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MCAS scores in language and math improving

Springfield Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph P. Burke, is announcing the release of the following Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) information.

The overall Composite Performance Index (CPI) in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics increased throughout the district.

Across all grade levels, there were CPI increases in ELA and mathematics for the following subgroups: African-American/Black, Asian, Hispanic, low income, Limited English Proficient (LEP) and White.

Student performance in English Language Arts increased for low income and Hispanic students at all grade levels. Achievement for African American/Black students increased in grades three-five and nine-12 and remained flat for grades six-eight.

MCAS mathematics showed similar trends. Increases in CPI were seen at all grade levels for low income, Hispanic, African American/Black, and White students.

District-wide MCAS results for Springfield public schools demonstrated that from 2006 to 2007, 21 schools (48.8 percent) showed increases in aggregate CPI for both ELA and mathematics, one school (2.3 percent) showed an increased in ELA only, 17 schools (39.6 percent) showed an increased in mathematics only, and four schools (9.3 percent) showed a decreased in both ELA and mathematics.

Burke also announced the release of the following Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) information.

For 2007, Springfield made aggregate AYP in mathematics, a marked improvement over 2006 achievement. This is predominately due to growth in the grade three-five student group in the aggregate, as well as the subgroups of Low Income, African/American/Black, Hispanic, and White. We attribute these improvements to hard work by teachers, new lesson plans and curricula focusing on mathematics standards and the new Instructional Leadership Specialists in our schools.

District-wide results for 2007 show that 18 schools (41.9 percent) made AYP for English Language Arts (ELA) and 24 schools (55.8 percent) made AYP for mathematics.