Veritas Preparatory Charter School

Minutes

Academic Achievement Committee Meeting

Zoom Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday May 8, 2025 at 8:30 AM

Location

Committee Members Present

A. Errichetti (remote), A. Hickson-Martin (remote), R. Sela (remote)

Committee Members Absent

L. Doherty, M. Freeman

Guests Present

N. Gauthier

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

R. Sela called a meeting of the Academic Achievement Committee of Veritas Preparatory Charter School to order on Thursday May 8, 2025 at 8:31 AM.

C.

Approve Minutes

A. Errichetti made a motion to approve the minutes from Academic Achievement Committee Meeting on 04-10-25.
A. Hickson-Martin seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Academic Achievement

A.

Review of Early Release Data: 10th Grade ELA MCAS

MCAS Testing and Data
Amy provided an overview of the MCAS testing calendar, highlighting that the first tests were for 10th-grade ELA, followed by middle school math and high school math.
 

The group discussed the early release data for 10th-grade ELA, noting that the school average was behind the state average by an average of 8 points across all questions.
 

The curriculum for high school ELA is being completely redesigned to better prepare students for standardized tests like MCAST and SATs.

B.

Spring SAT Results: 11th Grade Performance

Academic Performance and Test Scores
Amy discussed the SAT scores, noting that the math scores were significantly lower than the English Language Arts (ELA) scores. The group acknowledged that the students had not taken algebra since eighth grade, which may have contributed to the lower math scores. The possibility of running a semester-long prep course or an after-school program was mentioned to help improve the scores.

 

Strategic Goals and SAT Preparation
The group discussed the strategic goal of having 100% of 10th graders take the PSAT, with 50% hitting the benchmarks in math and ELA.
 

There was a discussion on whether the SATs are still relevant for college admissions, with some colleges reinstating the requirement while others remain test-optional.
 

The value of taking the SAT, regardless of its impact on college admissions, was debated, focusing on the experience and potential insights it provides for curriculum and intervention adjustments.

 

College Readiness and Soft Skills
Andrea highlighted the importance of basic literacy and organizational skills for college readiness, noting that many students have weak foundational skills.


The group discussed the need for a more tangible metric to assess students' habits of success, such as time and task management.


The importance of teaching students to ask for help and advocate for themselves was emphasized, especially in the context of mental health and academic support.

C.

Strategic Goals Preview: 2025–2026 School Year

This agenda item was tabled and will be revisited at next month’s meeting due to time constraints.

III. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,
R. Sela
Documents used during the meeting
  • SAT Scores School Day testing Spring 2025.pdf
  • Veritas Strategic Goals - Veritas FY26 Goals.pdf