GLCPS Sees Significant Growth in MCAS, Accountability Measures

In 12 of 13 MCAS tests, GLCPS students in both middle school and high school closed the gap on the state average.

One of the most dramatic improvements was in ELA and math scores for grade five. In 2018, the ELA scores came in six percent below the state average. This year’s scores exceeded the state average by two percent, a growth of eight percentage points. Grade five math scores also show considerable growth. In 2018, they were 8 percent below the state average. In 2019, the scores improved by four percent bringing them within four points of the statewide average math score.

Executive Director Dr. Stephen Furtado said he is very pleased with the test results.

“They underscore the hard work our teachers, administration and staff continue to provide,” Dr. Furtado said.

Other highlights from the MCAS results include:

Middle school grades 6, 7 and 8 ELA and math MCAS scores exceeded state targets, and science scores in those grades met state targets;
Middle school ELA growth outpaced the state average;
High school ELA and math growth outpaced the state average;
10^th grade ELA and math MCAS scores outpaced the state average while 10^th grade science scores reached the state average.

GLCPS Executive Director Dr. Stephen Furtado said perhaps more significant is the school’s accountability data reported by DESE in which the school increased its overall score from 23 percent to 82 percent.

“This is a complete reflection of the school beyond MCAS,” Dr. Furtado said. “It clearly indicates that our commitment extends to all grades, 5-12.”

The accountability report measures several areas within a school, including student growth, achievement, graduation rate, dropout rate, progress toward English proficiency, advanced coursework, and attendance rate.

GLCPS Director of Curriculum Derek Michael called the gains both in the school’s MCAS scores and in its accountability measures “significant.”

"While we are ecstatic about our strong MCAS scores, we are equally thrilled about our accountability results, which is about more than just testing, Mr. Michael said. “That we are substantially improving is a testament to the incredible efforts of every member of the GLCPS family."

Some of the more notable gains for GLCPS include:

The dropout rate fell below 1%, dropping from 1.7% to .7%;
The progress rate for English language learners was 13% higher than the state target;
GLCPS exceeded state targets in decreasing the school’s overall rate of chronic absenteeism.

Dr. Furtado said GLCPS has reason to celebrate but that the hard work must continue.

“We realize that challenges will continue as we enroll more students with special needs and students for whom English is a second language. We are very much aware that we are two years away from our next re-charter application so we must continue to demonstrate success.”

All charter schools in Massachusetts are re-evaluated every five years by DESE’s charter school office. They must demonstrate good results or risk losing their charter.