Guest columnist Katie Lazdowski: MCAS tests: You have options
Northampton Association of School Employees Vice President Heather Brown talks about organizing a standout in front of Northampton City Hall on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020, in opposition to MCAS testing during the pandemic. Gazette file photo
Published: 4/22/2021 2:26:35 PM I was overjoyed to see a letter from Fort River Principals Diane Chamberlain and Renee Greenfield inviting parents/guardians to opt in or out of the MCAS the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System.
Many of you already know that the MCAS is a series of high stakes, standardized tests given to public school students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and those in grade 10. In grade 10, the MCAS is currently a requirement to graduate high school.
It’s a very fragile time for students, parents and staff, said Joe Nystrom.
Susan Vaughn
BP FILE PHOTO
The Barnstable School Committee last Wednesday passed a nearly $75.7 million FY 22 district operating budget, an increase of $1 million, or 1.4% over the current year.
Supt. Meg Mayo-Brown said the budget is based on a plan for a full return to in-person schooling following the pandemic. Continuing online opportunities appears less likely next year, she said.
The budget drew no public comment at the committee’s March meeting except on a proposed amendment to hire additional substitute teachers, which failed by a 4:1 vote.
Educators Students Needs More Pressing than Standardized Tests / Public News Service publicnewsservice.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from publicnewsservice.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Three Key Issues For Boston s Post-Pandemic Future
COVID -19 is a great leveler. In a narrow but profound way, it imposed a life and death challenge on all American cities. But as a glimmer of hope cracks the horizon, it s time to begin looking forward and reengage with problems overshadowed by coronavirus. Here s a look at my view on three of the big problems Boston will face when the pandemic lifts. And they are big problems all sobering illustration of the magnitude of the challenges the next mayor will face. That s what this year s municipal election will be about: Boston s post-pandemic future.
Mayo-Brown: Educators soon eligible for COVID vaccine
Susan Vaughn
Supt. Meg Mayo-Brown on Wednesday told the Barnstable School Committee Wednesday that Pre-K through grade 12 educators would be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination appointments starting on Thursday, March 11, based on a new mandate from Gov. Charlie Baker.
“We feel our educators are essential workers,” Mayo-Brown said. If the Cape can get enough vaccine, she said, the town will help set up local clinics for the educators, noting that the biggest problem is if the vaccine supply doesn’t meet the demand. She encouraged school personnel also to look for appointments for the vaccinations wherever they could find them. Baker said there may not be enough vaccine to get all school staff vaccinated by the end of March.