Supervisor of Curriculum, Instruction and Guidance Laurie Volpe addresses parents at Forrestdale School, during the Rumson School District’s presentation of “Understanding Your Child’s PARCC Scores.”

Press release from Rumson School District 

On the evening of January 11, the Rumson School District invited parents of borough students to a public presentation entitled “Understanding Your Child’s PARCC Scores.” Over 40 parents attended the Parent Academy presentation inside the All Purpose Room at Forrestdale School, co-hosted by Superintendent Dr. John Bormann and Laurie Volpe, Supervisor of Instruction, Curriculum, and Guidance.

This spring, and for the second consecutive year, the Borough of Rumson is preparing to administer Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) testing for all students in the public school system. Testing will take place from April 11 – 15 for students in grades four through eight, and from May 2-6 for third graders.

The 7 pm Parent Academy presentation provided district parents with timely information and perspective on the PARCC Assessment, which is aligned with Common Core Standards.

Rumson School District Superintendent Dr. John Bormann speaks with parents about PARCC testing.

At the Parent Academy presentation, Bormann noted that PLCs – Professional Learning Communities – have been built into the school day. Time spent in PLCs will be used by teachers  and administrators to analyze PARCC data and curriculum standards in order to provide all students with innovative learning opportunities.

“PARCC is just one of the many measurement tools being used in our district,” said the Superintendent. “PARCC is designed to more closely assess the performance of our students, and is a more realistic measurement when compared to other tests – such as NJ ASK — that have existed in the past.”

Bormann emphasized that, for the Rumson school district, the bottom line on PARCC is that “we should take it lightly, but use it wisely.”

“This year’s focus is on analyzing PARCC data and identifying patterns that will inform our curriculum and teaching methods,” he said. “That being said, our district’s focus is always on

providing teachers with the opportunity for creativity and excitement in their instruction.”

Parents in attendance gained concrete facts and were given the opportunity to ask questions of both Bormann and Volpe.

“I want you to be able to analyze your child’s test scores, but also to understand how the district will communicate and assess the data,” said Volpe. “Parents need to feel empowered as

partners with the school district as their children prepare for the next step.”

Dr. Bormann also announced that Rumson has been selected by the New Jersey Department of Education’s Office of School Innovation to be part of the innovateNJ Community. The Office selects innovateNJ districts based on a lengthy and rigorous application process, as well as district-wide established practices. Members of the innovateNJ Community are partnering and collaborating with other districts to bring the best innovative practices to all students.

Bormann and Volpe encouraged parents to attend the Rumson School District’s upcoming Board of Education Meeting, where last year’s PARCC testing results will be shared with the  community. The presentation of PARCC scores will begin at 6:30 p.m. on January 27th, prior to the Board of Education meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m., in the Higgins Library at Forrestdale

School.

For information on upcoming Parent Academy presentations, as well as information on all initiatives taking place in the Rumson school district, visit www.rumsonschool.org.