BPS 2016 MCAS Scores: 12 Steps Forward, 3 Steps Back

BOSTON, MA — Boston Public Schools' MCAS results followed state trends in their improving and declining test scores, as one high school and one elementary school joined the ranks of "underperforming" schools in Massachusetts.

Tenth graders taking the MCAS received the following scores, according to the newly released data from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education:

English/Language Arts: 83% of BPS students scored proficient or above on the English MCAS in 2016; that's compared to 91% of students statewide. In 2015, 82% of BPS sophomores scored proficient or above.

Mathematics: In 2016, 66% of BPS students reached proficient or above in math, compared with 78% statewide. In 2015, that number was 67% for BPS.

Science: 52% of BPS students scored proficient or above on the science section of the MCAS, up from 50% of that same grade in 2015. Statewide in 2016, 73% of students achieved proficient scores or higher.

In 2016, two Boston schools—Brighton High School and Excel High School—dropped to "underperforming" status, or Level 4, meaning they could be under threat of receivership. Additionally, Mattahunt Elementary School is under "close review," according to the DESE.

On the flip side, BPS said in a press release that 12 schools have been newly designated at Level 1, receiving top marks for performance and improvement.

The newly designated Level 1 schools are: Boston Arts Academy, Boston International and Newcomers Academy (BINcA), Bradley Elementary, Fenway High, Harvard/Kent Elementary, Umana Academy, McKay K-8, Mildred Avenue K-8, Mozart Elementary, New Mission High, Otis Elementary, and Quincy Elementary.

However, the BPS school that's performed the best on a statewide and even national basis dropped to a Level 2 rating — Boston Latin.

Mayor Marty Walsh broke the news Monday morning, ahead of the DESE test scores release, which states that Boston Latin was bumped down because two few students participated in the new PARCC assessment test. Walsh objected, saying students were supposed to be able to opt out without repercussions for the school.

In addition, Dorchester elementary Roger Clap also dipped from Level 1 to 2.

Read More: Boston Latin School Being Downgraded to Level 2 School

Find statewide MCAS, accountability results here.

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