PARCC Pilot Test Disrupts Quabbin Regional School District! Time for parents to push back in the Quabbin Area! This is just one small example of what testing is doing to our schools! March 4, 2014 Dear Parents and Guardians: I am writing to inform you that our students will be involved in both the traditional MCAS and PARCC pilot testing programs during the next several weeks. I know that you are very familiar with the time generally invested in the MCAS testing program. This spring, some of our students will also participate in the PARCC state testing program scheduled to replace the MCAS testing program in the spring of 2016. At HCS the third grade students will be participating in the PARCC. Our participation in these testing programs is not voluntary and will require us to modify schedules in order to accommodate the actual testing time as well as the instructional time teachers need to ensure our students can actively practice the test taking strategies we feel will properly prepare them for success. Teachers have been concerned that pulling students out of either or both English language arts and/or math classes during this critical preparation time will make it difficult to ensure that all students are offered the instruction teachers feel will best prepare students to demonstrate their skill level. In an effort to provide both students and teachers with uninterrupted instructional time, we have decided to suspend private/semiprivate music lessons offered to some students during the school day until April vacation when the bulk of the state mandated testing will be complete. There will be NO change in any music lessons offered after school. I regret the need to pursue this course of action, but respect the requests teachers have made regarding how best to prepare students for these important assessments. I can also assure you that I will continue to work with the music department as we consider other scheduling patterns. We are all committed to providing the best possible educational programs to all students. Sincerely, Maureen M. Marshall Superintendent of Schools
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 22:51:38 +0000
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