Scituate School Committee Approves Student Opportunity Act Plan Update
District focuses on closing achievement gaps through evidence-based programs
SCITUATE - March 24 - The Scituate School Committee has approved an update to the district's Student Opportunity Act plan, which focuses on supporting students where gaps are identified and implementing evidence-based programs.
Assistant Superintendent Ryan Lynch presented the required update at the March 24 meeting, explaining that the plan covers school years 2025 through 2027.
"Our original plan talked about closing gaps, especially among students with disabilities, and also accelerating the performance of our lowest performing 25%," Lynch said.
The evidence-based programs the district has committed to include comprehensive tiered supports, an inclusive curriculum adoption process, and resource allocation aligned to student success.
Lynch noted that the district's work implementing the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), whole child review process, and data dashboard through Open Architects supports their tiered approach.
For curriculum adoption, the district is implementing the enVision and Savvas math program, providing professional development, and developing benchmark assessments in math.
The resource allocation component includes a five-year plan to implement universal design for learning. Lynch explained that the district is working with Research for Better Teaching to establish a strong foundation for teaching and learning.
"We recognize that establishing a strong foundation for what good teaching and learning looks like is an important first step," Lynch said. "We've committed to some work with Research for Better Teaching to really establish that foundation and to have consistent aligned evaluation practices."
Committee member Maria Fenwick asked whether the plan aligns with school-based improvement plans and district goals.
"I think our principals last week were looking at their list of lowest performing students to make sure those supports were in place," Lynch responded. "We're thinking about benchmarking and making sure that aligns with our MTSS process, so it aligns with our strategic plan."
The committee voted unanimously to approve the update, which must be submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) by April 1.
Scituate's Special Education Department has received a positive report from the state's Integrated Monitoring Review (IMR), Director of Special Education Dr. Michele Boebert told the School Committee.
The district fully implemented all 11 criteria for special education and 16 out of 18 for civil rights, with only minor issues to address.
"We just had our integrated monitoring review," Boebert said. "DESE comes out every three years and they look at criterions for special education and civil rights."
The review process included a self-assessment with more than 100 documents, a site visit to each school, a survey of special education parents, and interviews with selected staff.
"They observed lots of positive interactions between staff and students when they were visiting in the programs," Boebert said.
The state made some non-binding recommendations, including diversifying classroom locations for special education at the high school and addressing space concerns at Hatherley and Cushing Schools, which will be resolved when the new school is built.
They also suggested recruiting more members for the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).
The parent survey results were positive, with 30 out of 35 parents feeling welcomed and part of the school team. Most parents felt their input was valued during the IEP process and that support services adequately meet student needs.
The two minor issues identified in the review involve the code of conduct in school handbooks needing School Committee approval and ensuring evidence that teachers and administrators review curriculum for bias or stereotypes.
"Overall it was really, really positive," Boebert said. "They were pretty happy."
Superintendent Bill Burkhead praised the results, calling it "the most positive DESE meeting I've ever been in."
"This is really a credit to our whole district – the people that work with our kids and the families too," Burkhead said.
- School Counseling Update: Director of School Counseling Tammy Rundle presented on the department's goals and objectives, highlighting their work in academic support, social-emotional development, and college and career readiness. She noted increasing mental health needs among students and the department's efforts to address them.
- Technology Policies: The committee conducted a first reading of three updated technology policies related to student and staff use of technology and inappropriate use guidelines. The policies address the district's one-to-one device program, third-party software for student safety, and guidelines for artificial intelligence use.
- Competency Determination Policy: The committee approved a policy regarding graduation requirements and competency determination, which includes provisions for case-by-case review by the principal for exceptional circumstances.
- Field Trip Approvals: The committee approved a Washington, D.C. trip for the high school History Bowl team to compete in nationals, as well as a trip to Canobie Lake Park for the Gates Middle School band and chorus.
- Donation Acceptance: The committee accepted a $1,600 donation from the Scituate Rotary Club for the purchase of LEGO Education Spike Crime Sets for the middle school's LEGO interest-based club.