Principal’s Notes
June 4
This week in leadership we discussed:

NECAP: We discussed alternative schedules for the administration of the NECAP testing in the Fall. Respectful of strategies developed in our past work, we are discussing scheduling schemes that put smaller numbers of students in a classroom environment in front of familiar teachers. In the past two years we utilized a half-day model. However, this past year an additional test was added and two half-days are not adequate. We are considering a number of other options, one in particular that looks promising. NECAP officials will allow the administration of the test over multiple days within a three-week window. A promising strategy is administering one test per day. We plan to put together a mock schedule for this type of test administration. More information will follow. If you have any ideas or comments about this strategy or some other please let me know.

Test-taking motivation was an issue raised by the staff and although student effort seemed better, an examination of the booklets and discussion with students and staff revealed a lack of concern by more than a few students over test results. One of the most prevalent comments we heard was that “it does not count for anything.” This is not a new issue and to combat this we are placing scores on transcripts for seniors. For some this serves to motivate. There are likely numerous other ways that we might be able to raise student test-taking motivation. We are looking to you again for ideas to motivate student performance especially about how we might make the test results more meaningful. We are looking for ideas about how to generate more parent involvement in raising the motivation of students. Given the year-end is near, and given the test hits us in October, starting from day one of the next school year I invite anyone interested in tackling this problem to join together and help to plan a strategy! However, if you have ideas now please share them with your director. Every idea is appreciated.

Sophomore Testing: We have tested sophomores over the past two years and plan to do so again this fall. We are examining a pre-PSAT test format put out by the College Board. It aligns with the PSAT and SAT models and will provide students, parents and teachers with valuable data on student strengths and weaknesses. Given our inquiry into alternative test administration schedules with NECAP we may be able to administer this test without school-wide disruption.

Professional Learning Communities: We have been discussing the value of providing time for content-area teachers to routinely meet to discuss student work, assessment results, instructional practice, and intervention/remediation strategies. We are in the early stages of this inquiry and would welcome any feedback or participation in our continued investigation. The link below is to an article that captures the value of a PLC through its articulation of the three primary goals.

http://pdonline.ascd.org/pd_online/secondary_reading/el200405_dufour.html

Graduation Invitations: All staff members are invited to attend the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2008 on June 13th. As is customary, staff will have reserved seating to the right of the stage area and are invited to join the procession. If you would like to participate you are asked to meet in the lobby area by 6:30 on the evening of the graduation.