Butler BOE Concerned Over New Testing Policy

The longest discussion during the meeting on Thursday night was over the 9-12 Testing/Assessment Report. The assessment is based on the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) tests in Mathematics and Language Arts Literacy.  The scores are calculated and averaged out against state levels, and levels known as the District Factor Groups (DFG), which take into account population, income levels, tax and other factors for each local district and assigns a level to them accordingly. Butler High School was well above the averages for scores counting as proficient in their DFG. 

Additionally, Butler has a higher-than-average number of students classified as Special Education. Their scores, however, were well above the averages as well.

Of concern, though, is the change in policy that begins this school year. Replacing the HSPA will be the End of Course (EOC) tests. These have been undergoing field testing since 2007, but this year, for the first time students will be required to pass the EOC in biology, and next year algebra will be active. The EOC is meant to more closely mimic the New York Regents Exams.

Last year, Butler students were given the algebra EOCand did not fare well. Of the 148 students who were tested, 75 percent rated below basic, 24 percent at basic, and only 1 percent at proficient. 

Fortunately, this neither counted against the students nor the district, but lessons were learned. The state average below basic is at 46 percent, 25 percent for basic, and 24 percent at proficient. On the HSPA, Butler students scored above the averages, with 51 percent proficient and even 18.4 percent advanced proficient.  

The board discussed how students were not told of the importance of the test, so they may not have taken it seriously. Other factors included content that may not have been covered by the curriculum, as well as lack of familiarity with the format.  This would be a part of why committees have begun to research necessary changes in curriculum as well as texts for the classes. 

It was noted that test preparation, administration and review takes up more and more time each school year. This year, Butler district students will be prepared to meet the challenges presented by the new testing.

Also during the meeting:

• In keeping with the holiday spirit of the season, the meeting began upbeat, with a performance by the Richard Butler School Jazz Band. The kids enthusiastically performed jazzy arrangements of "O Christmas Tree," a compilation featuring "Feliz Navidad," and others.
• Superintendent Mario Cardinale reported that, due to effects of the budget crunch on the , there will be the loss of crossing guards at both and schools.  The board agreed that it would permit the superintendent to look into further actions the district and borough might take to assist one another through this, but in the meantime, a letter will be going out to parents informing them of this change, and to remind their students to use extra caution.
• Lyn Casaleggio presented awards to the three members of the jazz band who will be representing Butler schools in the North Jersey Area honors band.
• Melanie O'Shea was presented with the honor of being named a D.A.R.E officer on the national level.  She is the first Butler student to ever be so honored, and will be representing New Jersey on the National Youth Advisory Board for D.A.R.E.
• Tom Ferry, CPA with Ferraioli, Wielkotz, Cerullo & Cuva, P.A., presented the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and Auditors Management Report for the district.  The district has only very minor compliance issues, the audit turned up, which will be easily remedied, Ferry said.  The main issue, however, would be that for the 2011-12 school year there is going to be a budgetary shortage. This is due to a deficit resulting from a combination of state level cuts, a 2 percent cap on any surplus, and various other financial troubles most have become familiar with during the current recession.