Hull Schools See Mixed MCAS Results, Implement Targeted Improvement Plans
District leaders outline strategies to boost student achievement, attendance
HULL - December 2 - Hull Public Schools reported mixed results in the latest MCAS scores, with some areas showing improvement while others indicate a need for focused attention. District leaders presented comprehensive plans to address areas of concern during a recent school committee meeting.
The district's overall accountability rating dropped slightly from 59% in 2023 to 52% in 2024, while still maintaining a classification of substantial progress towards improvement targets.
"Our goal this evening is to provide an overview of our district's performance on our MCAS assessments, highlight areas of growth, and identify opportunities for improvement," said Christine Cappadonna, Director of Curriculum and Assessment.
At the Jacobs School, which serves grades K-7, Principal Kyle Shaw reported the school achieved its second-highest accountability rating ever at 62. This comes despite significant changes, including reconfiguration and implementation of a new literacy curriculum.
"In the face of these challenges, true to our school-wide theme for the year, we persevered," Shaw said.
The high school saw a decline in its accountability rating, which Principal Robert Shaw attributed partly to lingering effects of the pandemic on current 11th graders, who were in 6th grade when schools closed in 2020.
"The fact that achievement is where it is, but accompanied by the growth that you see, the conversation in this very room not long ago over that was my goodness, where did they start, right?" Shaw said.
Both principals outlined targeted improvement plans. At the Jacobs School, these include enhanced writing instruction, expanded after-school offerings, and increased focus on social-emotional learning.
The high school plans to develop common writing rubrics for grades 8-12, create end-of-year skills assessments in math and science, and expand dual enrollment and advanced coursework options.
District-wide initiatives include increased data analysis, professional development for teachers, and efforts to boost parent engagement.
Superintendent Michael Jette emphasized the importance of steady leadership in improving academic outcomes.
"Steadying the noise, quieting the noise, and getting the focus back on academics has been a key priority of the team that's in place," Jette said.
The district also reported significant progress in reducing chronic absenteeism, which dropped from a peak of 32% in 2022 to 11% last year.
Kyle Shaw credited this improvement to various initiatives, including upgraded recess equipment, expanded after-school programs, and monthly spirit assemblies.
"We want students to go to bed each night thinking, I can't wait to go to school tomorrow," he said.
The district also revamped its approach to MCAS testing to make it more positive for students. This included scheduling rest days between test sessions, providing personalized breakfasts, and celebrating students with treats and activities after each test.
School committee members expressed appreciation for the comprehensive presentation and the district's efforts to address areas of concern.
"I love hearing all of that. Of course, when you look at the graph and you see the dip, it's like, nobody wants to see that. But when we're talking stories, you know, you hit the ground running with us this year. This is a new story, right? So looking forward to seeing what that graph looks like," said committee member Regan Yakubian.
The committee also discussed ways to increase community engagement, including potentially revising the format of community forums to encourage greater participation.