When it comes to standardized testing for next year the Mendon Upton School Committee unanimously chose to stick with the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) over Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC).
Districts were given the choice to move forward with PARCC for grades 3-8 in a piloted program for the upcoming school year or to stick with MCAS. Currently the Department of Education is keeping MCAS in place as a high school graduation requirement for the class of 2018.
MU Superintendent Dr. Joseph Maruszczak gave a PowerPoint presentation to the committee with his recommendation to stick with MCAS at the June 23 meeting.
In an email to Upton Daily Dr. Maruszczak explained, ” The heart of the matter is that there are still too many variables, too much uncertainty associated with the administration of PARCC next year. I understand the need for a new, rigorous state assessment that is aligned with the Common Core State Standards, however I have a concern about the pace at which the state is moving forward with the PARCC Assessment. Additionally, there are still many pragmatic considerations (e.g., such as the tech glitches with the Pearson/PARCC website) that still have not been effectively addressed. Hence, my recommendation…”
Committee members had many concerns with switching to the piloted PARCC program but overall felt the push for PARCC was moving way too quickly. Member Grace Maneri supports the idea behind Common Core but said, “We need to kind of pause here. This is too much too quick.”
Dr. M said during the meeting, “One of the pieces that have really bothered me about this is that they are asking Superintendents and Districts to make a decision blindly…”
Member Chris Russo pointed out if the piloted PARCC test doesn’t work for the state there is no back up plan.
Dr. Maruszczak pointed out there are many voices coming from different directions saying a pause should be placed on PARCC. About fifty percent of the districts in MA have determined to stick with MCAS for the upcoming school year.
Finance Committee member Shawn Craig asked who would fund the technology upgrades needed in the future to support PARCC. Dr. Maruszczak said right now the only thing pending is a 38 million dollar technology bond to fund only network and bandwidth infrastructure upgrades. No details have been released on how the funds would be distributed to the cities and towns.
Here is Dr Maruszczak’s PowerPoint presentation MCAS vs PARCC Presentation
UPTON DAILY 