MCAS Results: Andover Schools Beat State Targets

ANDOVER, MA — Andover Public Schools exceeded state targets over the last two years, according to school accountability measures released by the state alongside the MCAS test results Tuesday. The measure is based on MCAS results combined with high school completion, English language learning, chronic absenteeism, and advanced coursework. Andover students meeting or exceeded expectations on 2019 MCAS tests, and the district received a two-year cumulative rating of 77 percent for progress toward targets.

The "meeting or exceeding targets" classification means the district does not require state intervention or assistance. High Plain Elementary and South Elementary are both classified as "Schools of Recognition," two of only 67 schools statewide.

“Building on the progress from last year’s scores, our students’ 2019 MCAS results are extraordinary,” said Superintendent Sheldon Berman in a statement. “Elementary students in all categories are showing major gains in reading. Through investments in our core reading program, as well as strategic interventions and diagnostics for struggling readers, we have seen great return on our investment.”

On the 2019 MCAS tests, 71% of 3rd- to 8th-graders met or exceeded expectations in English Language Arts, versus 52% statewide, and 67% in math, versus 49% statewide. 5th- and 8th-graders over-performed the state average in science, with 74% meeting or exceeding expectations versus 48% statewide.

Statewide, high school performance looks much worse than in 2018, but it is not the same test. The state introduced "next generation" tests for 10th-graders 2019, with much higher expectations. According to the Boston Globe, 61 percent of 10th-graders statewide met or exceeded expectations on the new English MCAS, and 59 percent for the math exam. In 2018 where 91 percent met those parameters for English, and 78 percent did on the old Math exam.

84 and 81% of Andover 10th-graders met or exceeded expectations in English Language Arts and math, respecitvely.

The state is taking the more difficult test into account when determining passing scores. For the next two years, the passing score will be at the upper end of the "not meeting expectations" category.

School-by-school results:

Andover High School

Andover West Middle School

Doherty Middle School

Wood Hill Middle School

Bancroft Elementary School

Henry C Sanborn Elementary School

High Plain Elementary School

South Elementary School

West Elementary School