Poverty up, graduation rate, MCAS scores down

By Andrew Firestone

Somerville was hit by a double whammy last week, when two separate test results conducted by the federal government showed signs of catastrophe. The United States census showed that over 13,000 Somervilliens, or 17 percent of the population, is living below the poverty line, according to US Census report released Sept. 22 and the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) a poverty assistance non-profit.

This comes in tandem with recent reports from Somerville public schools that the four-year graduation rate from high school is below the state average of 82.1 percent and sits at 72.6 percent.  This is because of the high mobility rate among students within the many cities of the state as well as many English Language Learners requiring five years of high school according to Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi.

The percent of students who go on to get a college degree from a four-year college is up from 36 percent in 2004 to 46 percent in 2010, but still below the state average of 59 percent.

MCAS scores, which the federal government uses as a benchmark to determine funding, was a mixed bag as well. 52 percent of students were up to standards in English, and 40 percent of students in math. This is compared overall with 69 percent in English and 58 percent in Math statewide. According to results released last week.

The federal government requires that all students be proficient in both subjects across all grades by 2014.