Schools
School Committee Discusses Test Scores and Enrollment
Lower test scores and enrollment figures were a cause for concern at Monday's School Committee meeting.
The School Committee is concerned with lower test scores and enrollment numbers.
Test scores
Superintendent Kathleen Willis reported on the results of the SAT scores from the last several years including 2011 at Monday's School Committee meeting. In part the scores helped place North Reading in the top 50 schools published in the September issue of Boston Magazine. The district is ranked 45 in the state.
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School committee members found some of the SAT results "troubling." In 2011 the scores on the writing portion of the test declined 25 points when compared with the results in 2010.
The drop from an average score of 518 to 543 put high school students at the same level of achievement as 2007.
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The average SAT score in math was 552 in 2011. In critical reading students scored 537. All scores were above the state and national averages.
Willis has identified improved student performance as a goal she and her administrative team, and the faculty will address. Meetings are scheduled to examine weaknesses and develop specific strategies for increased learning.
Enrollment
Enrollment numbers are not finalized until October 1. At that time the figures are forwarded to the state department of education. Willis reported on the preliminary figures noting enrollment by school and grade as well as total figures.
Mel Webster noted the decline in kindergarten enrollments for a total of 150 students whereas the first grade enrollment is 206 students.
Willis informed the committee that the number of births has shown a decline in the general population.
The has 500 students, the has 363 and the houses 406 inclusive of pre-k students.
The middle and high school currently have 662 and 710 students respectively. The total school population is 2,641.
"Low teacher-pupil ratios are a priority in the district," said Willis. "We have been able to provide that."
Class size across all grade levels remains in the range of 18-22 except for two 3rd grade classes wherein 23 and 24 students are enrolled.
