A Message From the Superintendent
Student Assessment Results: How are students doing after a year of hybrid learning? Dr. Barbara Sargent Much has been reported about potential gaps in student learning due to interrupted schooling. Parsippany students were so fortunate to have a consistent year of learning in 2020-21. Our schools opened on time, remained consistently open all year, transitioned away from a Week A/Week B model so all students could attend school every day in person, and concluded the year with a full day schedule. We provided several summer programs to enrich and support students in areas of literacy and mathematics. We also organized many orientations at the schools to welcome children back and reinforce a safe and inviting learning environment. Once the school year began, students were assessed in areas of mathematics, literacy, and science. Some of this was connected to the state-mandated Start Strong assessments and some was part of district benchmark assessments. Our Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Denis Mulroony, presented an overview of these assessment results at the December 16th Board of Education meeting. The Start Strong presentation is posted on the district website. While some students need support in areas of reading and mathematics, results indicate that most students are performing at grade level. We are confident that keeping students engaged with rich math and literacy instruction, encouraging independent reading at home, and reinforcing consistent attendance will yield strong results.
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In addition to academics, the district is also monitoring students’ social/emotional learning and mental health. It comes as no surprise that students at all grade levels began the school year exhibiting neurodevelopmental delays in areas such as school readiness, conflict resolution, critical and abstract thinking skills, and a clear sense of right and wrong. It’s an important reminder of the critical role of schooling in fostering these necessary behaviors. All schools are providing opportunities to support students with social-emotional learning, including special peer groups, direct lessons in conflict resolution, advisory meetings, and morning circle time to greet and check in with students. The district is infusing numerous opportunities for student leadership to teach and reinforce cooperation, public speaking, and student advocacy. I am confident that important gains will be made in these areas as our students spend more time engaged in consistent, stable, and caring interactions with educators and peers. As we move through the winter and spring months, we’re confident that our Parsippany students will continue to thrive, both academically and socially. From rich classroom instruction to extracurricular opportunities like clubs and theater and service learning to athletics, there are a wealth of experiences to support and reinvigorate our students . Best wishes to you all for a Happy and Healthy New Year!
www.parsippanyfocus.news
January 2022
