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Committee approves three‑year Renaissance contract after members press for assessment list and data protections
Summary
The committee authorized a three‑year extension with Renaissance Learning to support STAR assessments; members asked for a list of district common assessments, questioned assessment frequency for students in interventions, and received assurance from Dr. Lampe that the district retains ownership of student data under contract and FERPA applies.
The Worcester School Committee authorized administration to enter a three‑year license and service agreement with Renaissance Learning to support reading, mathematics and early literacy instruction after discussion about assessment use and student data protections.
Vice Chair McCullough and Member Mailman thanked administration for providing additional backup, and several members requested a clearer list of the district’s common assessments and the schedule for those assessments. Member Johnson raised concerns about privacy after reviewing Renaissance’s materials and asked who controls student data and what protections exist.
Dr. Lampe, appearing online, told the committee that contracts governing student data require compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and applicable state laws. "The data is owned by the district," Dr. Lampe said, adding that Renaissance stores (or 'harbors') the data and that the district can request deletion when the contract ends. He said progress‑monitoring uses of STAR can occur more frequently for students receiving tier 2 or tier 3 interventions, and that those cases typically involve targeted, shorter assessments to track intervention effectiveness.
Superintendent Allen and staff said the renewal is a purchasing authorization to continue an existing contract and that annual appropriation gives the district flexibility to adjust services or contracts in future years.
After questions were answered, the committee voted by roll call to approve the three‑year renewal with Renaissance.
Votes at a glance: GB6‑86 (employment contract for director of nursing) — approved; GB6‑87 (Renaissance three‑year license) — approved; multiple audit and finance reports (student activity fund testing, DESE agreed‑upon procedures, annual audit) — referred to the finance committee.
