Lynn Public Schools announces 2024 MCAS results and plans for academic growth

Lynn Public Schools today released its results from the 2024 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams. These results provide a valuable measure of student performance across English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science and reflect our commitment to improving teaching and learning across the district. Twelve of our schools increased in their overall percentile ranking and three schools exited from the Requiring Assistance classification. 

“We are proud of the efforts of our students and teachers,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Evonne Alvarez. “The MCAS results provide important data that allow us to assess where we are improving and where additional work is needed. We are particularly proud of the three schools -- Drewicz Elementary, Harrington Elementary and Hood Elementary -- that successfully exited from the Requiring Assistance classification. Although test scores are just one indicator of success, they are an important measure to help us to ensure all of our students have access to high-quality education.” 

Highlights of the 2024 MCAS results: 

• Improved Performance in Science: The district increased proficiency in Science tested grades by 2% with increases in grade 5 at 10% and in grade 10 at 3%.  

• Relative Gains for Students with 504 Plans Amid Overall Performance: The district is seeing a positive trend for our students on 504 plans. Students with 504 plans outperformed all students in ELA, Math and Science by 7 percentage points, 4 percentage points and 9 percentage points, respectively; however, the overall achievement level for both groups indicates that additional support and/or instructional improvements are necessary across the board to raise the performance levels for all students.  

• Targeted Areas for Growth: In ELA and Math, we will continue to focus on the implementation of Early Literacy screening and conceptual math learning in the elementary grades. We see a trend upward in Math for grade 3 with a 3% increase, grade 5 a 2% increase and grade 7 a 3% increase. We are hopeful that the Multi-Tiered System of Support resources this year will build the background knowledge students need to deeply engage in the grade level standards. 

Focus on Equity and Support 

Lynn Public Schools prioritizes equitable access to rigorous learning and places a strong emphasis on using the MCAS data to inform instructional decisions and provide targeted support to students. Turn Around Grant funds and Titles funding supplement our extended learning time programming to ensure every student has the tools and resources they need to succeed. Our new Data Dashboards strengthen our ability to use data-informed teaching strategies and expand our skills at delivering student-centered instruction. 

Next Steps 

As part of the district’s ongoing efforts to support academic growth, LPS will be taking the following steps: 

• Expanding Intervention Programs: We will be enhancing our Tier 2 and Tier 3 intervention programs to ensure that students who need additional support in math and literacy receive it. The programming we offer will be culturally and linguistically responsive for our diverse learners. 

• Professional Development for Educators: Our teachers will continue to engage in targeted professional development focused on culturally responsive teaching, best practices in data-driven instruction, and Projects-Based Learning (PBL) at the secondary level. 

• Family and Community Engagement: We believe that family involvement is key to student success. Each school will be offering workshops and resources to help families understand the MCAS results and other student data so they can provide support at home. We will optimize our time with our Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and our English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) by engaging in district led student data sessions. 

Looking Forward 

While the district celebrates the progress made, the leadership team recognizes that there is still important work ahead. “Our students have shown incredible resilience and perseverance,” Alvarez said. “We will continue to work together as a community to ensure that every student reaches their full potential every day.” 

Lynn Public Schools will continue to foster a culture of data literacy at all levels of the district, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to access, interpret and act upon data. By engaging in ongoing data cycles, we will leverage the MCAS results and other performance indicators to inform instructional decisions and drive continuous improvement across the district. 

For more information on the MCAS results or the district’s academic initiatives, please visit https://www.lynnschools.org/district 

About LPS: 

Lynn Public Schools is committed to providing a rigorous and equitable education to all students, preparing them to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and continuous learners. LPS draws upon the strength of our community, our families, our students, and our partners. We commit to supporting the intellectual, vocational, academic and social-emotional success of all of our students. We create equitable conditions for all students to thrive in a global society. With a focus on equity, excellence, and innovation, the district serves over 17,000 students across 28 schools.