The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Level 5 Schools - Quarterly Progress Report
In the fall of 2013, four schools were designated as chronically underperforming (or Level 5) schools in response to their low performance and lack of improvement while Level 4 schools: John P. Holland Elementary School (UP Academy Holland) and Paul A. Dever Elementary School (Dever) in Boston, Morgan Full Service Community School (Morgan) in Holyoke, and John Avery Parker Elementary School (Parker) in New Bedford.
This month I am presenting the first of four FY2016 quarterly progress reports to the Board on the four schools and
updates from each receiver and Superintendent Durkin on implementation of the school turnaround plans, focusing on activities from July-September 2015. Future quarterly reports for FY2016 will be presented in January 2016, April 2016 and June 2016.Visit to Dever in Boston
On September 17, 2015 I visited Dever. I toured classrooms and met with staff and the school leadership team under the direction of the new principal, Laura Miceli. I was encouraged to see evidence that the school is actively addressing challenges experienced in year one of turnaround implementation. While visiting classrooms, I queried the school administrators on the feedback they would give to each teacher and was heartened by the responses. Staff at the school noted greater intentionality in regard to the academic program and family engagement, although there is still room for growth in both areas. My staff and I will continue to monitor the school's progress in improving school climate and instructional rigor throughout this school year. As was my practice last year, I plan to visit Holland, Morgan, and Parker.
Senior Associate Commissioner Russell Johnston will be at the October Board meeting to answer your questions.
Attachments:
Level 5 Schools Quarterly Report, October 2015, for:
