Good afternoon,

It's Friday! I know you are probably ready to get on with the weekend. Things have been quite busy and I know we are all ready for a little break.

I'll start today with a little about the New York State Assessment results for students in Grades 3-8 that were released earlier this week. Results on the state assessments across all grade levels are not anywhere where we want them to be nor are they the only indicator for gauging student achievement. As the New York State Education Department (NYSED) emphasized in their release, there are multiple measures of learning including these exams, that are used to help shape individualized learning plans so students have the supports they need. The state test results should not be used in isolation. They, along with other diagnostic tools, should be used to help us identify achievement gaps and determine where students need additional help and support.

NYSED also stressed that due to the disruptions and impact of COVID-19, test results from this year should not be compared to results from previous years. Multiple measures are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs.

Some news reports shared that our district has "zero percent proficiency in mathematics." This is not the case. While none of the 8th grade students who took the math assessment scored in the proficient designation, there is a caveat. Eighth graders who take accelerated Algebra did not take this exam. They instead take the Algebra Regents exam. Therefore, their proficiency level is not included in these results. 118 eighth grade students took the Algebra 1 Regents Exam and 80 and out of the 114 students passed (70.17%) with a three or higher.

Also, please note that the assessment results do not include the entire student body. In total, 744 students opted out of the math assessment and 586 out of the ELA assessment. Also note in terms of eighth grade math results, 303 students did not take the Grade 8 mathematics assessment.

Below is a chart of our district results. Levels 3 and 4 are considered proficient.

We continue to dig deep within the data, using both state assessment and iReady data, our district's assessment tool, to identify individual student needs, grade level needs, and trends, so that we can continue to provide support. This year we intensified our efforts and are bringing a more focused approach to mathematics with the addition of an assistant director dedicated to mathematics. We also provide academic intervention services, literacy programming to support literacy deverlopment across the content area, and are vetting math curriculum resources to best support Tier I mathematics instruction. Tier I means a valid and reliable core curriculum that is aligned with the standards. We did recently launch a new literacy curriculum. Extended day and summer programming is also designed to provide intervention and supports to students. This last summer, we had the highest enrollment in the Summer Enrichment Program. We are currently planning for the implementation of an extended day learning program in each of our schools with a focus on after-school learning and supports.

The 2022 tests were the final year of state tests aligned to the Common Core standards. In Spring 2023, the math and ELA tests for grades 3-8 will assess students on the Next Generation Learning Standards for the first time. We will be sharing more about the new standards with you.

While none of us want our assessment results to be as they are, I do know how hard everyone in our district works and the care and support everyone in our school community provides to our students. We have many many, many success stories that don't show in the state assessment results. I appreciate everyone in our schools and school community who help us move forward. We are all in this work together - school, home and community - and we have to keep at it. I am confident that as we move forward, we will begin to see the growth that we want and expect.

If at any time you have questions or concerns about your children's progress in school, please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher. Please continue to work the ABC's of school: Attendance, Behavior and Coursework. Please be sure your child is in school every day unless they are sick. Encourage your child to engage in school and to complete all course work and homework. For those of you with young learners, please take time to read with them every night. This is huge and in the long run will make a difference.

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This week I'm happy to recognize our secondary principals as we wrap up National Principal's Month. Thank you Middle School Principals Nicole Biette, Tony Farina , Karmen McEvoy and Schenectady High School Principal Dennis Green. Please join me in thanking them for all they do for our students and community. #thankaprincipal

Traveling Art Show

On Thursday evening, Schenectady police held their annual SCARE-Nectady patrol event. The route included a stop at Mont Pleasant Middle School and a stop at Woodlawn Elementary. Check out the photos!

The following were appointed by the Board of Education on October 12. If you are new to our district "Welcome to Schenectady!"

SCSD Educational Foundation Grants to Teachers

The Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation (SCSDEF) is once again awarding grants to teachers.   $50,000 will be available this year, with awards of up to $4,000 per grant recipient.  Applications will be accepted October 31 through November 28.

This will be the only opportunity to apply this school year.  

To apply, click here.  

Please review the grant guidelines and selection criteria.

Winners will be announced by email in December before the holiday break.  

If you have any questions, please email Agnes Phillips at phillipsagnes14@gmail.com or Nancy Sagendorf at nancysagendorf@gmail.com

For more information on the SCSD Educational Foundation or the education grants, visit the website at http://scsdeducationfoundation.org/ 

MOBILE APP SUPPORT Click here to watch a short video on how to set your school and language preferences on our mobile app: hhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saNC9ek2Lqg

PREVIOUS BRIEFS: For the index of Volume 1 and Volume 2 Briefs, click here.