Assessment

What does it mean?

Each year our children confront a battery of standardized assessment tests — Terra Nova in the fall and MCAS in the spring. The test scores are released and we wonder what does it all mean. The purpose of this article is to offer some explanation concerning the purpose of these tests and what data analysis of the test scores can offer the student to enhance his/her achievement and skills. Mr. Richard Marchand, Director of Assessment Services, offers an unique analogy of test administration: He suggests we approach test administration as a sports team activity with him as the head coach, faculty, staff and administration as the assistant coaches and the students as the team players. The goal is for everyone to do the best they can and be successful.

After many hours of research and data analysis we chose the Terra Nova as our placement test and annual standardized test because of components it shares with the MCAS. The competencies and skills assessed on the Terra Nova share a strong correlation to those tested on the MCAS as well as the form/format and level of difficulty being very similar to the MCAS.

Using these commonalties we are able to show a correlation between Terra Nova scores and MCAS scores. Success on the Terra Nova indicates success on the MCAS. We also use the Terra Nova to prepare longitudinal student reports to show growth over time while students are enrolled at Greater Lowell. Perhaps in the future it can be used as part of the appeals process for MCAS. It is valuable entity used to reflect student growth and achievement in high school.

The Terra Nova provides us an opportunity to develop student profiles reflecting their academic strengths and weaknesses. This information can be disseminated to the teachers allowing them to prepare appropriate curriculum and learning activities.

Using this data with the grade 8 and grade 10 MCAS scores avails us an opportunity to refine our curriculum to improve student learning.

Math and English data teams were created to examine standardized assessment data and look for trends in student achievement in the various curriculum framework strands. These teams investigate and identify gaps in achievement and provide information and data to make appropriate curriculum modifications.

Providing the faculty with this vital information has many positive effects. The teachers review their students’ weaknesses and strengths, and focus on improving the skills necessary to assure passing scores on the MCAS. Teachers are teaching to the standards that need improvement instead of teaching to the test. This psychometric data is immeasurable and invaluable to student growth and success.

Another valuable result of administering the Terra Nova is the predictability component. Extensive research and data analysis has resulted in a high predictable rate concerning MCAS success. Terra Nova, because of its strong similarities to the MCAS, allows us to determine which students are most likely to pass the MCAS and which students are less likely to pass. For example, if a student scores Step 1/Failing on the Terra Nova, this is a strong indication he/she will not pass the MCAS. Those students scoring a Step 2 on the Terra Nova will have marginal MCAS success. Terra Nova scores of Step 3-5 indicate students should pass the MCAS. The students scoring a Step 2 or lower are the beneficiaries and focus of the individual data analysis described above — It is working.

Overall MCAS scores have improved over the past few years. Data analysis resulting in curriculum modification can be attributed to score improvement, enhanced learning time and student learning opportunities.

DOE MCAS Schedule

GLTHS MCAS Schedule

Learning the process

The college admissions process is an arduous and tedious task. It is a seemingly never-ending time of deadlines, applications, fees, and financial aid. However, you know it was well worth the time and effort when your child reads the first college acceptance letter. In an effort to help you and your child through the college admissions maze we have some helpful hints and important dates to remember.

PSAT/NMSOT — PSAT are given in October of your child’s junior year. The intended purpose of the PSAT is to let students practice for the SAT Program Test. The test measures skills in three basic academic areas important for success in college — verbal reasoning, math problem solving and writing skills. It is a chance for students to experience the testing process. The scores indicate the strengths and weaknesses of each student that needs to be improved. The PSAT, a 2 hour 45 min. test will be given at Greater Lowell to any junior class student planning on going to college. Students interested in taking the PSAT must sign-up with their counselor in September. The cost of the test is $9.50.

SAT — SAT is a three-hour multiple choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning activities. Most colleges require SAT scores for admissions. Greater Lowell Tech encourages college bound juniors to take the SAT. It is recommended the students experience the test and if necessary re-take the SAT in the fall of their senior year. For more information on SAT and PSAT or to Register for SAT program tests via College Board online click here.

SAT INFO

Interested students can also see their guidance counselor for registration forms and information. This booklet includes test dates, deadlines, and cost of the exam. The test will be administered at Lowell High.

Greater Lowell Continuing Efforts

• Financial Workshop -Each year in January Greater Lowell Tech offers a financial aid workshop. The purpose of this workshop is to offer assistance to parents searching or applying for financial aid — financial aid representatives are available to answer any questions.

• Break Away - is a program offered in March. The GLTHS Guidance Department offers this program to assist you and your child to make the successful transition from high school to college. This program will address the concerns of both parents and students in preparing for college life. Speakers include college admissions and financial aid representatives.

• Greater Lowell Technical High School Scholarship - Each year GLTHS offers thousands of dollars in scholarship monies to college bound seniors. This program began in 1977 in memory of our late superintendent Jerry Carpenter Jr. This memorial scholarship fund later developed into the GLTHS Scholarship and Tools Award. In 2001, over $50,000 was awarded in scholarships and tools. The Guidance Department will be accepting applications. Any student interested should see his/her guidance counselor for an application. In the spring a selection committee of faculty, administration, and secretarial staff will review each application. Guidance counselors offer their input and   decisions will be made based upon the following criteria —academics and technical grades, school spirit, participation in school activities and need. Scholarship awards are announced prior to the senior awards ceremony.

Scholarships

GLTHS is committed to the needs of all our students. Stats for the Class of 2005 are bulleted below

·        92% overall placement

·        59% attending College or postsecondary Technical School

·        30% enter the workplace full time immediately after graduation

·        3% entered the Military

These students and parents are a tribute to the spirit and education and efforts of our guidance department, faculty and administration. It is our goal to continue this effort for many more years.

Dear Parent/Guardian of AYES Candidate:

Are you and your child starting to think about career options?  A special educational opportunity is now available at Greater Lowell Technical High School and we are eager to tell you about it.

It is called the Automotive Youth Educational System (AYES) program and it is a unique partnership among area automotive manufacturers and participating dealerships in the Merrimack Valley.  AYES introduces young people to the exceptional career opportunities available in automotive technology, and prepares them for entry level dealership positions or college level study.  Few people realize the tremendous income potential of these careers:  experienced master technicians earn $35,000-$50,000 plus annually and many dealerships have positions open. 

AYES combines academic growth with a development of hands-on skills.  At Greater Lowell Technical High School, Math, Science and English classes help your child earn academic credits towards graduation.  He/She also spends many hours in the automotive technology shop learning scientific concepts behind today’s sophisticated automotive parts. 

AYES includes actual on-the-job experience at a participating dealership.  Paid experiences will be typically available full time in the summer of the junior/senior years and as a Cooperative Education placement during the senior year.

By the time your child earns a high school diploma and an AYES certificate, he/she should have excellent qualifications to join a dealership as a full time entry level service technician or, if further academic studies beckon, that avenue is fully open, as well.  Your child’s automotive instructors have talked to them about the AYES program and Greater Lowell Technical High School has had many students who have participated in the program since 1999.  

If you have any questions about this exciting educational opportunity for your child, please don’t hesitate to contact Paul Siopes, Placement Director and AYES Coordinator at (978) 441-4959.  He would be happy to speak with you on this exciting career opportunity.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Lussier

Director of Technical Studies

cc:       Paul Siopes, Director of Cooperative Education/Placement

            Mary Jo Santoro, Assistant Superintendent/Principal