The committee’s discussion on the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) assessments revealed a notable improvement in math scores across all grade levels. Specifically, second-grade math scores at Shaker Lane School showed remarkable growth, with RIT scores increasing from 20.5 to 203.27 from the previous year. This positive trend was consistent across grades three through five at Russell Street School, where post-pandemic scores surpassed pre-pandemic levels by four to 4.5 points.

The middle school also reported substantial gains, with sixth-grade math scores exceeding pre-pandemic benchmarks by 1.5 points. High school data was more complex to analyze due to the recent introduction of MAP reading assessments during the pandemic, but the data has been instrumental in identifying specific areas requiring support.

Despite these achievements in math, the reading scores did not exhibit the same level of growth. For instance, third-grade reading scores of 198 were slightly above the national norm of 197.4. Recognizing this, the district introduced a new reading curriculum aimed at enhancing comprehension by integrating content into reading lessons.

The meeting included an in-depth presentation on how MAP data informs instructional practices. Conducted three times a year, these adaptive assessments provide real-time data that teachers use to adjust lesson plans and form targeted intervention groups. The RIT scale, an equal interval scale measuring growth over time, allows for a nuanced understanding of student proficiency beyond grade levels.

The committee discussed the importance of professional development to ensure consistent use of assessment data across teaching staff. Monthly data meetings enable teachers to analyze performance at both classroom and grade levels. Interventionists at Russell Street School play a role in supporting teachers by diving into data trends specific to grade levels.

Financial management was another key topic, with the committee reviewing a working document on financial policies aimed at reforming the budgeting process for the town’s municipal government. The document proposes maintaining a minimum emergency reserve balance of 5% of the appropriation, with a target closer to 10%. This proactive financial planning helps mitigate unexpected expenses, particularly in special education.

The committee also debated the practice of prepaying expenses to avoid budget spikes. While some members questioned the necessity of this practice, the consensus was that it helps smooth out financial fluctuations and should be maintained. The discussion included the management of excess Chapter 70 funds, recommending that additional revenue should fall into “free cash” for general purposes after certification at the following town meeting. This approach aims to allocate funds for capital projects rather than operational expenditures, thereby ensuring long-term fiscal health.

The Shaker Lane Building Committee update announced community meetings on October 16th and 23rd to gather public input. These meetings are intended to keep the community informed about the project’s progress. The committee plans to engage community members at local events to improve outreach and ensure residents are well-informed.

Advanced Placement (AP) course performance at Littleton High School was also highlighted. Principal John Harrington reported strong results from the AP exams taken in May 2023, with high percentages of students achieving scores of four and five. The introduction of a new AP Literature teacher, Mrs. Kate McCook, has contributed to the program’s success, increasing student participation and performance. Mrs. Laura Cerr’s AP Statistics class achieved a 93% pass rate.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the necessity of clear communication among the school committee, select board, and finance committee to ensure effective budgeting practices moving forward. The importance of aligning professional development with assessment data was emphasized to foster academic conversations around stamina and risk-taking in learning.