The newest MCAS information exhibits BPS solidly on the trail again from pandemic-era losses, district leaders offered on the Boston School Committee — however nonetheless an extended methods from full restoration.
“I think the story we’re going to share tonight, while there are some wins — and I appreciate the superintendent for naming some — it also tells a very uncomfortable story about the work we have ahead,” stated BPS Chief of Schools and Accountability Drew Echelson, pointing to the necessity to “accelerate progress.”
The state launched 2023 MCAS and accountability information in September, with leaders asserting statewide “recovery is fully underway.” In phrases of MCAS scores, BPS broadly lagged behind the statewide good points, however the district jumped on accountability targets, metrics like persistent absenteeism and English proficiency.
Echelson pointed to 4 “key takeaways” from the information Wednesday: BPS is making substantial — 51% in comparison with a statewide 36% — progress in direction of restoration targets, however the variety of faculties requiring help or intervention spiked to 44; math scores are rebounding, and literacy scores are stabilizing from the pandemic; there’s a robust relationship between persistent absenteeism and pupil efficiency; and youthful grades made sturdy progress in English language studying, however older college students and college students at low ranges didn’t.
The presentation famous a constant underperformance for 2 teams particularly, seventh graders and English language learners with disabilities.
Among different achievements, Superintendent Mary Skipper highlighted the discount in persistent absenteeism throughout all grade ranges, noting the district staff’s laborious work to buck the rising nationwide development.
Leadership spoke in regards to the significance of responding to tendencies within the information, utilizing steps like making a MCAS dashboard with damaged down outcomes out there to colleges and lecturers.
“This data provides the district with information that will guide us as we continue to support students in making up the lost time during the pandemic,” stated Skipper. “We continue to stabilize, and as we stabilize and recover, I expect to see more rapid improvement.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”