Swampscott schools target weaknesses on MCAS scores

SWAMPSCOTT – Two math tutors will be appointed for the elementary schools and the middle school reading tutor will expand to teach English and language arts, school officials announced Wednesday night as a result of shortcomings in last year’s MCAS scores and anticipated changes to federal education requirements.”The trends since 2007 overall have some gains and some losses,” said Assistant Superintendent for Student and Instructional Services Maureen Bingham, who presented MCAS data to the School Committee. “But principals have been working diligently to analyze data and determine whether our weaknesses and what we can do for intervention? But as we look at how we can improve performance, the whole thing is we’re going to have to shift horses midstream,” with new federal requirements.The No Child Left Behind Legislation sets a goal that 100 percent of students by 2014 score at least “proficient” in tests measuring math, English and high-school science skills. After last spring’s MCAS tests, Hadley Elementary, Clarke Elementary and Swampscott Middle School did not make the required “adequate yearly progress” (AYP) toward this goal – although overall scores were in the 80th and 90th percentile and the goals were missed by very small percentages, Superintendent Lynne Celli said.But before voicing support for the proposal, School Committee members debated whether the new tutors most effectively address what Bingham identified as shortcomings in math scores at the elementary level and English language arts scores at the middle school.The main concern was the impact of President Obama’s plan to allow waivers from as-yet-undetermined aspects of the program.Bingham said that professional conferences have indicated that writing, mulch-disciplinary learning – for instance, answering a science question by essay and graph – will be emphasized in the future. This focus will be incorporated into the planned “interventions” as well as in ongoing curriculum review.School Committee member Jaren Landen also questioned whether the interventions – although necessary and effective last year – indicated the district was reactive rather than proactive in addressing weaknesses.Celli added that the new interventions expand – not replace – current intervention programs in an attempt to be more “holistic.” She also noted that the intervention will be coupled with assessment tools so teachers can frequently gauge its effectiveness. Celli said the proposal will cost approximately $13,500, which Budget Director Ed Cronin said could be paid for within the existing $26 million budget.