by Julie Gowel ·
Friday, October 4, 2024
Statewide results were posted last week for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams that were administered in the spring of this year. Statistically speaking, the numbers revealed that statewide, more than half of students in grades 3 through 8 enrolled in Massachusetts public schools are not meeting expectations in math and English language arts (ELA).
For its part, the Harvard Public Schools only helped to bring up the average. The Bromfield School ranked second in the state for its 10th-graders’ performance on the ELA exam. While only 39% of students in the state were meeting or exceeding standards, 94% of Bromfield School students were proficient in ELA. Similarly, the 10th-grade math exam revealed that just 48% of students were meeting or exceeding expectations in the state, while 88% of Bromfield pupils did so, tying for third place in rank.
“We are well-resourced with teaching and learning materials,” said Superintendent of Schools Linda Dwight, when asked what contributed to the high scores. “We also have a highly educated family population with resources to extend student learning beyond the school day.”
Grades 3 through 8 also fared well on the exams. Ranking 10th in the state for ELA MCAS test scores, 70% of Harvard students met or exceeded expectations, while the state average was 57%. The math numbers were lower, with 66% of Harvard students meeting or exceeding expectations versus the 41% average across the state.
“We are proud of the MCAS results,” continued Dwight. “The teachers and staff work diligently to meet the learning needs of all of their students. We have an advantageous student/teacher ratio, data analysis, push in services, multitiered support system, and high-quality instruction.”
Dwight noted that while Harvard’s results were pride worthy, there was still room for improvement. “We are targeting improvements to ensure the success of all students, as we do not want anyone to struggle at the ‘partially meeting’ or ‘not meeting’ categories.”
In November, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether MCAS scores should determine high school graduation. As it stands, to receive a diploma from a Massachusetts public secondary school, a student must pass the MCAS exam in 10th grade. Students who fail may retake the test in junior year, and if necessary, during senior year as well. Ballot Question 2 would eliminate this requirement.