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World language department reports growth in STAMP results, expanded opportunities for students
Summary
The Scituate Public Schools world language department reported higher middle-of-year STAMP assessment scores, a state grant to expand STAMP testing to eighth graders, and new dual-enrollment and exchange programs during a Feb. 10 Teaching & Learning update.
The Scituate Public Schools world language department told the School Committee on Feb. 10 that student proficiency scores measured by the STAMP (Avant) assessment are trending upward and that the district has received a state grant to expand STAMP testing to eighth-grade students.
Kate Shula, the district's world language department chair, summarized the department's work tying classroom instruction to the district strategic plan. She said the district continues to award the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy and that, for the Class of 2025, at least 19 students are projected to receive the Seal. "Last year, class of 2024, we awarded 17 students on stage with the Seal of Biliteracy. This year, it will be at least 19," Shula said.
Shula described a newly awarded state grant that will allow the district to administer the STAMP test to eighth graders as part of a multi-year effort to measure program effectiveness earlier in the sequence. "We submitted a grant to the state. And we are we were awarded the grant, luckily. And so we're going to be able to expand our STAMP testing opportunity to our eighth grade students," she said, adding the goal is to produce placement and program data that can inform ninth-grade placement decisions.
On the requirements for the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy, Shula told the committee: "In order to achieve or qualify for the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy, you need a certain score on the MCAS...you need a proficient score on MCAS and at least a 6 in all 4 domains on the STAMP test." She noted the district uses sophomore-year MCAS results for that determination and that students may qualify on the STAMP test in any year.
Shula also reported the department is piloting dual-enrollment credit for current ninth graders through Quincy College (for Spanish 2) and plans to expand dual enrollment to French and Mandarin. The department is collaborating with the state world language advisory group and with Avant (STAMP's sponsor) on teacher calibration and "powering up" strategies to move students beyond the intermediate plateau.
Shula said the department continues international exchange programs (noting trips to China, Quebec and a new Ireland trip) and described work on a local "pathway" designation in global citizenship that aligns with state pathway requirements when the state makes that pathway available.
Committee members asked about AP and STAMP correlations and about AP exam scheduling; Shula answered that AP exams are administered over a two-week period in May with morning and afternoon administrations and noted the department is tracking student- level growth using STAMP to inform instruction.
No formal action was taken; the Teaching & Learning update was informational and will be followed by continued professional development and program planning.
