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Longmeadow students continue to outperform state

Date: 2/21/2011

Feb. 21, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow students continue to perform well above state averages on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test.

Scores showed a double-digit difference between Longmeadow and the combined average of the state's other districts in students scoring in the advanced/above average and proficient ranges in both English language arts and mathematics.

Sixth grade students' scores showed the most consistent jump above state averages, with a 21-point difference in the percentage of students scoring either advanced/above average or proficient. Ninety percent of sixth graders scored in those levels, compared to the state's 69 percent. Eighty percent of sixth graders were advanced or proficient in math, while 59 percent of students statewide scored in that range.

According to data presented to the School Committee as part of the presentation of the proposed fiscal year 2012 budget, the district is especially strong in English. In sixth, seventh, eighth and 10th grade, at least 90 percent of students scored advanced or proficient.

Ninety seven percent of the district's eighth graders scored advanced or proficient in English, while 10th grade boasted a 93 percent rate.

Grades four and five scored the lowest, both at 74 percent, which was still well above state averages. The average for fourth grade was 54 percent, while it was 63 percent in fifth grade.

Eighth and 10th grade were most proficient in math. Eighty six percent of 10th graders scored at least proficient on the test, while 81 percent of eighth graders scored in that range. Massachusetts reported just 51 percent of its eighth grade students statewide scored proficient or higher.

The MCAS is designed to test student proficiency in math, science, English and language arts and social sciences. Testing begins for students at third grade and continue each year through 10th grade. Students in the class of 2011 must pass the English and math tests, in addition to one science test, whether it be biology, chemistry, physics or technology/engineering, in order to graduate.

The class of 2012 and beyond will be required to pass all four subjects tested.



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