From left to right: Winthrop Elementary School paraprofessional Jessica Lopez-Hernandez (left), LaWanda Finley, Michelle Lydon and students below.The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released yesterday its annual statewide school and district accountability results, reflecting the overall improvement for the Boston Public Schools as a district. In said report, the John Winthrop Elementary School in Dorchester was mentioned as exiting “turnaround status”. Two other BPS schools —the Winship Elementary School (Brighton) and Joseph P. Manning Elementary School (Jamaica Plain)— were highlighted as “Schools of Recognition” for making significant gains.
Previously, the Winthrop Elementary School was placed into Level 4 status back in 2013 for having one of the lowest improvement ratios in Massachusetts, but according to the new report, the school is now designated as “Meeting Targets”. The DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley determined the new status of the School due to improved leadership and instructional practices, along with higher MCAS scores and meeting accountability targets.
“Our entire school community is grateful that the state has recognized the ongoing improvements taking place at the Winthrop Elementary School. With the support of BPS, our school has adopted an inclusionary approach with a differentiated system of instruction for the variety of learners we serve. While we continue to improve our student performance, it’s humbling to be recognized as heading in the right direction.”
—Leah Blake McKetty, Winthrop Elementary School Principal.
The Winthrop School exceeded this year its achievement targets in English, arts and science, met targets for chronic absenteeism and exceeded targets for performance of its lowest-performing students subgroup. It also adopted a series of approaches to improve their English proficiency, including teacher coaching, Expanded Learning Time for literacy interventions, cross-disciplinary lessons and increased use of technology through partnerships.
Despite the achievements, BPS focuses on areas in need of improvement
Even though the 2018 accountability results are positive, the BPS highlighted some areas that required closer attention, as well as taking a more proactive approach to support schools in the district with a declining performance, in some cases conducting targeted assessments and interventions of these particular schools with deficiencies.
Aside from schools with systemic issues of this sort, some topics such as Science were identified as an area in need of further improvement, given the low proportion of students scoring above proficient or advanced in any grade level. Chronic absenteeism has been identified in schools of the districts, increasing from 19.1% to 19.7% from last year in grades 1-8, and 35.4% to 36.1% for grades 9-12. Absenteeism is defined as students missing 10% of the school year or more, which contrasted with these ratios it gives a concerning outlook.
“It’s important to celebrate and recognize the positive news from this year’s accountability results, while acknowledging that work to raise student achievement across the district remains. Teachers, staff, and families throughout the district are working passionately every day to make sure all students are making consistent improvements in learning outcomes.”
—Michael Loconto, Boston School Committee Chairperson.
Other Schools in Dorchester (and around) with strong achievements this year
Among the schools that exceeded their targets for 2018 and improved upon their previous scores according to the latest reports include:
- Oliver W. Holmes Elementary School in Dorchester;
- Winship Elementary School in Brighton;
- Ellis Mendell Elementary School in Roxbury;
- Joseph P. Manning Elementary School in Jamaica Plain;
- East Boston High School;
- Dante Alighieri Montessori School in East Boston;
- Michael J. Perkins Elementary School in South Boston;
- Hugh R. O’Donnell Elementary School in East Boston;
- James Otis Elementary School in East Boston;
- Boston Latin School in Fenway;
- Edison K-8 School in Brighton;
- Wolfgang Mozart Elementary School in Roslindale;
- Patrick Lyndon K-8 School in West Roxbury;
- Harvard-Kent Elementary School in Charlestown;
- Curtis Guild Elementary School in East Boston;
- John D. O’Bryant School for Math and Science in Roxbury;
- James Hennigan K-8 School in Jamaica Plain;
- Nathan Hale Elementary School in Roxbury;
- Oliver H. Perry K-8 School in South Boston;
- Joseph Tynan Elementary School in South Boston
For the full list of schools per district and their achievements, check the DESE official site with all the scores here.
