Last night’s work session featured a presentation by our new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instructional Services, Dr. David Leach and our Director of Instructional Services, Dr. Kathleen Affigne. I couldn’t possibly summarize their presentation and do it justice and luckily I don’t have to. It will be available on our district website shortly.
Their presentation as a whole addressed the different types of assessments (formative vs. summative) and the meaning, purpose and goal of these assessments.
With regard to the Common Core, Dr. Leach said that WVCSD has chosen not to use the modules provided by NYS exclusively. Instead our district has, over the past few years, asked teachers to take a look at them and is finding out what modules are appropriate.
Dr. Affigne referred to “double-dipping” with the assessments, using a mandated test for our own purposes rather than administering an additional test. Both Dr. Leach and Dr. Affigne agreed that the goal is to streamline our assessments and focus our attention on instruction. Dr. Leach pointed out that our district's standards and goals are well above that of the common core. He was insistent that as we continue to build on instruction, the tests should and will become an after-thought.
The Board then had to the opportunity to ask questions of our speakers. This is but a glimpse:
Q: Are there consequences to a student that refuses the NYS Assessments year after year?
A: Dr. Affigne concentrated on the benefits of the tests and the consequence being depriving the student of the opportunity to benefit from them. She also said that of the assessments from grade 3 – 8, the eighth grade assessment is the last time that students are tested on a subjects as a whole. Once they enter high school, it’s not all of math, but specifics such as algebra, geometry, trig, etc. Dr. Affigne said that the eighth grade assessment is a great tool to determine where a student is on their path to college readiness and preparedness.
With regard to the district, Dr. Bryant clarified that the district would not lose funding if testing participation were to fall below 95% as claimed in the media. However, the district would be named, as “needs improvement” and would then be given the opportunity to defend itself. Dr. Bryant stressed that we would then be spending time and effort on defending our status to NYS rather than focusing on instruction.
Dr. Leach then also spoke about the possibility of Chromebooks. Keith Parsons asked about the cost of added technology and there was discussion of the inevitability of new technology and getting ahead of mandates.
Bob Howe brought up the fact that Rochester is being allowed to extend the school day and Dr. Bryant elaborated that they were being given this opportunity because it is a district in need of improvement. There is a certain amount of aid available for such districts.
The floor was opened up to the one person from the community in attendance, Laura Nokland. Though she had many notes and questions, she opted to email them rather than extend the evening.
Both Dr. Leach and Dr. Affigne have a wealth of knowledge and were able to, as Lynn Lillian said, “paint a very broad swath” over a wide range of information. They have agreed to work on a visual representation of the assessments, that are administered in our district, and the details that parents need to know, such as length, purpose, management, etc. This will be very useful to parents in navigating the changes that have happened due to new curriculum and testing. It will be made available on the website when it is complete. Dr. Leach asked for patience in waiting for this as it will take time to create something that is accurate and helpful.
The Board also discussed the possibility and merits of a Board resolution with regard to high stakes testing. This will be discussed further at the next work session.
This blog is but a summary, so please watch the video and view the presentation once they are posted on the district website. Our next work session will be about Strength of School next Monday, October 29th at 7PM in the Dorothy C. Wilson Center.
Submitted by Eilleen Gagliano
