November 5, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Midland Park Assessment report points to strong student achievement The 2013-14 assessment profile for the Midland Park School District presented at a recent meeting of the board of education shows that the district’s student achieve- ment on mandated state assessments is strong and that student cohort groups con- tinue to demonstrate proficiency in tested areas. The annual presentation fulfills statutory requirements for public report- ing of state-mandated benchmark assess- ments. “When we collaborate on this presen- tation, we ask many questions—such as, Is each individual student progressing over time and what school-specific infor- mation the data shows us that will help frame action plans? For us, assessments are not ‘gotcha’ experiences for students, teachers, and schools. Rather, we pride ourselves on using the data to help remain focused on effective instructional prac- tices that differentiate for student ability levels and result in engaging instruction,” commented Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marie Cirasella. The presentation included a review of the NJ Department of Education assess- ment program, which is the state’s man- dated accountability system for student achievement. New Jersey’s assessment program is aligned to the Common Core Standards, and students are tested in grades 3-8 and again in grade 11. Tested areas are English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics; and sci- ence and biology at specific grade levels. The High School Proficiency Assessment is identified as a “high stakes” or “gate- way test,” with required passing for high school graduation. Noteworthy highlights of the district’s student performance include: • Approximately 90 percent of the total Advanced Placement student population scored a 3 or better on the AP exam (NJ average is 74.2 percent); • SAT scores continue an upward trend, with the district scoring well above state and national scores; • HSPA ELA Advanced Proficiency remains above 50 percent; • NJASK ELA student cohort scores evidence proficiency level gains ranging from 8-11 percent in grades 4, 5 and 8; • NJASK math student cohort scores evidence proficiency level gains ranging from 5-11 percent in grades 4 and 5; • NJASK science scores maintained a high level of proficiency. The presentation also identified a minor, anticipated dip in the ELA seventh grade student cohort scores. Dr. Cira- sella said that remediation activities are identified in school-based action plans and that the administration is targeting instructional support endeavors to build sustainable strategies in preparation for the upcoming online state assessments (PARCC). Though the PARCC scores will not count until 2019, it will be a revolution- ary undertaking. It will be administered entirely on computers, using a Google format to target students needs based on their scores, and to provide teachers with results right away. Students will not have the opportunity to guess and will have to explain their answers, according to June Chang, the district’s director of curricu- lum, instruction, and assessment. High School Principal Nick Capuano said PARCC instruction in grades seven through 12 is being applied throughout the curriculum and across departments, delving more deeply into subject matter to meet PARCC expectations, with what they learn in one class reinforced in others. (continued on page 25)