Little improvement to MCAS scores as districts work to reach prepandemic achievement

"English language arts scores for both third through eighth graders and 10th graders were 10 points behind 2019's scores. Students across Massachusetts, particularly current high schoolers, still haven't rebounded academically from the pandemic five years ago, the MCAS scores released Monday indicate. Third through eighth graders and 10th graders all take the MCAS in the spring. This year marks the first that the high schoolers are not required to pass to receive their diplomas after a ballot initiative last year."

"Only 13 districts reached prepandemic levels of achievement, based on 2019 data, in both English language arts and math, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said in a press release. Sixty-three districts returned to pre-pandemic levels for grades 3-8, and 50 districts reached prepandemic levels in either English language arts or math for both age categories."

"Only two categories saw an increase from last year's scores. Fifth graders taking the science test scored one percentage point higher than last year, which was still three points below their scores in 2019. In English language arts, 42 percent of third through eighth graders met or exceeded expectations, which was three percentage points higher than last year."

English language arts scores for both third through eighth graders and 10th graders were 10 points behind 2019's scores. Students across Massachusetts, particularly current high schoolers, still have not rebounded academically from the pandemic five years later. Only 13 districts reached prepandemic achievement levels in both English language arts and math based on 2019 data. Sixty-three districts returned to prepandemic levels for grades 3-8, and 50 districts reached prepandemic levels in either English language arts or math across both age categories. Fifth and eighth graders took science tests, eighth graders received a new civics test, and fifth grade science rose one point from last year but remained three points below 2019. In English language arts, 42 percent of third through eighth graders met or exceeded expectations, three points higher than last year. Fifty-one percent of tenth graders met or exceeded expectations.

Read at Boston.com