Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 2/18/2021 - 4:00 PM
Category: New Business and Reports to the Board
Type: Info
Subject: MTSS and SEAL First Semester Analysis (attachments posted 2/16/2021)--45 mins.
ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 2: Instructional Excellence
ACPS will ensure that all students have access to and engagement with high-quality instruction.
Goal 3: Student Accessibility and Support
ACPS will ensure students have equitable access to and engagement with programs and supports that reduce barriers to learning.
Policy: AE - School Division Goals and Objectives
Funding Source or Fiscal Impact (where applicable)
File Attachment:
210218_Board_Memo_MTSS_and_SEAL_First_Semester_Analysis_v1.pdf
210216_Presentation_MTSS_and_SEAL_First_Semester_Analysis_v1.pdf
210216_Attachment2_Q2_Chronic_Absenteeism_Analysis_v1.pdf
210218_Attachment3_Q2_Elementary_Student_Grade_Distribution_Analysis_v1.pdf
210218_Attachment4_Q2_Secondary_Student_Grade_Distribution_Analysis_v1.pdf
Agenda Item Summary: Our schools have been intentional and focused on the mitigation of Quarter 1 disparities with regard to chronic absenteeism and grade distribution since November 2020. While data on these indicators of grades and chronic absenteeism remain largely unchanged from the first quarter, we do see student growth in other data sources through mechanisms such as the Quarterly Chats with schools. An analysis of Quarter 2 data on chronic absenteeism and student grade distribution was conducted, showing little change in both chronic absenteeism and student grades from Quarter One. Chronic absenteeism remained driven by high absenteeism on asynchronous learning days (Monday). Higher rates of absenteeism and grades of F at the secondary level continued to disproportionately impact Hispanic, Black, English Learner (EL), and Students with Disabilities (SWD) students.
Background: Nationally, the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the continuity of learning and social-emotional development opportunities for students in schools has crossed all race, gender, ability, and socio-economic and regional demographics. However, it has also served to widen already existing inequities within education for traditionally underserved students. The impact on learning loss is compounded for students with learning challenges associated with special needs, limited English proficiency and other risk factors. As schools prepare to reopen in-person learning for some students, the persistence of the pandemic's critical health and safety concerns requires schools to implement Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning (SEAL) strategies through the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to address the needs of the whole child whether in-person or virtual. The Board Brief on December 18, 2020 provided an update to the Board regarding grade and chronic absenteeism quarter one student data and refinements, adjustments, and next-steps for the division. This Board Memo and attachments provides an update to the quarter one grades and chronic absenteeism data by comparing it to quarter two data, COVID-19 Brief Screener data, and current practices and refinements in place within MTSS and SEAL to address the needs of the whole student and to reduce current disparities.
Recommendation: The Superintendent recommends that the School Board review this information to inform future budgetary and programmatic decisions.
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Dr. Clinton Page - Chief Accountability Officer
Signed By:
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. - Superintendent