Gardner MA Public Schools Up 2 Tiers since 2019
The State Department of Secondary Education evaluates Public School Districts every 3 years. Gardner was assigned a Tier 3 designation in 2019. Now, Gardner has been upgraded to a Tier 1 designation for its review the week of April 3, 2023. Just the latest in a notably strong Gardner Public School System.
This was Really Big News
According to Gardner Superintendent Mark Pellegrino, the City has historically always been designated a Level 3 District, requiring “Correction Action to address our issues, and the areas of concern include both compliance and student outcomes – moderate risk.” With a Tier 1 designation, the improvement plan will be self-directed, and “data points indicate no concern on compliance and performance outcomes.” Pellegrino stated, “This was really big news for GPS as our staff have worked hard to ensure that we are meeting students’ needs and the requirements and expectations set by DESE.”
Some of What the State Evaluates in determining tier assignments
Annual drop-out rate for students with disabilities — Five-year cohort graduation rate for students with disabilities —- Public School Monitoring compliance data from the previous reviewed —Problem Resolution System data, specificially findings of noncompliance —Special Education SPP/APR compliance indicator data in various areas
Unprecedented Efforts and Notable Success
The Gardner Public School District has made unprecedented efforts in improving student outcomes through a data driven approach. Progress is shared openly and transparently with the public at School Committee meetings. Gardner Magazine has run several articles outlining the significant advantages students have who attend Gardner Public Schools ranging from positive reading score outcomes at the Elementary School level to the early college credit and Innovative Pathways programs at the High School level. It is another documented way the City of Gardner is making itself known and another example of its positive trajectory as it enters its second century as a City.
Press Release on Tiered Focus Monitoring Review Process