Schools

MCAS Irregularity Being Investigated at Framingham Elementary School

For the second time in less than three months, an MCAS issue has been reported at a Framingham elementary school.

For the second time in less than three months, an MCAS issue has been reported at a Framingham elementary school.

A report of an "MCAS irregularity" was reported at Brophy Elementary School in May.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has been notified and the Framingham Public School district is investigating the complaint.

According to the state, "testing irregularities are incidents that represent a deviation from prescribed testing procedures. Testing irregularities may include student impropriety, test violations, educator misconduct, or the mishandling of secure test materials."

Editor's Note: Framingham Patch is aware of the individuals involved and the specific testing irregularity, but has chosen at this time not to report their names or post the specific incident. 

Patch contacted Framingham Superintendent of Schools Stacy Scott for an explanation of the MCAS irregularity or a comment on the investigation Monday. As of 2 a.m. today, there has been no response.

Framingham Patch also contacted the Framingham Teachers Union co-presidents, but neither wished to discuss the issue during the investigation.

According to the DESE, once an MCAS irregularity is reported to the state, the Education Commissioner will write to the district superintendent, "ask that he conduct a local fact-finding investigation into the alleged irregularity, and require that he report back to the Department in writing, within an established time frame, regarding the results of the investigation."

It is unknown when that report is due or if it has been sent to the state already.

The state will review the internal investigation and can request additional documentation. The state can also notify the superintendent about any potential consequences, such as the invalidation of results.

If a testing irregularity is proven to be true, the state can:

  • delay in reporting of district, school, or student results
  • invalidate district, school, or student results
  • prohibit school personnel from participating in a future MCAS test administration
  • Sanction licensed educators/administrators

Consequences imposed by the state, however, do not limit a local district’s authority to impose its own sanctions up to and including termination.

The Brophy MCAS irregularity report is the second report of an MCAS issue in the district since March.

On March 17, Framingham Patch was the first media outlet to report on a MCAS irregularity at Stapleton Elementary School.

Scott responded, at that time in March, "FPS district office reported concerns to DESE regarding a potential irregularity in MCAS administration at Stapleton ES which impacted the starting time of the test for 5th grade students. The district is conducting a full review of processes and procedures regarding MCAS testing requirements to ensure full compliance with DESE expectations."

Less than two weeks later, the Stapleton Elementary School Principal was placed on paid administrative leave

Two days, later the administration announced the principal resigns. A search is still ongoing for a new principal. No finalists have been publicly announced yet.

Framingham Public Schools has been designated as a level 3 school district by the state.

Half of the Framingham Public Schools, based on MCAS results, have a level 3 status. (The best status is level 1. The worst is a level 5.)

Level 3 schools in Framingham include:

  • Barbieri Elementary
  • Brophy Elementary
  • Framingham High
  • Fuller Middle
  • McCarthy Elementary
  • Wilson Elementary
The district with one high school, three middle schools and eight elementary schools currently, one has one Level 1 school - Dunning Elementary.


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