2024 Auburn Public Schools Student Opportunity Act, March 27, 2024

The Student Opportunity Act was enacted in 2019 that established a provision that requires all districts in Massachusetts to set clear targets for improving disparities in achievement among student groups as part of their three-year Student Opportunity Act.

As a district, we have identified the three programs below that we believe provide the greatest opportunity for improving the achievement of all students in Auburn while also improving disparities in achievement among our student groups.

Auburn Public Schools is committed to implementing a multi-tiered system of support that helps all students progress both academically and in social, emotional and behavioral development. Through this commitment, we will address disparities between student groups in our district and accelerate the improvement of students with disabilities. Our commitment to this is strengthened through the following evidence-based programs:

Program 1: Implement a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) that helps all students progress both academically and in their social, emotional, and behavioral development.

Program 2: Select and skillfully implement high-quality and engaging instructional materials that support culturally and linguistically sustaining practices and foster deeper learning.

Program 3: Implement academic supports and interventions that provide all students, particularly students with disabilities and multilingual learners, equitable access to deeper learning.

In order to accomplish the above, communication and partnership are essential. The community of Auburn is a model of collaboration and we take great pride in engaging with families and the entire community in the following ways:

• Auburn PTO: We have an outstanding parent teacher program where engaged parents act as liaisons, sharing information and encouraging involvement.
   
• Virtual Workshops and Webinars: We host sessions on a variety of topics for families in our community.
   
• Superintendent Update: Dr. Beth Chamberland sends a bi-weekly newsletter to families updating them not only about events in the school, but also about topics and important items that impact all residents of Auburn.
   
• Principal Updates: Beyond the “big picture” update from Dr. Chamberland, each building principal regularly communicates with families on information taking place at each school.
   
• Auburn Police and Fire Departments: Our schools benefit from a tremendous partnership with our police and fire departments in terms of programming like Project Safe Childhood and Fire Safety presentations.
   
• Town of Auburn Leadership: The School District has had an ongoing positive relationship with the Town of Auburn. The Town continues to support us through the ongoing funding and collaboration.
   
• Chamber of Commerce: Our Leadership team meets regularly with the Chamber of Commerce where we each share updates and potential opportunities of interest to the Chamber and our students and families.
   
• Auburn Youth and Family Services: We are closely connected to Auburn Youth and Family Services, supporting their efforts while also connecting our students and families to the myriad of services that they offer.


• Auburn Recreation and Culture: The Recreation and Culture department offers countless opportunities for the youth of Auburn to engage in cultural and recreational programming. Our students are the beneficiaries of a close collaboration between the schools and the Recreation department.
   
• Local Businesses: Our adult transition program, Encore, for 18-21 year olds collaborates with a variety of organizations within Auburn as students build their skills, experience and independence.


• Special Olympics: Auburn Schools have been a leader in the state regarding our collaboration with and support of the Special Olympics program. Near the end of each school year, our schools participate in School Day games, a collaborative effort between Special Olympics of Massachusetts and our schools in which we celebrate our students with disabilities. In addition, we continue our Unified Sports program which brings our student-athletes with and without disabilities together in the spirit of sportsmanship and fun. The Unified Basketball team is a team built on inclusion and acceptance that focuses on learning and improving basketball skills while building relationships. Auburn High School and Auburn Middle School have received National Banner recognition from the Special Olympics.