The Student Opportunity Act (SOA) was enacted by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2019 requiring every
district to set clear targets for improving disparities in achievement among
student groups and develop a three-year plan to implement evidence-based
strategies to meet their targets.
Districts must select Focus Areas to prioritize based on disparities prevalent in the data to improve student learning experiences and outcomes for student groups.
Disparities within the district have been identified and the strategic objectives and focus areas listed below will address concerns in: chronic absenteeism, dropout rates, out of school suspensions, ACCESS, and MCAS achievement.
Districts are encouraged to engage with students, families, educators and other stakeholders and your feedback will assist us with prioritizing and achieving these desired outcomes.
In order to access more information regarding the Student Opportunity Act plan please use the following link.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bu2hE4Mh-7BC37t8icZ_SMH1M-OY6gIl0pZpTQiGwFU/edit?usp=sharing
Strategic Objective 1 : Cultivate systems to support the whole student and foster joyful, healthy, and supportive learning environments so that all students feel valued, connected, nourished, and ready to learn.
Focus Areas & Evidence-Based programs
- Promote students’ physical and mental health and wellness.
- Integrated Services
- Enhanced Support for SEL and Mental Health
- Positive School Environments
- Implement a multi-tiered system of supports. (MTSS)
- Effective Student Support System
- Comprehensive Tiered Supports
The district is proposing the following in alignment with strategic objective 1:
- Institute a mentoring program at the high school level
- Create a more robust tiered system of support and intervention at the high school level
- Increase access to counseling services and behavioral and mental health supports at the high school level
Strategic Objective 2 : Promote deeper learning so that all students engage in grade-level work that is real-world, relevant, and interactive.
Focus Areas & Evidence-Based programs - Inclusive Curriculum Adoption Process
- Supporting Curriculum Implementation
- Comprehensive Approach to Early Literacy
- Early Literacy Screening and Support
- Reimagine the high school experience so that all students are engaged and prepared for post-secondary success.
- Authentic Postsecondary Planning
- High-Quality Secondary Pathways and Programs
The district is proposing the following in alignment with strategic objective 2:
- Implement a new high quality core curriculum resource for EL instruction K-8
- Provide high quality PD to general education teachers, EL and Special Education teachers with instructional strategies and resources to support EL learners and Students with Disabilities
- Provide high quality coaching and consultation in mathematics
- Increase the use of technology programs at the elementary and middle school level such as ST Math
- Increase the support of Math Interventionists
- Increase access to early college high school program
- Develop or enhance alternative programs to support access to career and technical pathways
