2018 MCAS + Accountability Results
2018 State test results and school/district accountability reports are coming! The school and district results from the spring 2018 MCAS administration will start to trickle
Model Evaluation Rubric -Changes
DESE made some edits to model educator evaluation rubrics in August. Here is what you need to do now. On August 10, 2018, the Department
Input Needed – School & District Report Cards
Ever look for school info on the DESE website? Did you find it easy to navigate and full of useful information? We haven’t either. Here
#DataVizDay is Coming!
The Policy Minute is beyond excited to announce the launch of our own #DataVizDay! Every Tuesday we will share an education data visualization from our
2018-19 Charter Season- Applications!
The field narrows to three applications for new Massachusetts charter schools and five schools seek to add more seats. The out-of-pocket costs to districts for
Model Evaluation Rubrics – Public Comment
Draft changes to model educator evaluation rubrics open for public comment until July 27, 2018. After all the SMART goals, observations, walk throughs, evidence binders and
Four “Early College” Program Designations
Holyoke, Worcester, Lawrence, Westfield and Springfield schools included in second round of Early College designations in July 2018. The High Quality College and Career Pathways
2018-19 Charter School Season Begins
Seven new charter schools are vying for a rose in 2019. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education received seven letters of intent to submit
Finally. A MA Budget for FY19
Nearly three weeks into the FY19 fiscal year, the legislative conference committee charged with developing a compromise FY19 state budget released a $41.88 billion spending
Micro-Credentials – Free for NEA/MTA Members!
New professional learning options from the NEA in supporting English learners, classroom management, being a cooperating teacher, leadership and organizing! The National Education Association is
SEI for Voc Tech Educators
The BESE approved regulations that will require many vocational technical educators in Ch 74 programs to get the SEI Endorsement. Click here for the new
Civics Education in Massachusetts
Civics education bill moves to conference committee. On May 30, the House of Representatives passed 4545, An Act to promote and enhance civic engagement. The
SMK Public Comment Open (Again!)
Public comment is open through June 29, 2018 for the Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) requirements for educator licenses. In you missed our earlier posts, you
Accountability System – MTA Public Comments
The MTA submitted public comment on the proposed amendments to the school and district accountability regulations on May 18, 2018. The Department of Elementary and
Rethinking School Accountability Report
Sen. Pat Jehlen releases school accountability report that highlights the lowlights of Massachusetts school and district accountability rankings. In a 63-page report, the office of
Seal of Biliteracy – Public Comment
Public comment is open on the propose language for the Seal of Biliteracy as required under the LOOK Act. At the March Board of Elementary
NAEP Day!
Results released for the 2017 NAEP testing! Massachusetts tops the nation again. Today is a high holiday for education policy wonks like us! Results for
MTA Comments: Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) Requirements
The MTA submmited comments on the proposed changes to the SMK Requirements for educators. A 30-day public comment period was a tight turnaround, but the
Professional License Renewal – Public Comment
Public comment is open on changes to Professional License Renewal related to the LOOK Act. At the March Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meeting,
