Marlborough High sheds state "targeted assistance" label as district posts accountability gains

MARLBOROUGH — November 26, 2024 — Marlborough High exits state "targeted assistance" status as district flags slipping English learner progress. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Skaza told the School Committee Tuesday the district earned 53 percent of available accountability points and the high school 59 percent, both rated "substantial progress toward targets" by DESE. Achievement points for all high school students jumped from four of 12 to nine of 12, and attendance rose to 92.4 percent. But ELA proficiency in grades 3-8 fell from 46 percent in 2021 to 39 percent in 2024, and ACCESS test progress for English learners dropped to 37 percent even as the tested population grew to 1,553. Superintendent Mary Murphy said the district is working with TNTP to rethink pull-out models, noting "all does all mean all" when it comes to tier-one instruction. The committee also accepted a $20,041 OpenSciEd donation.