordinated Program Review will occur in 2019-2020.

Extended Learning Opportunities

In 2016, we continued to work to intrigue and challenge our students through extended
Learning Opportunities. Participation and achievement have been outstanding in The
Online Math League program (grades 2-6) reaching over 120 students. We also have

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