News

Elementary School takes steps to improve MCAS scores

By Sabrina Cardin
Staff writer
Published: September 9, 2008

AMESBURY — Amesbury Elementary School held two meetings yesterday to address the issue of receiving subpar scores on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test for the second year.

The school has been labeled a "School Identified for Improvement — Year 1" by the state due to subpar scores on the MCAS in consecutive years.

Two years ago math was the focus, with 21 percent of students scoring in the "warning," or lowest category. Another 53 percent scored in the "needs improvement" category, leaving just 27 percent of the students achieving "proficient" or "advanced" scores.

Last year the school district remedied math scores with the addition of a part-time math tutor and new textbooks. However, with the addition of the math tutor came the termination of the literacy coordinator.

This year students maintained a high performance rating in English and Language Arts, but did not meet the targets set by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, resulting in the state issuing guidelines for improvement.

Taking similar measures as when the math scores were low, a part-time Title I reading tutor has been hired for third- and fourth-grade students. In an attempt to build literacy skills at a younger age, longer library hours have also been added for all students. Kindergarten and first-grade students' schedule will include assigned library time, which is something the curriculum lacked last year.

Out of the established six categories for MCAS, students fell below the 85.6 average in just one. AES Principal Helliesen noted student scores were high in grammar and mechanics but fell below standards in the writing portion.

"I continue to be confident in the work our teachers do on a daily basis," Superintendent Charles Chaurette said.

For now, Helliesen said state presence is limited, but if the adequate yearly progress is not met again this year, the state's involvement will increase.

Becoming aware of the assessment last week, the school decided to host two information meetings at the beginning of the year, keeping parents as informed as possible. At the 9:30 a.m. meeting yesterday, Helliesen said that many of the opinions voiced focused on what parents could do to help children learn at home. Parent workshops are currently being developed to help parents encourage students to continue the learning process.

"Parents want to be active," Helliesen said, emphasizing the strong showing of parents early yesterday morning.

With Amesbury Elementary receiving the Title I assistance, parents and guardians may now make the decision to choice out their children to the Cashman Elementary School. To choice children out, parents and guardians must write a request which will be evaluated by Chaurette. As of yesterday afternoon he had not received any requests.

"Parents are confident that this is a high performance school," Helliesen said. "If children are choiced out, the numbers will be low."

The school district will receive the specific MCAS scores Sept. 18, and then assess any other changes that must be made.

"This is a continuous cycle of being introspective and improving students," Chaurette said.