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MCAS growth reports draw praise; principals outline tutoring, data dives and accommodations
Summary
Committee heard MCAS growth results showing strong gains in several grades and subjects (notably 8th‑grade math and grade‑5 growth). Principals presented action plans including data dives, targeted tutoring, increased family outreach and expanded use of accommodations and common planning.
Mrs. Giannis presented district MCAS growth results to the West Bridgewater School Committee on Nov. 4, highlighting areas of strong growth and school-level plans to close remaining gaps.
The report noted moderate to high growth in multiple grades and subjects; administrators pointed to particularly strong gains in 8th-grade math and notable growth in grade 5 ELA and math. Presenters said some grade-level results exceeded state averages on many questions and that the district will increase exposure to academic vocabulary, implement targeted read-alouds and increase practice with online testing formats for younger students.
Principals described school-specific actions: consistent use of accommodations (graphic organizers, reference sheets) so students are familiar with them before testing; additional after‑school tutoring and in-school small-group interventions during "pile block" or planning time; and more family outreach for at‑risk students to improve attendance and engagement. Staff also reported progress‑monitoring via STAR and other formative measures to align instruction with MCAS standards.
Administrators noted frustration that some state item‑level data were not released, which limits detailed question-level analysis. Committee members supported the focus on common planning time and cross-grade collaboration to address gaps, and principals said they will continue to report outcomes after data dives and targeted interventions.
