April2016Part1_NCN new template 4/3/16 6:48 PM Page 1
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By Linda Tishler Levinson
Most area school officials see the results of state Department of Education’s new Next Generation Accountability System and its school performance index as a baseline for future comparison. “The new system moves beyond test scores and graduation rates to provide a more holistic, multifactor perspective of district and school performance,” Connecticut Commissioner of Education Dianna R. Wentzell said in a written release. Schools are rated on 12 categories: academic achievement status measured by state assessments, academic growth, assessment participation rate, chronic absenteeism, preparation for post-secondary and career readiness — coursework, preparation for postsecondary and career readiness – exams, graduation — on track in ninth grade, graduation — four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate – all students, graduation – six-year adjusted cohort graduation rate – high needs, postsecondary entrance rate – all students (college enrollment), physical fitness and arts access.
The state also released lists of “Schools of Distinction,” schools where high-needs student populations outperformed the district and state average, schools that are exiting “Turnaround or Focus” status, and schools that will be targeted for greater intervention and support. “It’s a very complicated system for each one of these,” said Michael Bednarz, director of curriculum for the Stafford Public Schools. “This year’s date is meant to be a baseline for growth.” Michelle Middleton, chief academic officer for the Enfield Public Schools, agreed this year’s scores are meant as a baseline. Middleton said looking at more than just scores in rating schools is new and that next year growth will be added as an indicator. Irene Zytka, director of curriculum for the Somers Public Schools, said the state had done little to reach out to districts that fell in the middle of the ratings and her district was just beginning to analyze the data. In East Windsor, the scores were cause for celebration.
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“We are jumping for joy,” Superintendent of Schools Theresa Kane said. “We are no longer a focus school,” she said of Broad Brook Elementary School.
“We had a strong district strategic plan that we follow,” she said, crediting teachers and staff for their hard work.
LEGISLATORS/page 7
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