Wappingers Central School District

Response:

During the development of the 2016-2017 WCSD Budget, a line item for the purchase of a universal screener was discussed and approved. Prior to the start of the i-Ready/Star 360 Pilots during the 2015-2016 school year, the Board was informed of the purpose of the pilot programs, and they received updates throughout the aforementioned year regarding the selection of the universal screener. During the week of June 17, after the results of the pilots were reviewed and feedback received from the teachers and administrators, the Board of Education was notified of the selection of i-Ready. The Board of Education approves curriculum as noted in Board Policy #4200. However, the Board of Education does not approve assessments which are used to support and inform the curriculum. Public discussion has been reserved for items on the Board agenda and/or for items needing Board approval. Historically, locally determined assessments have not been a topic for public discussion.

Response:

The WCSD does not feel that a computer program can do a better job than a trained, licensed teacher. The i-Ready Diagnostic will be used by the classroom teacher to assess the skills and ability level of students to better support their instruction based on the WCSD Curriculum Maps. i-Ready will also provide our teachers with information to better prepare lessons that will address the specific learning needs of each student.

Response:

I-Ready is a tool that will be used to inform the District's local curriculum. Since there is no provision under state law permitting parents to have their child refuse to use certain curricular materials or locally determined assessments, the WCSD has the right to require all students to participate in i-Ready. Therefore, alternative arrangements will not be available.