Public comment is now open on the proposed changes to the accountability system as required under the regulations for District and School Accountability. The comment window is open until 5pm May 31, 2019.
Stay tuned for a more in-depth analysis of these changes from your friendly wonks behind The Policy Minute. You don’t need to wait for us to share your thoughts on what should/should not be included in the school and district accountability system.
The link for the DESE page on this information is here.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s summary of their proposed changes is available here: Proposed Changes to the District and School Accountability System.
The full set of proposed changes in available in this redline version of the Summary of the Massachusetts School and District Accountability System.
What are the proposed changes?
- Changes in the calculation of participation rates for MCAS tests
- Creating a new category of Improving Towards Targets
- Using two years of test score data for “accountability results”
- Adding options for “Advanced Coursework” eligible courses
If you were hoping that Massachusetts would be moving away from ranking and sorting schools based on test scores then those proposals are not part of the DESE changes in this round but you can comment on any part or section of this document to make your voice heard!
There are three ways to use your teacher voice:
- DESE Survey Tool
- By email, to esea@doe.mass.edu, with the subject line Public Comment on Proposed Changes to the Accountability System
- By mail:
Erica Gonzales, Accountability Coordinator
Office of District and School Accountability Reporting
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148