The Hammonton Gazette 02/03/16 Edition | Page 4

Taking a closer look at PARCC testing at public schools Wednesday, February 3, 2016 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3 PARCC, from Page 1 a student needs help, or is excelling, so they are able to enhance instruction to meet individual student needs. ParCC helps ensure that all students, regardless of income, family background or geography, have equal access to a world-class education that will prepare them for success after high school in college and/or careers. New state standards set consistent expectations in english and mathematics for every student, and ParCC provides a valid and reliable evaluation of each student’s progress toward them.” Students from grades 3-11 took ParCC english Language arts and Literacy assessments while students’ grades 3-8 took ParCC Mathematics assessments. although ParCC is currently required for all public schools, Hammonton Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dan Blachford is focused on creating an environment that allows students to succeed in ways other than just standardized testing. “Being a public school in New Jersey, we are mandated to follow State Department of education rules and regulations. the NJ DOe has accepted the Common Core Standards and the Partnership for assessment of readiness for College and Careers (ParCC) assessments and require all school districts in the state to adopt them. the Common Core Standards are vastly better than previous standards and attempts to standardize scholastic content. the ParCC assessments are the “next generation” assessments. Our students will need to know the skills and testing structures. it is hard on students and teachers when higher standards are imposed on every grade level because students cannot just “jump up three years in learning.” it takes time. in the Hammonton schools, we have focused on teaching methods and techniques that develop critical thinking skills. this has made for an easier DiMeglio Septic, Est. 1975 ~ DEP 03261 ~ Paul DiMeglio Inc. 1 (800) 427-4617 ~ 561-1007 ~ 561-3597 491 S. White Horse Pike • Ancora, NJ • Grease Trap Cleaning • portable Toilets • Septic Certifications • Jetting Service 1/ "