Blackstone–Millville reviews mixed MCAS and STAR results; middle school and male literacy singled out

Superintendent Jason DeFalco told the school committee that end-of-year data show a mixed picture across the Blackstone–Millville Regional School District, with some elementary grades making gains and the middle school emerging as a clear area of concern.

"We would see a 5% increase in meeting and exceeding expectations and SGP would be at 50," DeFalco said as he walked the committee through the district’s goals and comparative slides. He emphasized that his evaluation is tied to student achievement, which is why the committee moved the data presentation earlier on the agenda.

The packet compared STAR (a nationally normed interim assessment) with MCAS (the Massachusetts state test) and showed notable discrepancies: for example, Grade 3 STAR results registered 58% meeting or exceeding expectations versus 50% on MCAS. DeFalco said those differences prompt deeper study by the assessment committee and instructional leaders.

Committee members and building leaders flagged the middle school as a priority. DeFalco and principals described shifts to intervention practice: while STAR historically guided shorter intervention cycles, the district this year has leaned more on MCAS item analyses to shape rosters and targeted intervention work.

Carrie Purcel of Focus Schools, a district partner, later outlined work to strengthen instructional leadership teams and tiered coaching to support that middle-school focus. DeFalco said the district will continue six-week and four-week data cycles, increase classroom coaching, and provide periodic updates on implementation and impact.

The committee recorded several specific data points (for planning purposes) and asked for additional outcome-focused reporting on interventions and participation in after-school activities. DeFalco committed to bringing more frequent updates, especially about middle-school progress and male student literacy.