MIDDLEBORO – 2023 MCAS data showed that the Middleboro school district “still has work to do” to close the score gap caused by the pandemic according to Director of Curriculum Dr. Terri Marculitis.

According to Marculitis, data from MCAS showed that there needs to be a focus on standards-based instruction and an increase in frequency and type of writing across all courses and grades.

“Writing continues to be a concern,” said Marculitis.

In 2023, 34% of third grade students met expectations in English Language Arts, 51% partially met expectations and 14% did not meet expectations.

In 2022, 41% met expectations, 43% partially met expectations and 12% did not meet expectations in E Language Arts.

For sixth grade students in 2023, 29% of students met expectations in English Language Arts, 43% of students partially met expectations and 28% of students did not meet expectations.

In 2022, 38% of students met expectations in English Language Arts, 43% partially met expectations and 19% did not meet expectations.

“Sixth grade is a tough year,” said Maraculitis. “It is when the kids transition into middle school, the test becomes a little more challenging and we just need to make sure that we are preparing the students for the rigor of not only the test but the standards.”

In 2023, 42% of tenth grade students met expectations in English Language Arts, 35% partially met expectations and 11% did not meet expectations. Twelve percent of tenth grade students exceeded expectations.

In 2022, 48% of students met expectations, 40% partially met expectations and six percent of students did not meet expectations.

According to Marculitis, no tenth grade students were unable to graduate due to MCAS scores this year.

In 2023, 34% of third grade students met expectations for math, 47% partially met expectations and 14% did not meet expectations.

In 2022, 38% of third grade students met expectations for math, 43% partially met expectations and 15% did not meet expectations.

For sixth grade students in 2023, 33% of students met expectations, 51% partially met expectations and 13% did not meet expectations for math.

In 2022, 40% of sixth grade students met expectations, 49% partially met expectations and 8% did not meet expectations for math.

“We are getting there,” said Marculitis. “We are closing the pandemic gaps and should have them closed by next year.”