Salem MCAS Results: 5 Schools Make 'Substantial Progress'

SALEM, MA — Massachusetts released the results for the latest round of MCAS tests, and five Salem schools achieved the "substantial progress" distinction on state’s new accountability system. But the number of Salem students meeting or exceeding expectations lagged behind state averages on all 19 of the assessments. The state uses the tests as a key guide to performance of its schools and as part of its effort to bring accountability to the education system.

"The marked improvements in the 2019 Statewide Accountability Report show our district is headed in the right direction as we work across departments and schools to ensure every child is prepared for success on the MCAS and beyond," Superintendent Kathleen Smith said in a statement. "Our hard working teachers and staff redoubled their efforts to support student learning in classrooms across the city. We had a strong start to this school year and we will continue this upward trajectory."

Salem Public Schools received an overall score of 61 percent, an increase of two percent over 2018. For 2019 alone, results were even higher – 63 percent of progress toward targets.

Horace Mann Laboratory School was classified as meeting or exceeding targets. Bates Elementary School, Bentley Academy Charter School, Carlton Innovation School, and Salem High School achieved the state's benchmark for making substantial progress in the new accountability system. Salem High School's improvement moved the school out of the "in need of targeted support and intervention" classification.

On the new, more rigorous English exam for 10th-graders, 47 percent of Salem students exceeded or met expectations — below the 61 percent statewide average. On a tougher math exam for 10th-graders, 43 percent of Salem High School students exceeded or met expectations, below the 59 percent who met that mark across Massachusetts.

The state rolled out "next generation" tests in 2019, which have much higher expectations, especially in math and English. Thankfully for students, the state is taking that into account when determining passing scores. For the next two years, the passing score will be at the upper end of the "not meeting expectations" category.

Check out the complete break down of Salem's scores on the MCAS results released Tuesday.