The results are in
school officials look at new MCAS scores
By Andrea Gregory

The MCAS results are in. Somerville is assessing its scores, but Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi says it is more important to focus on the individual needs of each student, than the overall pass-fail ratio.
“The collective data gives us trends. We are focusing on continual improvement for each individual,” said Pierantozzi. “All of our efforts are coordinated to the effect.”
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) was formed in response to a 1993 statewide education reform. All public school students are tested at specific grade levels.  Furthermore, graduating high school is contingent on passing the MCAS. Test scores illustrate the performance of individual students as well as the schools and districts. According to the Massachusetts Department of Education, MCAS testing creates a level of accountability, while fulfilling the needs of the No Child Left Behind Act.
On Monday night, Pierantozzi presented a brief overview to the School Committee. He said the plan is to work with the students who did not pass the test administered last spring. Students who need additional help passing the test are receiving help at the high school.
“At first blush, our MCAS performance for the 10th graders has slightly improved,” said Pierantozzi.
Overall, the ELA scores went slightly up, the number of high performing students increased a little, and the number of low performing students dropped a little, as well.
“The collective data gives us trends,” he said.
However, 44 students at the high school failed one or both tests, said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Robert Snow.
The number of failing students is down from last year. In 2004, the Somerville School Department learned 23 percent of its 10th graders failed the English portion of the test, and 23 percent failed the math section. The new results show 18 percent failing English and 20 percent failing math.
Pierantozzi said an MCAS profile is put together for each student who has failed the test. He said those students are already enrolled in remediation courses to help boost their scores by graduation time.
For the first time, teachers and administrators who have direct contact with the students, such as guidance counselors, will also get copies of individual student reports. Pierantozzi said the reports will travel with the students through their high school career so educators may be more aware of certain academic needs or certain areas calling for more attention.
Pierantozzi said he is pleased by the final results of last year’s graduating class. In 2005, 99 percent, or all but five students, passed the MCAS by graduation time. In the two years prior, the percentage of students that passed was also in the high 90s. Taking the dynamics of Somerville into consideration, such as how many students speak English as a second language, the students have managed to perform quite well as a whole, said Pierantozzi. He said he expects continued success in the future.