Medford School Committee authorizes pilot late‑entry schedule for MCCAST testing at Medford High

The Medford School Committee on March 16 authorized school administrators to move forward with a pilot late‑entry schedule for 10th‑grade MCCAST math testing at Medford High School, with implementation contingent on transportation and security arrangements.

Administrators explained the plan would have testing students (10th graders) begin at the regular start time and hold non‑testing students in a late‑entry schedule so the testing environment is quieter and more secure. The presentation said the math test is scheduled for May 19–20 and the testing window would start around 7:45 a.m.; the first lunch block — roughly 11:27 a.m. — would mark the end of the first testing window and the time late‑entry students would begin their day. Presenters said the late‑entry model reduces proctoring conflicts and limits disruptions to test takers, while offering asynchronous or seminar activities for non‑testing students during the morning.

Members pressed the administration on attendance and logistics. Member Russo said she understood the rationale but warned that the late entry could reduce attendance for some seniors and upperclass students, saying she supported the pilot “with many misgivings.” Committee members asked whether yellow buses and MBTA connections could be adjusted, whether the district had checked other Massachusetts districts that use late entry, and how security would be handled when students enter later in the day. Administrators said they had discussed transportation with district staff and would finalize drop‑off procedures (one controlled lobby entrance was proposed) and coordinate with Eastern Bus and the MBTA before implementation. The presentation said attendance procedures would be adapted and a contingency would be provided for students who opt out of late entry so they could attend a full day.

The motion before the committee authorized central and high‑school administration “to take the steps necessary to implement this pilot,” with implementation to proceed once transportation, security and communications were arranged. After discussion the motion passed; the transcript records the motion as approved during the meeting (no roll‑call tally for this item was recorded in the public minutes). The administration said it will report back to the school committee on pilot implementation and outcomes after testing.

The committee and administrators emphasized that the pilot is limited in scope (initially for the Math MCCAST dates) and that staff will collect data on participation, opt‑outs and any operational issues to assess whether the model improves testing conditions and compliance with state testing protocols.