New Bedford Public Schools reports improvements in all schools

From New Bedford Public Schools:

MCAS results are a key metric in determining student performance in ELA, Mathematics and Science. The 2018 results illustrate that the students in New Bedford Public Schools continue to demonstrate increased growth in skills and knowledge in several areas across most grade levels. NBPS has intensely focused on increasing students’ overall literacy skills (i.e., reading comprehension, writing and critical and analytical thinking skills). For 2018 all NBPS students met targets in ELA and English Language Learners improved. This work has resulted in overall improvement in this area. Superintendent Anderson stated that, “Our students, similar to many others across the state, are adjusting to the more challenging exam and continue to better demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the assessed skills.”

“The latest MCAS results show that, thanks to the hard work of our city’s educators, New Bedford Public Schools’ progress continues,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “I am especially proud of the gains at our elementary schools, including the Congdon Elementary School, which was named as the only School of Recognition in Southeastern Massachusetts. Much work remains of course, but under the leadership of Superintendent Anderson, the district is poised for greater strides still.”

New Bedford Public Schools’ students continue to make gains on the MCAS. Among several highlights, NBPS is celebrating the success of James B. Congdon Elementary School students and staff:

• School of Recognition (1 of 51 schools statewide out of over 900 elementary schools)
• 85th Percentile for growth
• 95% of targets met
• Exceeded all targets: ELA, Math and Science
• Met all targets towards attaining English Language Proficiency

More Success:

• 100% of New Bedford elementary schools met a minimum of 50% of their targets indicating they are showing overall improvement.
• More than 90% of targets were met by: Hathaway ES, Pacheco ES, Congdon ES and Renaissance Community Innovation School
• Hayden-McFadden ES met 63% of the state’s targets (exceeding for all students in ELA and Science.
• Parker School met 70% of its targets, exceeding their targets in ELA and Science and meeting their target in Math.

New Bedford High School received kudos for reducing chronic absenteeism, reducing the dropout rate, and meeting their target in Math.
• NBHS exceeded its targets for engaging more students with disabilities and English Language Learners.
• 10th Grade SGP increases by 22% in ELA and 28% in Math the last 3 years
• Exceeded target for dropout rate by almost 2%
• Exceeded target for attendance
Middle Schools: NBPS is proud of the increased middle school growth in supporting student performance of English language learners and students with disabilities in Science where 2 schools exceeded their targets. 6th grade English Language Learners at all three middle schools outscored the state averages on standards like these:
• Explain how a text feature helps to reveal the point of view of a character
• Writing a narrative that retells the events of a passage from a secondary character’s point of view
• Essay Writing with idea development
• Essay Language with conventions

For all NBPS 6th graders, their ELA growth percentages increased:
• 15% more students had moderate, high or very high growth

Elementary Schools are all growing because they met over 50% of their target scores
• 13 of the 19 elementary schools met 70% or more of their targets
• 9 schools met over 80% of those targets
• 50% of schools with an ELL subgroup met or exceeded the ELL target for attaining English language proficiency

New Bedford Public Schools MCAS 2.0 data for Grades 3 through 8 are grouped for ELA and Math under two categories: Meeting/Exceeding Expectations (combined) and Partially Meeting Expectations.

Last year more than half of all students Grades 5 through 8 partially met Expectations, Deputy Superintendent, Karen Treadup, said “this illustrates that we have a strong foundation and student performance is rising.” The 2018 data illustrates that the middle grades will continue to receive targeted support.

This year’s work is critical in supporting sustained student improvement through quality redesign plans. The data clarifies that we must better support our middle schools and assist in the implementation. The New Bedford Public School system is proud of its students’ effort. NBPS recognizes the need for and is committed to continuous improvement in all areas.

NBPS will continue enhance the capacity of all staff and remained focused on the NBPS objectives and focus on:
o Social Emotional Learning
o Equity and early literacy
o Benchmark Assessments
o Strategic Data Meetings
o District Instructional Walks

NBPS will continue to strategically move forward with a sense of urgency to better support the teaching and learning process and eliminate the opportunity and achievement gaps. Superintendent Anderson commented that, “Our progress is a direct result and reflection of our committed staff, more strategic use of student data – and more effective support for our teachers, administrators and support staff.