Wakefield reports return to pre-pandemic MCAS levels; curriculum leaders point to writing program and screeners

Wakefield Public Schools reported that grades 3 through 8 met or exceeded pre-pandemic levels in both math and English language arts on the 2025 MCAS, a result the district said earned recognition from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

District curriculum leaders presented the data at the Oct. 28 Wakefield School Committee meeting and emphasized that the recognition covered both subjects across multiple grade cohorts. "We've done this while our student population has grown since 2019," the presentation said, noting Wakefield was one of 13 districts recognized statewide and one of two districts with 3,000 or more students to achieve that distinction.

Why it matters: The coordinators said the gains reflect a package of changes, including a shift to more structured writing instruction in middle and high school, adoption of universal screening tools, and alignment of curriculum across grades.

Key details from the presentation included:

- Writing instruction: Margaret…