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Holbrook reports small ELA declines on MCAS; district outlines targeted interventions
Summary
Curriculum director presented MCAS results showing continued post-pandemic gaps (at least 1% statewide ELA decline; Math mixed with grade 10 down ~2%). The district proposed walkthroughs, MTSS expansion, universal screening and a DESE learning-acceleration network to address gaps.
Curriculum Director Stefanie DeRosa told the Holbrook School Committee on Oct. 17 that students continue to show post-pandemic achievement gaps on Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests. DeRosa reported at least a 1% decline in ELA scores statewide across grade levels and an overall increase in math scores at most grades, with grade 10 showing a decrease of about 2%.
"Our students are still struggling to close the gaps since the pandemic," DeRosa said as she reviewed results and district needs. Superintendent Julie Hamilton and DeRosa laid out a series of districtwide action steps intended to strengthen instruction and supports.
The district plans to continue classroom walkthroughs with feedback for educators, provide targeted professional development, implement multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and student support teams, and expand universal screening and benchmark data meetings. The district will also use interim WIDA assessments for English learners, administer Panorama for progress monitoring, and pursue up to three years of participation in a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) learning acceleration network.
At John F. Kennedy Elementary, the district will maintain vertically aligned curricula, continue DIBELS 8th Edition benchmarks, pilot Patterns of Power and Writing Rope for writing instruction, and expand PBIS to include Second Step lessons in morning meeting routines. At Holbrook Middle-High School, planned steps include continuing Flex Block for support and enrichment, maintaining accelerated courses in English and math, updating the professional learning community (PLC) model and expanding cross-curricular units.
The committee did not take a vote on specific MCAS-related expenditures at the meeting; the presentation outlined planned instructional and assessment practices the district intends to pursue and monitor.
