Regional Assistance Centers

This morning I attended a workshop that was sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Today’s workshop focused on another DESE initiative which is aside from the new computer data collection program for Special Education compliance reporting, the Readiness Project, or the new MCAS data reports that show student growth (DESE meetings of late). The DESE initiative du jour was creation of the District and School Assistance Centers (DSACs) across the state.

Essentially, schools and districts are now being ranked in a level system that places them anywhere from Level 1 to Level 5. I should specify that the level system relates directly to school performance under the No Child Left Behind Act…which means how our students perform on state assessments and meet other criteria such as timely graduation. The new level system works like this:

Level 1 – Meets Regulation – DESE provides voluntary access to online tools
Level 2 – At Risk – DESE suggests assistance for student groups and teachers
Level 3 – Needs Technical Assistance – ESE provides priority assistance and guides self-assessment
Level 4 – Needs Intervention – DESE requires intervention
Level 5 – Needs Substantial Intervention – DESE co-governs district

So where does Mahar stand in all of this?

Here is a breakdown of the 1766 schools in Massachusetts:

Level 1 – 464
Level 2 – 82
Level 3 – 1177
Level 4 – 43

We are in a group with 1176 other schools. Today our administrative team affirmed yet again our commitment to improve. Before the announcement of the District and School Assistance Centers, we were committed to reaching the benchmarks for student performance that is set by the state. Now we are also committed to moving Mahar to Level 2, and then to Level 1 in the new system unveiled by the DESE today. Only now, we know that we will have the assistance of some highly qualified folks at the DESE – one of which I have come to know as an outstanding person and consummate professional.

I am looking forward to working with our newly appointed DSAC Regional Assistance Director, Ken Rocke.

One more thing – for those of you who read yesterday’s blog, I went with the Quarter Pounder with Cheese & a Large Fries. I skipped the soda though and had a cup of coffee.