December 9, 1998

Dear Lunenburg Parents:

Last Spring students in grades 4, 8, and 10 took part in the first state wide testing program (MCAS) to measure student performance in relation to the recently adopted curriculum frameworks in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science/Technology. Dr. John Silber, Chairman of the State Board of Education stated that, "the primary purpose of the MCAS is to establish a benchmark against which to measure progress, and to provide educators and parents with a diagnostic tool that will lead to better results for students."

The Lunenburg Public Schools uses a variety of tools to indicate student performance. The MCAS tests will measure performance to curriculum frameworks. There is no comparison to past tests given in Massachusetts because we have never had a high stakes test tied to curriculum standards for which individual students received scores.

The students that took the test across the state reported it was the toughest test they have ever taken. The content was challenging and the length of the test was demanding. Students were also required to show their work and write long answers to questions that they might not normally do in daily work. For 1999, the State is making adjustments to the test based upon the feedback provided by students and staff.

On the charts I am providing you with the Lunenburg results as compared to the State results. In many areas you will see that Lunenburg performed according to the State average. Our goal is to improve on Lunenburg’s performance over the next several years. This will occur as our curriculums align with the State Frameworks and are incorporated into classroom instruction. I am proud of the curriculum development work that has occurred in Lunenburg.

Can I see the questions that were asked on the test?

Yes, the State released 80% of the questions that were asked on the 1998 MCAS test. Copies of these questions are available for review at each school, Superintendent’s office, and the Ritter Library. In addition, copies of the curriculum frameworks are available for your review.

What types of questions appeared on the test?

There were four types of questions that appeared on the test. These were:

Multiple-choice questions

Open-response questions

Short-answer questions

Writing prompts in English only

Will MCAS serve as a basis for high school graduation?

Yes, beginning in the year 2001, grade 10 students must pass the grade 10 test as one condition of eligibility for a high school diploma. In addition, students must also fulfill all local graduation requirements. It should be noted that as of December 9, 1998, the State has not established the "passing" score. We anticipate this information in the future.

Do all students have to take the test?

Yes, the Education Reform Law provides no exemptions from taking the tests. All students must take the test. However, in certain situations testing accommodations for students with disabilities were allowed.

What will be tested in 1999?

The MCAS testing for 1999 will include English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science/Technology and History and Social Studies for grades 8 & 10 will be added. In the future, MCAS will also test the learning standards in the Foreign Language Curriculum Framework.

Where can I see the school district results?

District results are available at each school, Superintendent’s office, and the Ritter Library. You can also review the MCAS results and other school information on our web page, www.Lunenburg.com.

If I should have questions about my child’s report who should I contact?

Please call the main office of your child’s current school. When you call you will be referred to a staff member who will be able to assist you in understanding your child’s report.

Superintendent’s Office 582-4125

T.C. Passios School 582-4105

Turkey Hill Middle School 582-4110

Lunenburg High School 582-4115