Needham MCAS Results: Schools Perform Better Than State Average

NEEDHAM, MA — Massachusetts released the results for the latest round of MCAS tests, and Needham, schools performed better than the state on all of the 16 exams administered. The state uses the tests as a key guide to performance of its schools and as part of its effort to bring accountability to the education system.

In 2019, 84 percent of Needham students in grade 10 exceeded or met expectations on the English exam, well above the 61 percent statewide. Needham High School also had 88 percent exceed or meet expectations on the Math MCAS which was also well above the 59 percent who met that mark across Massachusetts.

Needham Public Schools achieved the "meeting or exceeding expectations" distinction on the state's new accountability system. The district received a two-year cumulative rating of 84 percent.

Two of the district's schools were awarded with even higher distinctions. Hillside Elementary School was recognized for exceeding the state's target, while Pollard Middle School was honored for its high growth on its scores. None of the schools will require intervention or assistance under the state's accountability system.

This is the second year of the state's accountability system, marketed as a more "comprehensive look" at districts and schools in specific. The state rolled out "next generation" tests in 2019, which have much higher expectations, especially in math and English. The tougher test meant scores were lower across the state compared to 2018.

Sixty-one percent of 10th-graders statewide met or exceeded expectations on the new English MCAS, while 59 percent hit that mark for the math exam. Both percentages were well below the results from 2018, when 91 percent met those parameters for English while 78 percent scored at that level on the old math exam.

Thankfully for students, the state is taking that into account when determining passing scores. For the next two years, the passing score will be at the upper end of the "not meeting expectations" category.

Check out the complete break down of Needham's scores on the MCAS results released Tuesday.