HW Schools should stay with MCAS for 2016.

The Hamilton-Wenham School Committee will be deciding between administering the PARCC or MCAS assessment in the spring 2016 at their meeting on Dec. 17 at 7:15 at the Buker School.

At the last School Committee meeting, Dr. Harvey stated that he was considering recommending the PARCC based on Education Commissioner Chester’s recommendation. The SC was provided with a letter from Commissioner Chester which suggest districts that do not administer the PARCC in 2016 are doing a disservice to their students, staff, and communities. Commissioner Chester serves on the board of directors of the PARCC and his support for the test is well known.

I strongly support our district administering the MCAS in the Spring of 2016 as published on the district website. Last year, Commissioner Chester recommended districts adopt the PARCC to prepare students for when the PARCC was selected for statewide implementation in 2016. However, that did not happen. The State Board of Education rejected the PARCC and instead will develop a new MCAS 2.0. There were several deficits in the PARCC including long wait times for results and poorly worded questions.

If the State Board of Education felt the PARCC should be rejected as the statewide assessment, why would it be best for Hamilton Wenham to switch for just one year? We know that transitions are difficult for students. Changing from MCAS to PARCC to whatever MCAS 2.0 might be creates an unnecessary distraction and stress. Proponents say it will better prepare our students to take the next generation of statewide assessments.

Additionally, it would seem the best way to prepare our students is through focusing on our curriculum and teaching practices to provide a strong educational foundation. Adopting a new assessment mid-year creates unnecessary distractions. It would alter the already published testing dates compressing them into one full week of testing.

Last year, parents and teachers voiced their support for continuing with the MCAS. It is likely the School Committee supported the MCAS after hearing of its wide spread support. Without community input, the School Committee may choose to administer the PARCC this spring based on Commissioner Chester’s letter.

You can provide your thoughts at the Thursday, December 17 meeting or email to sc_communications@hwschools.net .

Sincerely,

Michelle Bailey, M.Ed. and parent