Karen informed the committee that the SPED audit would likely begin the week of October 6th  with a preliminary site visit planned for February 26, 2026. 

Jane explained the different screeners used by RVCS: DIBELS and Acadience for Reading and Math and SAEBRS for Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk. RVCS also uses Elementary Adjustment Check (from NCMPS) for incoming Kinderhaus. The middle school students are a tested regularly in Math and Language Arts as part of their standard curriculum, so no academic screeners are performed at that level. Each student entering 7th grade are required to do a summer math packet as well as a summer reading and writing assignment so the middle school teachers have an idea of where the students are.  The school also uses MCAS as part of the assessment process.

The Committee reviewed name redacted disaggregated data results of the academic screeners by level and by classroom (individual classrooms identify was not disclosed). The results were color coded to indicated above benchmark/ at benchmark/ needing support/ needing intensive support.

The Committee emphasized the need to make sure processes were in place that all classrooms were administered the screeners uniformly. Jane explained that teacher training as well as administrative training were on going.

The Committee inquired how the screener data compiled would be used to improve student outcomes - Jane/Karen explained that teachers would be more aware of identified students and if needed, students would be referred to more student support services within the school. 

Last year was the first full school year, where the screeners were implemented the entire year, across the E1/E2 classrooms. Looking at whole year data year to year will be very beneficial looking to the future.

MAP testing and its usefulness was suggested as possible future assessment at RVCS - but more research and learning about MAP would be needed. 

Karen presented a report on the Essential Elements Review (EER) that was done last spring (internal audit), which shared key findings and observations. The EER was done using classroom observations, and meetings with teachers and staff at different levels. The EER used 5 domains: adults, the environment, partnership with families, school's leadership, and assessment (eg MCAS, Screeners, etc).

Karen discussed the consistent performance compared to the previous year's audit, but emphasized the need for improvement. Key recommendations included providing Montessori orientation for staff (in house refresher courses), increased collaboration across departments and grade levels, and reducing classroom clutter/ addition of more Montessori specific materials. The school aims to enhance the family partnerships to reduce absenteeism and improve community engagement. Organizational charts/ Job descriptions and a culture of feedback was discussed. 

Committee will review draft audit report and ask any additional questions next meeting. 

The Accountability Plan is 5 years in duration. In the past RVCS has alternated between internal and external audits yearly. For the current accountability plan, which we are in our first year, we will have 2 internal audits, followed by an external audit in the third year, and then 2 more internal audits. 

As to the tracking of the accountability plan targets/goals the school usually records progress at the end of each year. The committee emphasized its desire to update progress month to month as a quick report out and so that the school can be proactive in the case of needed adjustments. 

Last years family survey questions will be distributed to committee members so that they can suggest updates, if needed. 

Did not discuss.

Next month's Accountability Meeting will be held via video conference.

Next month's Accountability Meeting will be held via video conference.