When it comes to third grade test scores, Rochester Memorial School has some work to do.

Last year’s MCAS results for the third grade showed that zero percent of students scored in the advanced category for reading, compared to 32 percent at Sippican School, 13 percent at Center School and a 12 percent average across the state.

In math, three percent of third grade students tested into the advanced level versus 70 percent at Sippican School, 27 percent at Center School and 31 percent across the state.

Fifty-three percent of students did score in the proficient level for reading and half reached the proficient level in math, but parents, teachers and the administration is eager to see more students test at the top level.

In light of the results, Principal Derek Medeiros is looking to implement a strategy that has worked at other schools, including Sippican School.

Rochester is in the process of introducing “flex time” into the classroom, giving teachers more opportunities to work in smaller groups with students. Unlike an intervention plan, flex time focuses on all students, not just low scorers.

“Flex time is focused on all the different levels of learners,” said Medeiros. “Kids are organized in different groups based on data, based on performance…”

Flex time isn’t a new concept at Rochester Memorial School, but it fell out of practice sometime around 2009.

In addition to flex time, Medeiros is looking to “close the gaps” at the kindergarten through second grade levels.

“We can’t put this data on our third grade team,” he said. “If you look at our data, we’re doing a phenomenal job with our kids in three through six.”

This year, Medeiros will emphasize continuity at the lower grade levels.

The reading program has already been updated so that there is a consistent program from kindergarten through sixth grade. Before, students were introduced to a new “rigorous” program in the third grade, said Medeiros.

Teachers are also meeting for collaborative planning, something School Committee Chair Sharon Hartley encouraged.

“There are always several pieces to every solution. I believe some form of collaboration is important,” she said.

The Galileo assessment tests are another data point that will show teachers how students are progressing.

Medeiros said there is a sense of urgency with the staff to see the situation improve. He also cautioned that with the implementation of the new PARCC exam, there could be dips in scores as everyone transitions from the MCAS.