Junior high MCAS scores shaky
The junior high has some work to do.
Last spring’s MCAS testing scores were discussed at Wednesday’s ORR district school committee, and despite high scores compared to state averages in English/language arts, Old Rochester Regional Junior High was 11 points below state math averages. Likewise, the school experienced low growth changes for students in the failing/needs improvement categories.
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, which tests math, English/language arts and science/technology, is administered each year to students. The MCAS program holds schools and districts accountable toward reaching the objective of the No Child Left Behind Law, which requires all students be proficient in reading and mathematics by 2014.
Compared to state performance targets for 2014, the junior high is well on its way to meeting the goal in English/language arts at the current rate. The school marked 96 points compared to the state’s 95 in the area. Math, however, was at 81 points, compared to the state’s 92.
The school dropped 5.5 percent in math overall in regards to 2010 scores. English/language arts went up 0.1 percent.
Between grades seven and eight, nearly 30% of students fell into the “needs improvement/failing” levels in math. In grade eight, 46% of students were placed in those categories for the science and technology/engineering portion of the tests, which are offered only to grade eight.
The high school’s MCAS score will be reviewed at the Nov. 9 committee meeting.