Clinton Township Newsletter

1 2 M a y 2 0 1 4 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com C L I N T O N T O W N S H I P S C H O O L N E W S www.ctsd.k12.nj.us Dear Residents of Clinton Township: The Clinton Township School District was recently present- ed with what I would define as a development opportunity. The State Department of Education asked us if we would like to participate in field testing the new State online exams. We were offered the chance to have random third and seventh graders take the language arts portion of the new online test-PARCC ( Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers). We could have walked away from the challenge, but believed it was an opportunity for learning. It has proved true in more ways than I originally thought. I knew the test would require some updates to our hardware, band- width and access points. I knew that the logistics of multiple classes testing at the same time with unknown directions, a new type test and infrastructure demands that would challenge our small but mighty technology department would challenge the toughest of us. We did multiple infrastructure tests and put in many, many man- hours to get the facilities and equipment ready. We focused on helping our students understand the new tools and direc- tions they would encounter and then need to utilize quickly and independently. PARCC is going to be not just a new generation of testing, but a whole different type of assessment process. When the field test days came, we were as prepared as possible and things went well for us. The state had some glitches on their end, but that was to be expected. Teachers were literally shaking with nerves for the kids-and this didn't count for anything at all this year. You might think the children would be nervous and some were, but the majority just went with the flow. I was curious about what they thought of this new technol- ogy and so I met with third graders from Patrick McGaheran and seventh graders from Clinton Township Middle School and asked them about their experience with the technology aspect of this assessment. I am happy to report that although I'm sure you already know this, our children are wonderful! They were articulate and thoughtful about their experience. They understood they were special in the learning process and their critique could help future students. The children had an opportunity to fill out a survey after the test and the district has another opportunity to share our experiences with the Department of Education. I told the children I was going to share what they told me with the Board of Education so we could better plan for the future. I did and included some of their suggestions in our budget planning. Let me share with you some of what they told me. First of all, they said the online testing experience was challenging and fun. Overall, they liked it and said that the previous MAP benchmark testing we have done with them helped prepare them for this experience. The third graders asked me to give them some more technology classes in lower grade levels and even more essay writing on computers. Some of the tools confused them and didn't work well on the test itself. Even the seventh graders said the directions were not always clear and the testing company needed to work on that. Some reported that the test was easier on their hands, but harder on their eyes. They want more computer labs and more time to write longer essays. They also asked me for more keyboarding practice. They asked for the time left to be posted on the screen by the testing company and if I could get them more online tests to work with on a regular basis. I was taking notes as fast as I could. Of course not every student loved it, but they were se- rious in their assessment of it. They will take it for real next year. We will not receive any student results for the field test, so although the children reported it was fun, we don't really know how challenging it really was for them. Remember, this test is all about the new common core curriculum standards and they have raised the bar in many ways that even our Clinton Township students will find challenging. Clinton Township is listening and responding to our chil- dren and staff. Each school is getting another lab space and we will be adding some technology classes in our primary grades. I am adding a parent resource page to our website with PARCC information and access to keyboarding to practice at home, as well as some more online activities. In fact, each grade will have resources for different subject areas that parents can access with the click of a button. We are doing more and more writing and doing it across all disciplines. Yes, even math answers have to be explained in writing. There are some states rebelling against these new standards, however they are the current law here and were developed in response to concerns about our students competing on an international level, as well as college and career readiness. These standards have changed the educational landscape and will influence many budget and educa- tional decisions for years to come. This online testing is only one step in getting students ready for the changing future. It would be easier to put our heads in the sand and refuse to change, but we cannot do that. The Clinton Township schools take our responsibility very seriously. All of us will need to face change and some of it will not be easy, but it is coming and we are taking the steps we must take to be ready so our children can face the future with confidence. Wishing You a Happy Spring! Dr. Drucilla Clark, Superintendent email: dclark@dclark@ctsd.k12.nj.us a L e t t e r F r o m Dr. Drucilla Clark, Superintendent of Schools "The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."–Winston Churchill C t s d b o a r d o F e d u C a t i o n : b o a r d m e e t i n g d a t e s F o r t h e 2 0 1 4 C a L e n d a r y e a r : May 19, 2014*, June 23, 2014, July 28, 2014, August 25, 2014, September 22, 2014, October 27, 2014, November 17, 2014*, December 15, 2014*, January 5, 2015* – Reorganization Meetings will be held on the fourth Monday of the month, except where noted *. Unforeseen circumstances may force the rescheduling of these meetings. In such cases, notice will be given as provided in the Open Public Meetings Act. Meetings are held at Clinton Township Middle School (34 Grayrock Rd.) in the Auditorium or Library at 7:30 pm. Find out what's going on in our schools, meet the Board and the Superintendent! All residents of CT are encouraged to attend, not just the parents of CTSD children. For BOE meeting minutes, visit: www.ctsd.k12.nj.us

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