Thread by @TracyNovick

Ok, couple of (possibly scattered) thoughts coming out of yesterday’s #MAEdu accountability update:

First: the regs are still open for public comment til Friday; comment on the changes! doe.mass.edu/news/news.aspx…

(Seriously, it’s super depressing for the Board to take up something I know lots of people care about and hear “there were only three comments, and two were on punctuation.”)

(...not, of course, to say you shouldn’t comment on punctuation as needed...)

Second, this is a big change.

I am not saying it is the changes everyone wanted...

Since those ranged from “it should only be achievement on test scores/what’s this other stuff?”

To “blow it all up and start over”

But (and I know I keep saying this but I don’t think it’s being heard) THE WAY SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS ARE EVALUATED IS CHANGING.

You can hate it. You can love it. Mostly, I think it’s a work in progress.
But don’t miss that it is happening.

Third, the changes make it more complex.
Not gonna lie: there is more here to wrap your mind around.

But here’s the thing:
Just like with the foundation budget: if you want more accuracy or something more reflective of reality?
It’s going to be more complicated.

Which is why (fourth) I think the school and district report cards ought to be pushed up to roll out at the same time.

It was said last night they’d be out by year’s end.
But if the new accountability results come out in the fall, that’s all anyone is going to pay attention to.

If the report cards are of increasing importance (and may even inform accountability), they should show up at the same time.
Otherwise, they get lost.

Anyway, do read up on the changes.
Comment on the regs.
And buckle up!

unroll please