Student Achievement & Growth
Teaching and learning in the Newton Public Schools is assessed using national, state, and local instruments. Since 1998, student progress has been measured, in part, using the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System. In addition to MCAS, other test measures include Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT), American College Testing (ACT), and Advanced Placement (AP) tests. In addition to these, Newton Public Schools assesses students more frequently using a variety of other assessments chosen for different purposes. At the elementary and middle school level, Newton Public Schools currently uses iReady assessments 8 for benchmarking in English Language Arts. These assessments are done during key points of the school year and reports are sent home to parents of their student's progress. Similarly in mathematics, Newton Public Schools uses Star Renaissance to benchmark elementary and middle school students. Newton Public Schools utilizes this data as part of our multi-tiered system of support structure.
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Next Generation
The MCAS Next Generation Test was started in 2017 and students in Grade 3 through 10 take one to three annual assessments. The general achievement level definitions are shown below.
Description
Achievement Level
Scaled Score
Student demonstrated mastery of the subject matter
Exceeding Expectations
530-560
Student is academically on track to succeed in the current grade in this subject
Meeting Expectations
500-529
The school should consider whether the student needs additional academic assistance to succeed in this subject. The school should determine the coordinated academic assistance and additional instruction the student needs to succeed in this subject.
Partially Meeting Expectations
470-499
Not Meeting Expectations
440-469
8 Assessment in Newton Public Schools
-312-
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator