MCAS Results Offer High Points, Red Flags

School leaders say they're proud of Marblehead students' most recent MCAS scores, released this week, but acknowledge that more work needs to be done to boost performance.

"We did very well, especially when you follow the scores of students as they advance through the grades," said Superintendent Paul Dulac. "Students are improving with every year. They're able to handle more sophisticated concepts."

"I'm very proud of the students," he added.

One highlight: The Veterans Middle School has been named a 2010 Commendation School by the state, for its steady progress in raising achievement.

"We couldn't be happier," said Veterans Principal Libby Moore. Moore said teachers have begun doing daily assessments in class, making sure students are learning concepts and helping those who aren't grasping the material.

"We've seen great results," Moore said.

Overall, 84% of Marblehead students scored advanced or proficient in the English/Language Arts MCAS. Compare that to the state average of 68%. In math, 74% of Marblehead students ranked advanced or proficient, compared to the state average of 59%.

Marblehead 10th graders excelled according to the data. In math, 90% were advanced or proficient. And in ELA, 93% of 10th graders ranked advanced or proficient.

"We are scoring so high in high school," Dulac said. "We've seen tremendous improvement."

The MCAS results do raise some red flags, however,  particularly in fourth- and seventh-grade math, he said.

"We're struggling there," Dulac admitted. "But we're doing something about it. We're putting all our power in it and doubling up on our instruction."

Dulac said many of these struggling math students are actually having difficulty with reading and comprehending questions, so a new math/literacy class has been developed to meet their specific needs.

"The teachers are getting the MCAS data and will pinpoint where students are having the greatest problems. We can use that information to improve instruction."

At the Marblehead Community Public Charter School, Principal Nina Cullen-Hamzeh said she's happy with the latest MCAS scores.

At MCCPS, 81% of students scored advanced or proficient in the ELA test. In math, 67% of students ranked advanced or proficient.

"The students at MCCPS are receiving an excellent education, and their teachers are challenging each of them continually," Cullen-Hamzeh said. "We expect that the parents will be pleased with the information."

One area of concern at Charter, according to Cullen-Hamzeh, is how some students have demonstrated dramatic growth in ELA and math, while others have lagged behind.

"We will be working together as a faculty to understand why there is a difference... and what we can do to ensure that all students experience high levels of growth," she said.

"We're committed to empowering every student to achieve his/her highest potential, so it's imperative that we understand the reasons for the differences in growth and then implement practices that will support all of the students. "