Now I have not watched the video yet to hear the discussions that occurred, however the presentation is pretty interesting. RAS Result of State and Local Tests There are many graphs, tables, summaries, etc.
The MCA slides and summaries can be compared to the graphs in these 2 links. Do they seem consistent or is there some spin going on? Maybe or maybe not... I am not sure.
G2A Results: One More Try
G2A Data Manipulation Gone Bad
The GRAD tests are given prior to graduation. If the student fails, they need to take some remedial training before they are given their diploma. Not sure if they have to pass their retest to get their diploma.(ie IEP or 504 Team review?) Please reference this page for more details. (MN Dept of Ed GRAD Pg) Including requirements, timing, relation to MCA tests, sample test questions, results, etc.
The MAP tests are national standardized tests that the district uses to gauge the capability of a student and how much they have learned over a period of time. (NWEA MAP pg) Often referenced to compare RAS results to National results. These are not mandated by the government, but voluntarily administered to help RAS gauge each child's status and needs.
With the District emphasing the high priority of closing the gap, and implying that other items may be sacrificed in order to achieve this. It will be interesting to watch which reductions and additions occur. "BY NAME BY NEED" is an excellent goal, however it is likely to move the funds to those with the most needs. Now, how to balance this against keeping those who are financially able to move happy??? That is going to be a fine line to walk. (SUN Sicoli Top Priority)
Side Note: I found Supt Sicoli's comment regarding the "Economic Gap" that is "Shameful" to be very interesting. Where did that fit into the discussion? A hint that the rich should maybe pay more taxes? Probably nothing, but it caught my attention.
RAS Board Mtg Agenda 16Aug10
RAS Board Video 16Aug10 via mtg page
RAS Board Unofficial Minutes 16Aug10
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More interesting to me was Green's statement: "We worked hard and were so proud to (have) lower class sizes. I was really optimistic for test scores this year. I'm disappointed we are so stuck."
Based on research, there was no reason to be optimistic. She and Board should obviously have at least tried something else.
Also interesting is Tyrrell's call for volunteer mentors/tutors, another admission that class size and other current strategies failed again. Predicatably, again.
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