Dartmouth Public Schools reports MCAS gains, highlights high-needs student growth

Dartmouth Public Schools officials on Nov. 4 reviewed the district's recently released MCAS results and highlighted measurable gains, especially among high-needs students.

Superintendent Dr. Saba-Maguire introduced Catherine Pavao and Ross Thibault, directors of teaching and learning, who said the district outperformed statewide averages in select subjects and that Grade 10 science and technology results showed an 11% positive growth. "MCAS results should be looked at in the context of how the test was administered over the past five years," Thibault said, noting students first entering the testing window were in PreK and kindergarten when the pandemic "hit." The presenters noted Dartmouth's high-needs subgroup'—students who are economically disadvantaged, students with disabilities, and students with English learner status as defined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)'is out-performing the State average for that subgroup.

Pavao and Thibault explained the district uses DESE's DART (District Analysis and Review Tool) peer comparisons and MCAS data to guide instructional practice and interventions, with an emphasis on elementary foundational skills. They cautioned that curriculum pilot implementation can produce an "implementation dip" in short-term data and urged a long-range view when evaluating year-to-year changes.

Committee members pressed for detail: Elizabeth Coughlin asked what the district cannot do because of budget constraints; Dr. Saba-Maguire replied that the District's capacity to implement the Strategic Plan is closely tied to available funding and that budget decisions will shape how fully initiatives can be staffed and sustained. John Nunes asked about DESE no longer releasing test questions; Pavao and Thibault said they will rely on state guidance and focus instruction where data show need. Kathleen Amaral asked about MCAS retake opportunities; Thibault explained the NextGen format and competency reporting and noted students have multiple opportunities to retake exams.

Pavao announced Quinn Elementary School had been named a DESE School of Recognition for progress toward accountability targets. The presentation closed with an agreement to continue analyzing results and to use MCAS data to inform supports and curriculum choices.

The committee meeting record shows no policy vote tied directly to the MCAS presentation; the discussion will inform ongoing budget and curriculum decisions. The district plans to continue administering MCAS regardless of a concurrent state ballot question, the presenters said.