For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

DESE Recognizes Rockland’s Jefferson Elementary School for MCAS Scores

ROCKLAND — Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron is pleased to announce that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recognized Jefferson Elementary School as a “School of Recognition” due to students’ MCAS scores in math and English language arts.

In total, only 40 districts out of 406 and 52 schools out of 1,847 earned this designation following the release of MCAS scores last week. On a more local level, Rockland is one of only four south shore districts to make the list, along with Hingham, Scituate and Plymouth.

The MCAS results revealed that third and fourth grade students at Jefferson greatly exceeded their performance targets in math and ELA.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education along with some of the highest performing districts in the region, including Westwood, Concord, Wellesley and Dover,” Principal Michelle Scheufele said. “We’ve known for years that our students and teachers are accomplishing great things in the classroom, but these results are especially validating for our community.”

Principal Scheufele contributes the rise in test scores to Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), the district’s social-emotional curriculum that is implemented throughout the district. PBIS uses evidence-based prevention and intervention practices that support the academic, social, emotional and behavioral competence of all students.

“We have great curriculum and outstanding teachers and support staff, but PBIS is helping us re-shape the culture of our school,” Principal Scheufele added. “Through the dedication of the entire Jefferson community to the PBIS model, we’ve seen a positive impact on teaching and learning by focusing on the whole student.”

While Rockland High School and Rogers Middle School have been recognized in recent years for their rapidly growing robotics, pre-engineering and computer science curriculum, Superintendent Cron is pleased that the elementary schools have recently received an increase in resources to improve student outcomes.

Jefferson has invested in maintaining low teacher-to-student ratios, with 18 students per class as the average in grades kindergarten through fourth grade, implemented a rigorous and engaging curriculum with an emphasis on coding, STEAM and pre-engineering, and invested in the professional development of faculty and staff.

“We’re seeing the difference in students attitudes and outcomes with these changes to curriculum and teaching,” Superintendent Cron said. “This year’s MCAS results at the Jefferson School only further support the practices we maintain in Rockland Public Schools. I’m so proud of students, faculty and staff for this accomplishment.”

###