DALTON, Mass. — Based on recent MCAS scores, the Central Berkshire Regional School District has seen growth in many areas, but work still needs to be done. 

 

Administrators explained at the last School Committee meeting that the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System scores showed students had made moderate progress toward targets.

 

The state sets targets based on the previous year's accountability reporting. The targets are on various metrics, including English language arts, math, science, chronic absenteeism, and more. 

 

In 2024, the district met 37 percent more targets than it did in 2023, performing above the state in many areas, including Grades 3, 5 and 8 in English language arts and in math results for students with disability, high needs, and Hispanic and Latino students. 

 

"The targets moved. The other important thing to note is that last year, part of the conversation was that our targets were substantially higher than many other districts because we were already past our pre-COVID marks, which is kind of the bar that the state set in 2022," Assistant Superintendent Michael Henault said.

 

"But our targets, moved again, so they moved further up and so not only did we meet the point that we should have met in 2023 but we also surpassed it. So, it's quite a lot of growth."

 

In addition, the district's Grade 10 ELA, math, and science results for students with disabilities and high needs were above the state average.