By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven High School students had a strong performance on the Next Gen MCAS Mathematics test from last spring. The results, which only came out this October, showed Fairhaven ranked first in two areas and second in one area, among high schools from Wareham to Seekonk, according to Phil Harding, FHS Math Department Chairperson.
FHS came in first place in the percentage of students in the “exceeding expectations” category (formerly “advanced”).
FHS also came in first place for overall Student Growth percentile. This category compares students statewide with similar scores from earlier grades.
Students also placed second in the Overall Mathematics Achievement Percentile, getting edged out by Apponequet.
“We’re really proud of the kids because of how hard they worked to achieve these outstanding results,” wrote Mr. Harding in an email. “Also, our top students really hit it out of the park.”
Mr. Harding said that being number one in the Student Growth category shows that the data analysis work done by teachers is paying off.
“Mr. Francis, Mrs. Sunderland, Mr. Joseph and our rookie sensation Ms. Girouard all put in some great performances last year with their sophomores and they deserve some credit also,” wrote Mr. Harding.
But, he added, it is no time to sit back on their laurels.
“Now we have a new group to work with so we can’t look back any longer if we want to finish first in all three categories next spring,” wrote Mr. Harding. “We always have great kids and this year is no different. The teachers have broken down all the data from the 2019 results and new adjustments have been made. We’re on to spring 2020!”
MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) results are available online, and available to the public. Visit http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/results.html to learn more.
For Fairhaven’s district results, visit http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/search/map.aspx?mode=g&county=Bristol&town=149
According to the Mass. Department of Education website Massachusetts students are first in the United States in reading and math and are competitive internationally. Mass. teachers educate close to 1 million public school students and 20,000 adult learners each year.
Students must earn a passing score on the MCAS tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, and one of the Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) tests (Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, and Technology/Engineering) in order to earn a high school diploma in Mass.
There are two scholarship awarded to graduating seniors based on their MCAS scores, the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship which covers tuition only for eight semesters at a state college or university; and the Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Awards, which also covers tuition for up to eight semesters. Visit http://www.doe.mass.edu/scholarships/
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