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Principals report gains on MCAS and outline school-improvement goals across Beverly schools
Summary
Elementary, middle and high school principals presented school-improvement highlights to the Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life committee, including MCAS gains in math and reading, new inclusion programs (AIM), expanded Project Lead The Way science pilots and Playful Learning instruction.
Principals from Beverly’s elementary schools, the middle school and the high school presented school-improvement updates at the June 11 Curriculum, Instruction & Student Life meeting, reporting measurable gains on MCAS benchmarks and describing new curriculum pilots and inclusion initiatives.
Hannah Elementary reported math results above the state average — the principal said grade 4 math exceeded the state by 12% and grade 3 exceeded the state by 19% — and showed gains on DIBELS early-literacy benchmarks (principal reported 96% of grade 1 meeting benchmark and a 14% reduction in students in the intensive DIBELS category). Hannah also described expansion of play-based pedagogy through the Playful Learning Institute and a Project Lead The Way science pilot.
Ayres Elementary reported an overall accountability score of 77 on the state’s scale and a large increase for its high‑needs subgroup: the principal said the subgroup went from 8% of possible points in 2023 to 92% in 2024, driven by gains in achievement and growth. Ayres also added an AIM inclusive program cohort and plans to establish a Best Buddies chapter to pair peers and expand student leadership opportunities.
Other elementaries (North Beverly, Centerville, Cove) reported declines in tardiness, strengthened small‑group foundations instruction, and community literacy events. North Beverly reported kindergarten DIBELS growth from 56% meeting benchmark at the start of the year to 86% at year’s end, and a 22% reduction in tardies district-wide was noted by several principals who described attendance-support strategies tied to Beverly Community Connections.
Beverly Middle School reported a 22‑point improvement on a local benchmark (from 31% to 53% meeting or exceeding) after focusing on Reveal math and internalization protocols supported by TNTP. Beverly High School reported expanded AP participation and strong growth in accountability measures, with particular attention to improving discourse and written expression in math and across content areas.
Across schools, administrators highlighted inclusion work, restorative practices, expanded civics learning opportunities, and an emphasis on data-driven instruction and vertical alignment in literacy and numeracy.
