Dear Parents:
As you may be aware, statewide MCAS results were published today. We are reviewing the data by school, grade, and subject. We are looking at Haverhill’s data, data for like communities, and statewide data, to determine our students’ relative strengths and weaknesses and to implement changes in our teaching where needed. Not surprisingly, our scores and those across the state have dropped after three years of interrupted schooling. Massachusetts Department of Education (DESE) has stated that statewide trends include significantly depressed scores in districts with high numbers of low-income students and those with high numbers of multi-language learners. Haverhill, as a Gateway City, falls into both of these groups. Please visit the Haverhill Public Schools website to review the DESE press release regarding Massachusetts Releases 2022 MCAS and Accountability Results.
Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Education: Representative Alice Peisch and Senator Jason Lewis released the following statement “We are keenly aware that COVID-19 has impacted students, teachers, administrators, and families across the Commonwealth over the last two and a half years, especially in those districts that serve under-resourced communities. We applaud the hard work and dedication of faculty and staff at Massachusetts schools, who remain committed to providing the best possible education to our children. Despite their best efforts, it is clear that the public health crisis has negatively impacted student learning and mental health since March 2020.”
Across the state, the 2022 MCAS showed mixed results compared with 2021 scores:
- Math scores increased
- English Language Arts (ELA) scores declined
- Science scores increased slightly
In ELA, two focus areas have been identified for improvement
- Impact of lower writing scores
- Early literacy challenges
Student absenteeism remains a challenge across Massachusetts. Each of these statewide challenges exists in Haverhill and is magnified by the needs of our community.
Within the next two weeks, parents can expect their student’s Spring 2022 Individual Parent/Guardian Report to be sent. To review data at the school, district, and state levels, please visit HERE.
At the October 13th, 2022, school committee meeting, we will present a more in-depth analysis of Haverhill’s data, including a comparison to like communities and an overview of what we are doing and will be doing to improve student outcomes.
Sincerely,
Margaret Marotta