Burlington vs Melrose school district

[robr2]

Originally Posted by Aara5

Hi, I'm bringing back this thread. Just curious if anyone has insights on why the burlington elementary schools are ranked in the 400s and Melrose in the 100s, since burlington is overall ranked as a "better" school system in the Boston Magazine type ratings? What does that big difference mean for the school experience for those kids. Have been looking in Burlington, thanks.

I presume you are looking at the school digger numbers. They only use MCAS test scores for their rankings which tells you what schools do best on a standardized test. Boston Magazine uses other pieces of data in addition to MCAS scores for their rankings.

[Aara5]

Thanks. I wonder why the MCAS scores are comparatively so low. I know standardized testing is a tricky subject.

[robr2]

Originally Posted by Aara5

Thanks. I wonder why the MCAS scores are comparatively so low. I know standardized testing is a tricky subject.

I wish I had an answer. I find it interesting that the Melrose schools jumped dozens or hundreds of positions on the MCAS list over the course of 2012 to 2015 whereas Burlington stayed pretty much where they were. Maybe there was an extra emphasis on teaching to the test in Melrose that wasn't present in Burlington. Also Burlington was one of the two districts in 2014 that piloted the PARCC test.

IMHO what it comes down to is involved parents. If parents are involved in their child's education, they tend to do better. Ranking schools based on one test tells very little about the school.

[Aara5]

Thanks, helpful to know!

[Beantown_mama]

Melrose was just named the most improved district in the greater Boston area.

https://bostonagentmagazine.com/2016...cts-rise-2016/