Minutes
Quincy, Massachusetts – October 10, 2018
Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday,
October 10, 2018 at the Coddington Building at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent
DeCristofaro called the roll and present were Mayor Thomas Koch,
Mr. Anthony Andronico, Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mr. James DeAmicis, Mr. Douglas Gutro,
Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Vice Chair.
Vice Chair Presiding
Also present were: Dr. Richard DeCristofaro, Secretary; Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk; Ms. Sarah Anderson, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Dr. Beth Hallett, Mr. James Mullaney, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Erin Perkins, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla; Quincy Education Association President Allison Cox; and Citywide Parent Council Co-President Scott Alessandro.
There was a moment of silence for members of our armed services overseas and at home.
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Regular Meeting Minutes Approved 9.26.2018
Mrs. Hubley made a motion, seconded by Mayor Koch to approve the
Regular Meeting minutes for September 26, 2018 as presented. On a voice vote, ayes the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
Scott Alessandro, Citywide Parent Council Co-President announced that on Wednesday, October 17, there will be a screening of the movie Screenagers at 6:30 pm at Central Middle School.
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Superintendent's Report
Dr. DeCristofaro opened the Superintendent’s Report by reviewing recent Quincy Public Schools events including the Welcome Back Reception and the City of Presidents 5K Run/Walk.
Upcoming Quincy School~Community Partnership events include the Professional Status Reception on October 17 at the Bradford Library at Quincy High School and the Teacher Mini-Grant Ceremony on November 1 at the Neighborhood Club, where over 100 mini-grants will be awarded.
The Quincy Public Schools College Fair will be held on October 11 at Quincy High School, with over 100 colleges and universities attending. Thanks to the Guidance staff at both high schools for organizing this annual event.
A Middle School Parent Academy on October 16, 2018 will introduce Digital Learning initiatives to Grades 6 and 7 parents. High School Open Houses will be held on October 16 at Quincy High School and October 17 at North Quincy High School for Grade 8 students and families.
Beyond the Bell activities at our schools begin early in the morning, with over 800 elementary and middle school students participating in BOKS. After school, middle school activities include Tennis (162 students), Cross-Country (200 students), and Robotics (175 students). Over 2000 elementary and middle school students are participating in before and after school activities this fall.
October is Dyslexia Awareness month, newly passed legislation will ensure that students will be screened for dyslexia and other neurological conditions to ensure early literacy interventions.
Upcoming community events include the Snug Harbor Community School Harvest Festival on October 20 and the Beechwood Knoll Elementary School Fall Festival on October 27.
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Old Business
Mrs. Lebo moved the review and vote on the Superintendent’s Annual Plan Goals after the New Business presentation on 2018 District & School Accountability.
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New Business
2018 District & School
Accountability
Senior Curriculum Director Madeline Roy presented an overview of tonight’s presentation, which will focus on Grades 5, 8, and 10 as these are the grades where MCAS is given for ELA, Mathematics, and Science. These results have been analyzed at the school and district level and the District, School, and Program Improvement Goals developed for 2018-2019 will be based on this analysis.
Curriculum Director Beth Hallett reviewed the current state testing system: Grades 4, 5, 7, and 8 were computer-based tested for ELA and Mathematics; Grades 3, 6, and 10 were paper-based, along with Grades 5 and 8 Science. Spring 2018 MCAS results for ELA and Mathematics were under the new performance levels Exceeding Expectations, Meeting Expectations, Partially Meeting Expectations, and Not Meeting Expectations. Grade 10 ELA, Mathematics, Science and Grades 5 and 8 Science were the older system of Advanced, Proficient, Needs Improvement, and Warning. Parent/guardian reports were mailed out this week for all grades.
Director of Special Education Erin Perkins reviewed District vs. State results for ELA:
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Grade 5: 63% of Quincy Public Schools students Met or Exceeded Expectations, higher than the state level of 54%.
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Grade 8: 63% of Quincy Public Schools students Met or Exceeded Expectations, higher than the state level of 51%.
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Grade 10: 91% of Quincy Public Schools students scored Advanced or Proficient, matching the state level.
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In reviewing trends over the two years, gains were seen at Grade 5 and 8 for all students, high needs students, economically disadvantaged students, English Learner and Former English Learner students, and Students with Disabilities. For Grade 10, there were slight decreases for all categories, with identified areas of focus for the 2018-2019 school year.
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In reviewing the cohort from Grade 4 to Grade 5, an additional 6% scored in the Meeting or Exceeding Expectations for Grade 5. Between Grades 7 and 8, students performed at the same levels.
Special Education Coordinator Sarah Anderson reviewed District vs. State results for Mathematics:
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Grade 5: 55% of Quincy Public Schools students Met or Exceeded Expectations, higher than the state level of 46%.
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Grade 8: 61% of Quincy Public Schools students Met or Exceeded Expectations, higher than the state level of 49%.
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Grade 10: 82% of Quincy Public Schools students scored Advanced or Proficient, higher than the state level of 78%.
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In reviewing trends over the two years, gains were seen at Grade 5 and 8 for all students, high needs students, economically disadvantaged students, English Learner and Former English Learner students. Grade 5 Students with Disabilities had a decline, an area for focus in 2018-2019, while Grade 8 Students with Disabilities showed growth. For Grade 10, there were slight decreases for all categories, with identified areas of focus for the 2018-2019 school year.
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In reviewing the cohort from Grade 4 to Grade 5, the rate for Meeting or Exceeding Expectations for Grade 5 was equal to Grade 4. Between Grades 7 and 8, an additional 5% scored in the Meeting or Exceeding Expectations categories.
Curriculum Director Beth Hallett reviewed District vs. State results for Science:
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Grade 5: 55% of Quincy Public Schools students were Advanced or Proficient, higher than the state level of 48%.
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Grade 8: 44% of Quincy Public Schools students were Advanced or Proficient, higher than the state level of 35%.
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Grade 10: 80% of Quincy Public Schools students scored Advanced or Proficient, higher than the state level of 75%.
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In reviewing trends over the two years, gains were seen at Grade 5 for all students, high needs students, economically disadvantaged students, English Learner and Former English Learner students. Students with Disabilities remained at the same level as previous years. In Grade 8, increases were seen for all students, economically disadvantaged students, EL and Former EL students and remained the same for high needs students and students with disabilities. At Grade 10, gains were seen for all students and high needs students. Economically disadvantaged students, EL and Former EL students, and students with disabilities showed slight decreases.
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There is no cohort data for Science as students take this test in Grades 5, 8, and 10.
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Dr. Hallett reminded School Committee that Grade 10 students in the Warning/Failing category are preparing to retest in one or more subject test in January as passing these tests is a DESE-mandated requirement to receive a high school diploma.
Mr. Gutro asked about the statistical significance of the decreases, especially for the economically disadvantaged students in several categories. Ms. Roy said the detailed reporting will allow for individual interventions with high needs students. Schools can drill down to determine areas where students need assistance and support. Mr. Gutro asked about longer-term trends, but since the tests changed dramatically in 2017, the current data cannot be compared to earlier years.
Mrs. Lebo is concerned about the Grade 10 Students with Disabilities rate of Warning/Failing and the decrease in content-area support for Grades 11 students on IEPs.
Mrs. Lebo asked for non-High Need student data to be broken out. Mrs. Lebo is also concerned about Grade 8 Science, 56% of students are in the Needs Improvement and Warning/Failing category. Dr. Hallett noted that we have seen increases against the state levels. In 2019, the Science test will be on the new standards while this past year’s test was on a hybrid of the old and new standards.
Mr. Bregoli asked about how many students are on IEPs at the high schools, Mrs. Perkins said about 350 students between the two high schools. Mr. Bregoli asked about how students in Grades 11 and 12 who have not passed the MCAS tests are being supported to ensure they achieve this on the retest. Dr. DeCristofaro said that through the School Improvement Plans, the high schools will outline how they will work with these students.
Mrs. Lebo asked for the percentage of graduated students who did not meet Competency Determination for 2017 and 2018.
Ms. Roy resumed the presentation with a review of Growth Percentiles, which is reflective of expected typical growth of between 40 and 60 percentile. For ELA, all grades are between 40% and 60% and well above the state for Grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10. This was true for all students and all subgroups. For Mathematics, all grades were within the 40% to 60% range, but Grades 4 and 6 were below the state growth level. All students, high needs students, economically disadvantaged students, EL and Former EL students were all within the range. Grade 6 students with disabilities were below the 40% growth rate and there are demonstrated areas for support.
Ms. Perkins presented district growth data for the Measured of Academic Progress (MAP), measured in the Rasch Unit Scale RIT score. The score represents a student’s achievement level at a given moment and helps measure individual academic growth over time. The district goal was to increase by 10 points at each grade 2 through 7. As it turns out, the goal is not possible for Grade 5 ELA, given the level students enter the assessment. In all grades, Quincy Public Schools exceeded the national average for RIT growth in ELA and Mathematics. Schools are using this data to inform individualizing instruction for students.
Dr. Hallett reviewed the process for establishing and aligning the District Improvement Plan Goals. The School Committee and Superintendent Goals lead to the development of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Management Team goals, the School and Program Improvement Plan goals and also individual teacher and administrator Educator Evaluation plan goals.
Dr. Hallett reviewed the District Goals for ELA, Mathematics, and Science:
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ELA MCAS: During the 2018-2019 school year, the district will show evidence of achievement in ELA/Reading as measured by an increase in progress toward the improvement target for our lowest performing student cohort, from 2 points (Improved Below Target) to 3 points (Met Target), as measured by the 2019 MCAS Accountability Report.
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MAP Reading; Students in Grades 2-4 will show an increase of 10 RIT points above the Fall average and students in Grades 5-7 will show an increase of 5 RIT points as indicated by the Spring 2019 MAP District Summary Report.
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Mathematics MCAS : During the 2018-2019 school year, the district will show evidence of achievement in Mathematics as measured by an increase in progress toward the improvement target for our lowest performing student cohort, from 2 points (Improved Below Target) to 3 points (Met Target), as measured by the 2019 MCAS Accountability Report.
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MAP Reading; Students in Grades 2-4 will show an increase of 10 RIT points above the Fall average and students in Grades 5-7 will show an increase of 7 RIT points as indicated by the Spring 2019 MAP District Summary Report.
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Science: The Total Average Percent Correct on the Grade 5 and 8 Science, Technology/Engineering MCAS and the Grade 10 Biology MCAS will increase by 2% by providing students opportunities to design and conduct investigations, create or use scientific models, and make decisions on how to analyze data with an increased understanding of the following areas:
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Elementary: Technology/Engineering: Engineering Design (base of 66%), Physical Sciences: States of Matter (base of 56%), and Forms of Energy (base of 60%)
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Middle School: Earth and Space: The Earth’s History (base of 52%), Life Sciences: Energy and Living Things (base of 27%), and Physical Sciences: Forms of Energy (base of 36%)
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High School: Cell Biology (base of 64%) and Genetics (base of 64%)
Next steps include the creation and review of Program and School Improvement Plans, a comprehensive, collaborative, and team oriented process. The school-based Assessment Days allow for planning, implementation, reflection/reset, and assessment/planning for the following year. At the high schools, there will be a new focus on vertical collaboration and goal setting individual content areas by Grades 9-10 and 11-12 teams.
Mrs. Lebo is looking forward to the new goal structure for the high school level and hoping for graduate follow up. Mrs. Lebo referred the District Goal for Science to the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee for further discussion.
Mr. Gutro asked for definition of growth percentile. Ms. Roy said the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education sets this based on cohorts of students and expected performance. Mrs. Lebo referred the Growth Percentile discussion to Teaching & Learning Subcommittee for further discussion.
Mr. Gutro asked about the MAP scores and comparison state-wide; Ms. Perkins confirmed that this is nationally normed and only certain school districts within Massachusetts use this assessment so there is no state data.
Ms. Roy reviewed DESE’s new Accountability Report, which features new indicators required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). These indicators include: academic achievement on MCAS for ELA, Mathematics, and Science; a measure of student growth for elementary and middle schools (MAP); high school completion rates; progress towards attaining English proficiency for English Learners; chronic absenteeism; and advanced coursework in high schools.
The state has changed the overall classification labels for schools and districts from Levels 1-5 to be either Schools Not Requiring Assistance or Intervention OR Schools Requiring Assistance with Targeted Support or Intervention. The state will continue to measure our progress toward improvement targets for all students and subgroups. The state is also requiring districts and schools to be measured on a new cohort called “lowest performing students,” with different criteria for students in Grades K-8 and high schools.
Ms. Roy concluded the presentation by reviewing the district takeaways from the Spring 2018 Assessment reporting. The schools and curriculum team have a large quantity of data to review and disaggregate and the Superintendent’s Leadership Team will focus attention on the new accountability indicators. The MCAS results show that students are adjusting to computer-based testing and upward trends in subgroup data correlate with math-related Professional Development. The subgroup data for English Learners and Students with Disabilities remains very positive and Science tested areas still need attention. The MAP growth clearly shows Quincy students outpacing national norms.
Mrs. Lebo noted that there will always be a cohort of lowest performing students, that doesn’t mean they are underperforming students. In some districts, the underperforming students could be more than 25% and in other districts, the lowest 25% performing may still be relatively high performing.
Dr. DeCristofaro thanked the Curriculum team, our teachers work hard and take pride in everything they do, make sure the students get everything they need. The support of School Committee in terms of curriculum and professional development have allowed us to make the demonstrated progress, but there is still more work to be done.
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Old Business
Superintendent’s Annual
Plan Goals 2018-2019
Dr. DeCristofaro reviewed that he has submitted his draft Superintendent’s Annual Plan for review. The Plan consists of five goals, two are Superintendent goals and three are joint Superintendent and School Committee goals.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to accept the Superintendent’s Annual Plan Goals as presented. The motion was, seconded by Mr. DeAmicis and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
October 1 Enrollment
Dr. DeCristofaro shared the October 1, 2018 Enrollment data with School Committee, noting that the October 1 enrollment is 9,623, an increase of 26 students over last year. Dr. DeCristofaro noted increases and decreases, additional Kindergartens were created this year at Merrymount and Montclair due to neighborhood enrollment. Point Webster’s increase is due to the addition of Pre-Kindergarten classes this year.
Mr. Gutro asked if there was an increase in Special Education students citywide, some of the enrollment changes are reflective of program movement.
Elementary class sizes are favorable, with 79% of classes having 20 or fewer students. There are no class sizes at the higher end of the range which caps at 24 students. At the middle school level, 95% of classes are at 24 or fewer. At the high school level, 83% of core classes are 25 or fewer students.
Mr. Gutro asked for clarification of the Open Enrollment process, requests have been entered online by parents for the last four years.
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Mayor Koch introduced a resolution on the Veterans Memorial Stadium and made a motion to add to the Policy Subcommittee. On the motion, Mrs. Lebo requested that “Home of the Presidents” be added to the scoreboard at the Stadium. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mr. Gutro requested an update on the installation of the new turf at the Veterans Stadium. Mayor Koch said that the new turf will be installed in the next couple of weeks, there were issues with the field line markings on the turf that was installed in late September.
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New Business
School Nurse
Appointments (Vote)
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the appointment of Christine Collins, BSN, BA, RN as a school nurse. Mrs Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
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New Business
Out of State Travel
(Overnight)
Mayor Koch made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel (Overnight) of Quincy High School Grade 12 Students to the Yale Model Congress at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut on November 29-December 2, 2018. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Out of State Travel (Overnight) of North Quincy High School Grade 12 Students to the New York City, New York on April 5-7, 2019. Mr. DeAmicis seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Overnight Travel
(In-State)
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the Overnight Travel (In-State) of Broad Meadows Middle School Grade 8 Students to Camp Wing, Duxbury, Massachusetts on June 5-7, 2019. Mayor Koch seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
The Out of the Country travel request was withdrawn by North Quincy High School to allow for amending the request.
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Additional Business
There was no Additional Business.
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Communications
Upcoming meetings at the Coddington Building include School Committee Meetings on October 24, 2018 and November 14, 2018. Subcommittee Meetings will be held on October 15, 2018: Quarterly Budget & Finance (6:00 pm), Facilities, Transportation, and Security (6:15 pm), and Policy (6:30 pm) and October 29 and 30, 2018: Teaching & Learning (6:00 pm).
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Reports of
Subcommittees
There were no Reports of Subcommittees.
Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
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Adjournment
Mayor Koch made a motion to adjourn for the evening at 8:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. DeAmicis and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.