1/4/2010 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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4 Board of Selectmen Minutes - January 4,, 2010 APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS: w Suyeritendnt—Mate of Schools: Ann Bradshaw, Superintendent of Schools updated the Selectmen on the state of the Mashpe Public Schools. Information relative to academic achievemenf included areas of strength, areas of challenge and areas of growth as it pertains to fe MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System),the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test),the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test), and A (Advanced-Placement) program were discussed. Mrs. Bradshaw made mote of the new MCAS standard,-a goal for students o reach advanced and/or proficient placement in English and Math in lieu of the former ass fail testing designation. The MCAS test is administered o students in grades three through eight and to students in grade ten. It was announced that pres' ntly Mashpee students are placing above average in every grade level in the English/Language Arts category. with regards to the Mathematics portion of the MCAS test there are signs of improved i growth. However, grades five, seven and eight show the need for improvement. At this tune, the SAT testing presents a challenge for the schools. . Approximately 90% of the students are participating in the testing, but grades are currently below national and state averages. Students who participate in the Advanced Placement APprogram are taking college level courses, 53%of the 116 teas issued have received qualifying scores. Mrs. Bradshaw explamed the School Department'has researched the'Most favorable approaches towards academic achievement improvement. The main focus is on mathematics, the SAT and AP program. The research based approach has incorporated additional instructional strategies, and new math curriculum materials to help increase overall test scores. This includes added math instructional time,, a new math lab and math block and allocating more time and practice for students taking the SAT. i The School Department is also focusing on professional development. This includes participation in select conferences and offering in-district graduate courses of study. Where are also professional learning committees by grades level to improve student achievement. More instructional time with updated curriculum materials in the collaboration approach will allow for an increased focus on students' progress with respect to achieving curriculum standards.