Sudbury Schools "Meeting Or Exceeding Targets": MCAS

SUDBURY, MA — Massachusetts released the results for the latest round of MCAS tests, the number of Marlborough students meeting or exceeding expectations was higher than the state average. Sudbury Public Schools achieved the "meeting or exceeding expectations" distinction on the state's new accountability system. The state uses the tests as a key guide to performance of its schools and as part of its effort to bring accountability to the education system.

The district received a two-year cumulative rating of 80 percent. Of the five schools in the district, three were classified as meeting or exceeding targets, one was classified as making substantial progress towards targets and one was named a school of recognition, for exceeding targets and high growth. Josiah Haynes Elementary School was one of 67 schools in the state that earned recognition under the accountability system.

None of the schools will require intervention or assistance under the state's accountability system.

Sudbury Accountability Designations

• General John Nixon Elementary: Meeting or exceeding targets
• Israel Loring School: Meeting or exceeding targets
• Peter Noyes: Meeting or exceeding targets
• Ephraim Curtis Middle: Substantial progress toward targets
• Josiah Haynes: School of Recognition: High Achievement - High Growth - Exceeding Targets

This is the second year of the state's accountability system, marketed as a more "comprehensive look" at districts and schools in specific. The designations are given based on how districts and schools perform in six different categories:

• MCAS achievement in English Language Arts (ELA), Math and Science/Technology/Engineering (STE)
• MCAS growth in ELA and Math
• High school completion rates
• Progress toward English language proficiency for English learners
• Chronic absenteeism (missing 10% or more of a student's membership)
• High school advanced coursework completion.

Lincoln-Sudbury, the regional district housing the high school, was classified as making substantial progress towards targets. On the new, more rigorous English exam for 10th-graders,85 percent of students exceeded or met expectations — below the 61 percent statewide average. On a tougher math exam for 10th-graders, 87 percent of students exceeded or met expectations, also below the 58 percent who met that mark across Massachusetts.

The state rolled out "next generation" tests in 2019, which have much higher expectations, especially in math and English. The tougher test meant scores were lower across the state compared to 2018.

Sixty-one percent of 10th-graders statewide met or exceeded expectations on the new English MCAS, while 59 percent hit that mark for the math exam. Both percentages were well below the results from 2018, when 91 percent met those parameters for English while 78 percent scored at that level on the old math exam.

Thankfully for students, the state is taking that 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.

Check out the complete break down of Sudbury's scores on the MCAS results released Tuesday.