~ Op-Ed ~ Everett Schools Under Serve Majority of Students

The Department of Education published the results of the 2023-2024 MCAS student testing, and compared to last school year, the scores have significantly changed. Everett students are again performing lower than in the surrounding cities. In the October 20, 2023, edition of The Everett Advocate, we wrote that the Everett Schools had flatlined over the last three years. This year they took the plunge.

This exam is the only set of standardized tests used to measure public school students’ performance. The test is also used by the district to analyze and measure the health and vitality of their curriculum. These scores are used to identify strengths and weaknesses within the school system and adjust the curriculum accordingly. This test is the only form of accountability and performance for teachers and administration authorized by the Commonwealth.

After the test scores are analyzed by the Department of Education, an accountability report is published listing each school building throughout the Commonwealth and categorizes them into “schools that require assistance” and “schools that do not require assistance.” Last year only Everett’s Keverian School was categorized as needing assistance. This year the Parlin, English and Devens Schools have been added to that list. Needing assistance can mean a number of things. The people of Everett have not heard a word from the superintendent or school committee about the necessary assistance for these schools.

Everett’s scores in Grades 3-8 math show only 19 percent of the students meeting or exceeding expectations in 2024. This means that 81 percent of students in grades 3-8 are failing the math requirements.

Everett’s scores in Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) dropped five percent from last year to 17 percent this year. This means that 83 percent of our students in grades 3-8 are failing the ELA requirements.

Grade 10 students in math are meeting or exceeding expectations at only 21 percent. This dropped two percent from last school year. This means that 79 percent of our grade 10 students are failing the math requirements.

Grade 10 ELA students are meeting or exceeding expectations at 37 percent. This means that 63 percent of our grade 10 students are failing the ELA requirements.

When results dramatically show regression, stop-gap measures must be put in place to prevent further regression. A turn around needs to be initiated immediately by the school committee and the entire school department to enable our students to succeed. The district is underserving the majority of our students. The school department needs to expand learning opportunities, and expanding learning time is a win for students. The school committee, with the urging of the teachers union, reduced learning time by six days from 186 to 180. The school committee and teachers union justified the reduction of days by adding only 15 minutes to the school day. What can be accomplished in 15 minutes?

The high absenteeism by both teachers and students is a major factor in the lack of achievement.

Our current school committee is partially responsible for the regression of the schools. They are failing to make strong decisions regarding curriculum advancements, and they are not holding the appropriate employees responsible for their failure to get positive results.

Everett Schools have received millions of dollars through Federal Relief Funds, the American Rescue Plan Act, the Student Opportunity Act and Chapter 70 funding. The school department has more money than ever to improve our school system. How was this money used? The limited focus on improving student outcome is telling.