More North Shore high school students passed the high-stakes MCAS exam in English and math this year, but face challenges boosting their science scores in time to receive their diplomas.
Danvers and Salem 10th-graders made significant gains in English and math, earning their schools distinction by the state, according to results released yesterday.
Salem Principal David Angeramo said yesterday that the improved test scores gave teachers a lift.
"We're obviously very excited," he said. "It was such a great feeling today to see the results and celebrate and realize the hard work has paid off."
Locally, Danvers and Salem high schools were among the schools in Massachusetts singled out this year for showing the biggest increase in the number of students scoring proficient and advanced.
In those top two categories, Danvers High went up 7 percentage points in English and 18 in math, and Salem students improved by 11 points in English and 13 points in math.
Danvers and Salem also took great strides in overall passing rates on English and math exams, according to the results.
Across the state, 80 percent of students in the Class of 2010 passed all three exams needed to graduate from high school.
In English, 93 percent passed, while 88 percent passed math. This year's juniors are the first required to pass in science, and 83 percent met the challenge this year.
Danvers High Principal Thomas Murray said the teachers had redoubled their efforts on analyzing MCAS test data and spent increased time working in teams to help boost scores.
"I'm very proud of the work that the students have done," Murray said. "I'm very proud of the focus and attention and dedication that teachers have made."
Danvers High teachers formed what he called professional learning communities in which they discussed tasks like teaching strategies and student goals.
Murray also said the school created a new position with an emphasis on curriculum.
In Danvers, 95 percent of students passed the science exams. Murray said he had strong biology teachers to ensure students reach the passing mark.
Entering his second year in Danvers, Murray described it as a "great school, well-supported by the community."
He said keeping expectations high was good, but had some reservations about the most at-risk students being overwhelmed by the push to achieve.
"MCAS doesn't define a high school, but it's very important to note," he said.
At Salem High School, Angeramo, a former Salem math teacher, said his entire faculty played a part in bringing up scores.
Even instructors outside MCAS subjects of English, math and science helped students by including writing in their coursework. The principal also credited students for their work.
"They have really done a great job and taken responsibility," he said.
The Salem principal said teachers paid particular attention to improving their skills in differentiated instruction, a teaching concept that emphasizes each student's learning style.
The Salem principal singled out Martha Hogan, the curriculum academic chair, and Frank Leonard, MCAS coordinator, for their work to help students achieve.
Angeramo said this year's scores would be a "springboard to moving forward."
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